Gregg Hoyer explains the pros & cons of wood, fiberglass, and steel doors including customization, durability, and price. Inexpensive 6. If scratched they usually can be easily repaired as well. The fiberglass door was first developed in the 80’s! Low maintenance - Fiberglass doors are nearly maintenance free. They can also bring a warm touch or feel to your home or entry way, and can be carved beautifully. High energy-efficiency. Wood has long been one of the most common materials, and it remains a popular choice today, particularly in high-end or traditional homes. Standard sizes for wood doors typically are 2'-6", 2'-8" and 3'-0" wide by 6'-8", 7'-0" and sometimes 8'-0" … Glass inserts can raise the cost even more. They are resistant to dents, scratches, and require low maintenance. Many additional aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass windows and patio doors are available from the manufacturer. If you’re concerned about reducing your carbon footprint or impact on the environment, then fiberglass is the easy choice. Unlike wood, fiberglass resists weather, lasts longer and, with our expert door-sealing and installation, can save up to five times more energy. Another thing to remember is that wood is a renewable resource, as trees and forests are able to be planted and regrow. So, here are the key points to keep in mind when comparing fiberglass doors to wood. And while a low-priced steel door can be the equal of a wood or fiberglass door costing five times as much, it's not the best choice for wear and tear. Pros/cons of treated Auralast Pine vs Douglas Fir wood door and window. According to Home Advisor , one can expect to pay from $250-500 for an unfinished solid wood door, or $1,200 to $3,000 for a wood door that is ready to install. Fiberglass front doors are very attractive and add to curb appeal, which tends to be a big draw for homeowners and buyers. Plus, they won’t dent, scratch or rust like steel can. Fiberglass can last easily for decades as they will not rot, rust, warp, bow, or even deteriorate. When all crucial factors are considered, including upfront costs, design, flexibility and long-term performance, fiberglass doors are an even better value than steel! Weather-resistant (won’t warp, rot, or corrode) 4. Learn more about vinyl vs fiberglass patio doors and why fiberglass is the ONLY serious option. Fiberglass vs. Wood Doors: Pros and Cons. The bottom line with fiberglass vs. wood doors is that fiberglass offers better insulation for heat and cold and offers more efficient energy performance– a definite win-win for both you and for the environment. Fiberglass door slabs may be more difficult if you need to add deadbolts or hardware but it can be done. Wood doors simply can’t withstand the exposure to sun, wind-blown rain or debris, or moisture like their fiberglass counterparts can. What is the Difference Between Wood Doors vs. Fiberglass Doors? They are resistant to dents, scratches, and require low maintenance. Fiberglass doors are ENERGY STAR® qualified, meaning your door will resist thermal transfer like heat loss and heat gain, helping to minimize energy costs and improve overall comfort. As fiberglass doors are a somewhat new product they can be more expensive, (there are economy fiberglass doors that are less expensive). While the wood finish on a steel door can't thoroughly compare to the same look with fiberglass, it is worth taking a look at, especially for the cost. Get started right now by viewing our current residential door lineup. Fiberglass Vs. Wood Doors: Your 5 Top Takeaways, 5 Door Styles That Will Make Your Home Stand Out in 2021, The Importance of Having Your Entry Door Professionally Installed, Resists sun and weather damage for many years, Can feature a beautiful wood grain texture, Provides five times the insulation value of wood, Offers a very attractive warranty and satisfaction guarantee, Are susceptible to sun and weather damage, Often come with a less than desirable warranty. According to door industry research, fiberglass doors are five times more energy-efficient than wood doors. Most of the wood doors limitations are linked with energy efficiency, durability, and also maintenance. We routinely help customers secure the most extensive and beneficial warranties possible. The study cites only steel doors, not fiberglass. But, even without routine finishing, fiberglass is still considered to be low maintenance. When comparing vinyl vs fiberglass patio doors, fiberglass is the clear winner — and it’s not even close. We don’t know too many Orange County homeowners who won’t find that appealing. A fiberglass door can hold up for 5 years between coatings. There are many advantages to a fiberglass doors, now not only for entry doors but many types of interior and exterior door including french doors and patio doors. Doors are almost always constructed with one of three materials: wood, fiberglass or steel. Fiberglass wood grain which synthetic, can be stained with customer colors to match wood trim, and can be made to look very similar to a real wood. 61 Pella’s Exclusive Fiberglass Fiberglass doors are highly ding-resistant, which is good news for families with kids or those whose homes are pummeled with debris by the Santa Ana winds. Fiberglass windows are still high end, and may be more expensive than other window materials aside from wood (including aluminum and vinyl). Fiberglass vs Wood Doors: Fiberglass Entry Door installed at Yorba Linda, CA home. Fiberglass doors have become quite popular in the recent years, but may not be the right match for everyone. Choose from our realistic wood-grain options or smoothly textured fiberglass entry doors. Its strength and durability make it a good building material. Prone to condensation Aluminum is one of the most common materials used for making windows and patio doors. Do you want windows in your new doors? This can allow the door to bubble, or peel, it can also warp, bow or start to twist. Wood Authentic wood doors use stile and rail construction by joining multiple components to create an overall design that is architecturally correct and features defined details in and around the panels. To help both consumers and industry professionals know which home improvement project returned the most at resale, the 2018 Cost vs. Value Report was recently published, ranking popular home remodeling projects with best return on Investment at resale. A fiberglass door from Today’s Entry Doors is a popular (and practical) alternative to wooden doors. If you do purchase a pre-hung door (wood or fiberglass) they will be pre-cut for hinges and bored for your hardware.Wood doors that need to be changed are a little easier to work with as they can be sanded down or cut easily. Wood windows tend to be more expensive than fiberglass windows. Wood door can have a very high end look, and beautiful wood grain and color as well. Here’s an image showing how you should limit wood door exposure to qualify for the manufacturer’s limited warranty. Basic, unfinished, pre-hung fiberglass doors start at about $200 to $300. Strong 2. Because, wood is simply more vulnerable to the elements. A stained or painted wood door tends to be more pleasing to the eye than a fiberglass or steel door, and although fiberglass or steel doors can be made into imitations of wood doors, only some of the top manufacturers—such as Provia Door Company—have fiberglass and steel doors that are as genuine-looking as actual wood doors. What is the Standard Door Size for Residential Homes? US Door & More Inc. Benefits of aluminum 1. Fairly Affordable ; While wood doors are not the most affordable types of doors, they are typically much less expensive than fiberglass doors. Andersen. Obviously, you can’t expect any door, regardless of its construction, to endure constant abuse and poor treatment. Brings Out Amazing Collections of Residential Doors at a low cost. You don't have to worry about fiberglass beating out steel in this department. Basic steel entry doors cost around $200 to $500. If you live in northwestern Ohio or southeastern Michigan, trust the professionals at Quality Overhead Door to help you determine whether a fiberglass or wood front door is the right choice for your home. The Strongest Patio Door Material 61 Pella’s proprietary fiberglass is the superior choice for strength. Since wood windows are highly sought after, their relative scarcity and beautiful aesthetics can make them more expensive. Unlike wood, fiberglass resists weather, lasts longer and, with our expert door-sealing and installation, can save up to five times more energy. Today’s Entry Doors is the best reviewed door company in Orange County. Wood clad windows will boost your home’s curb appeal and offer an excellent return on investment. People these days leave no stone un turned to make their home interiors enormously beautiful with high-quality fixtures and other decorative accessories. Durable 3. Our process has proven again and again to be the best way to get a door you absolutely love installed for a lifetime. The fiberglass versus wood comparison is inevitable. We install doors in Orange County and surrounding communities. Because of fiberglass’s inherently low-maintenance and proven durability, you are far more likely to get a fair and equitable fiberglass door manufacturer’s warranty than you would with a wood door. By comparison, fiberglass entry doors are much more durable and are resistant to denting, cracking, peeling, bowing, and warping from moisture, sun, and other elements. A wood door should be re-finished every year on all 6 sides, to keep it safe from the elements. Fiberglass Doors Pros . Fiberglass insulates better, and often come with a warranty that’s competitive with or better than steel. Keep in mind though you may not have to replace a fiberglass door for many years, even decades, as they are very durable, where as a wood door many need to be replaced a few times with in the same time period. Unfortunately, most wood entry door manufacturers don’t warranty their products for sun damage, which includes cracking, peeling and warping. But starting a replacement patio door project can feel like an impossible task. Fiberglass can last easily for decades as they will not rot, rust, warp, bow, or even deteriorate. Finished, wood-grain varieties with decorative features such as glass panels usually cost about $600 to $1,200. Fiberglass. Comments (5) Wrong if you live near the coast in Southern California south of Santa Barbara. Fiberglass can also be left unfinished and doesn't risk being damaged. The inherent strength of aluminum(↗)allows manufacturers to design doors with narrow frame width… Additionally, fiberglass is a material that's resistant to dents and scratches, and moisture has no impact on these types of doors. There are two types of sliding doors that are popular among homeowners. Low-maintenance Drawbacks of aluminum 1. Fiberglass Entry Door vs. Wood: Quality Overhead Door Can Help You Decide. 6 Benefits of Fiberglass Sliding Doors. While most fiberglass doors can be painted, it’s essential to choose the right kind, to ensure the finishing lasts for longer. Wood entry doors may be the right choice for your Orange County home. For more information, visit our Service Areas page. Fiberglass doors can be designed to mimic the look of wood almost perfectly, yet they have none of the flaws of wood patio doors. With a payoff of 91.3% of the cost. On average, it is 10x stronger than a leading wood/plastic composite, 9x stronger than vinyl, 5x stronger than wood and 2x stronger than aluminum. Here we will discuss the benefits, or any drawbacks, for wood and fiberglass doors, so you can determine what fits your needs best. Fiberglass entry doors are a molded product with no seams or breaks in the outer coverings, so they are impervious to moisture. Wood doors can be stained to enhance their natural beauty. While a wood veneer or hollow core door is close in price to the cost of a fiberglass door, a solid core wood door is much more expensive. For those who think about ROI, a fiberglass entry door provides a better cost-to-benefit ratio that ensures the highest returns on your entry door investment. Wood doors, on the other hand, are very moisture-sensitive and will swell, bow, peel, and disfigure with prolonged exposure to moisture. The cost to install a fiberglass door varies depending on the installation company. Energy Efficient – Which Will Keep Your Home Comfortable Year round? This includes rainwater, mist, the wind-driven winter/spring rains Orange County is known for, and humidity (a real concern in local coastal communities). Fiberglass patio door pros and cons. But this is great news in disguise for Orange County homeowners. The limitations of fiberglass doors can really be summed up with one word: aesthetic. The unique combination of materials and design also make them stronger and more secure than most wooden doors. However, with an ordinary amount of care, you can preserve your fiberglass entry door and its warranty for many years to come. Yet, they have none of the flaws of wood patio doors. There are many advantages to a fiberglass doors, now not only for entry doors but many types of interior and exterior door including french doors and patio doors. Wood Pros. There are some who prefer real wood over a simulated wood look, which is what fiberglass doors offer. When it comes down to it there are buyers who simply feel it does not have the feel or look of genuine wood. Fiberglass doors and wood fade at different rates. Two Patio Doors, Two Choices . Finally, remember when choosing a door based on energy efficiency, the actual efficiency of any door, wood, steel or fiberglass depends on a number of factors beyond the composition. Thermal conductor 2. In general, you can purchase a wood door for between $250 and $750. You may be finding it difficult to decide which door material is best or if there is really a difference between the two. According to the 2018 Cost vs. Value Report Entry Door Replacement Gives a Return more than 90%. Wood doors are very expensive, though some fiberglass ones rival the cost of wood. One effective way to beautify your home from inside as well as outside is to use custom doors in a variety of sizes, styles, and artworks. It can also help save on energy costs, reduce outdoor noise and become the center of attention in your home. Available in fiberglass, wood-clad, or vinyl, the French-style sliding patio door comes in two-, three-, or four-panel configurations in standard and custom sizes. These doors are mostly preferred by homeowners due to their mold and rust resistance properties. Remember that it also can depend upon the quality of the door or grade of the door as well. In general, steel is the cheapest followed closely behind by fiberglass. Wood doors, especially exterior doors, are exposed to heat, light, humidity, and many other elements. Another cost that may come along with buying a new door is installation. As fiberglass doors are a somewhat new product they can be more expensive (there are economy fiberglass doors that are less expensive) than wood doors. Twenty-plus years of experience in the door sales and installation industry has taught us many things, including this about maintaining doors: wood requires significantly more time and attention than fiberglass. Wood clad windows give homeowners the best of both worlds: dependable performance with a stunning appearance. The door will fade over time, and will require regular maintenance. For example: And speaking of warranties, here’s a dirty little secret that you may not be aware of: most wood door manufacturers require a substantial roof overhang before they’ll fully honor their warranties. Everything in your home requires some maintenance in order to keep it looking beautiful and functioning optimally. THEY ARE NOT WOOD!!!!! Fiberglass patio doors are energy efficient and require virtually no maintenance. Door-to-Door … The cost of the door widely varies not only on the type of material it’s built with, but also the finish and how much (if any) glass is present on the door. Competitive Cost. They can be designed to mimic the look of wood almost perfectly. Last they are very energy efficient, if installed properly, and have up to five times the amount of insulation value compared to wood doors. For a quality fiberglass door installation, expect to pay between $3,200 and $5,000, which includes the cost of a door that measures 32 x 80 x 1 ¾ inches. Fiberglass doors come in a variety of different colors and finishes, and there's little ongoing maintenance required to maintain their look. As stated previously they can be stained, then given a wood grain texture, or even a smooth texture and can be painted easily. Customizable ; Like fiberglass doors, wood door can come in any number of designs, styles, and colors. There is a wide selection of glass options available for steel doors. © 2010-2020 US Door & More Inc. All Rights Reserved. Very high-end fiberglass doors can cost $3,000 or more. These patio doors are made of glass-based material, but you’d never know it. Fiberglass can be fabricated to look like any type of wood and can be painted as well. The best way to protect yourself is to work with a trusted dealer like Today’s Entry Doors that enjoys positive, long-standing relationships with leading fiberglass door makers. Exceptionally durable, our fiberglass entry doors resist warping, dents, rot and withstand extreme weather beautifully. Fiberglass patio doors are energy-efficient and require virtually no maintenance. If not, then perhaps you’d like to spend less on monthly utilities. Maintenance and upkeep are minimal, while performance is reliable year-round. Compare Wood vs Fiberglass Door Costs Wood Doors Overview. Entry Door Replacement has been one of the highest-ROI projects (as it has since 2009). 800-645-4273. www.milgard.com. You may need to hire a contractor to install the door but this can be done by DIY Homeowners all around. 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