When most homeowners shop for new entry doors, style and color seem to be the primary focus. However, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is what material you want for your new exterior door.
Today, the three most popular materials for doors include wood, steel, and fiberglass. Like anything, each material has its own strengths and weaknesses.
So how do you choose an exterior door?
Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Wood Door
Advantages Of Wood Doors
Wood doors are praised primarily for their beauty. An exterior door made from oak, cherry, walnut, or mahogany gives your home a very high-end look. The look of the grain also hides any scratches from wear and tear your door might accumulate over the years – and scratches are easily repairable.
Disadvantages Of Wood Doors
The materials and work that go into creating a custom door for your home make wood exterior doors very expensive. Some even run ten times more than the cost of a steel door. Whenever you expose wood to the elements, you run the risk of damage. Wood absorbs moisture very quickly and, therefore, requires regular maintenance.
Steel Doors
Advantages Of Steel Doors
If security is your top priority, then steel entry doors are the best option for you! Steel exterior doors are the most common entry door because they are very secure. They are also cost-efficient! Not only will they help you save money on energy bills, Realtor actually identified that steel doors returned the most money upon resale.
Disadvantages Of Steel Doors
Steel doors can be easily dented and scratched. Scratches can very easily lead to rust, so it’s important to check for early damage.
Fiberglass Doors
Advantages Of Fiberglass Doors
This material is very new to home improvement. Most people are starting to look closer at fiberglass options because they are very low maintenance while also being strong. You can even purchase fiberglass that gives the look of a wood door without paying for it.
Disadvantages Of Fiberglass Doors
If you decide to purchase a cheap fiberglass material, you risk cracking, rot, and other damage. Stay away from the cheap brands and go with top-quality products!
Once you have determined the new material you would like for your new door, contact us! We will give you a FREE estimate for how much a new door replacement will cost.