The entry door should be a standout feature of your home’s exterior. Color and design are something you as a homeowner will need to consider, but material type will be the first thing. Three of the most popular door materials selected for entry doors are wood, fiberglass, and steel. Architectural Openings & Access works with several door manufacturers to offer each type of these materials in a wide range of options. By examining each type of these doors, you will have a better understanding of the differences between them and which you should select for your home.
Fiberglass Door
Fiberglass is an excellent option for entry doors because very energy efficient. Even compared to wood, they offer up to four times the amount of insulation which can save your family in heating and cooling costs year round. Fiberglass doors also make a great selection because they are low maintenance, so unlike wood that may rot or warp, or steel that may dent, there is minimal upkeep for fiberglass doors.
Another feature of fiberglass is that it is made from composite materials that can either be finished in a wood-grain to resemble the look of real wood, or can have a smooth finish which can be painted or stained to match any color and style. For this reason, fiberglass is considered to be a very versatile option.
Wood Door
Wood doors are a classic option to have for an entry door. It’s also a very high-end look and can be stained or painted to match the home’s style. Wood entry doors are a loved choice for many because of the warmth they add to the room with their natural look. Wood options commonly include oak, mahogany, maple, teak, black locust, fir and pine.
A wood door has the potential to last many years with only painting and staining as maintenance is important to shield and protect your wood door from moisture as it will cause the door to rot and become less energy efficient. If you do end up choosing a wood door for your home, make sure that the area it will be used in is covered, or at least has a storm door to protect it from outdoor elements. Wood is beautiful, but it does have the potential to be scratched, luckily those scratches can be easily repaired.
Steel Door
Perhaps the most functional door choice is the steel entry door. These doors are actually made of a wood frame that’s designed to hold insulation making them more energy efficient. The doors are clad in epoxy-coated galvanized steel and have a baked enamel finish that can be painted in any color desired.
A high-quality steel door can last for a lifetime with little maintenance necessary. There is also no worry for warping or peeling like with wood doors. However, they can be dented and paint can be chipped, but steel doors are still considered to be the most secure of all the options available.
Whichever type of door makes the most sense for your home, lifestyle, and budget, Architectural Openings & Access can help you find or design the perfect one. We work with a large selection of door manufacturers who supply entry doors made from wood, fiberglass, and steel. Whether you’re building new or in need of a replacement door, our representatives specialize in finding the right solution for your home. Contact us to get started today!