When it comes to replacing your exterior doors, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: what material door should I choose?
The answer depends on several factors like where the door will be located in the home, what look you’re trying to achieve, your maintenance preference, and your budget. Door materials offer different advantages, so understanding those differences can help you make a more informed decision for your home.
Fiberglass Doors
At Tommy D’s, fiberglass doors are the primary exterior doors we sell, and for good reason. Today’s fiberglass doors have come a long way in appearance. Many feature realistic woodgrain textures that closely mimic the look of natural wood while offering superior resistance to weather and other external factors, without the maintenance of a real wood door.
Benefits of Fiberglass Doors:
- Realistic woodgrain appearance without the upkeep of real wood
- Excellent resistance to moisture, humidity, and weather exposure
- More resistant to warping, splitting or rot than wood doors
- Well insulated, improving energy efficiency
- Available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and finishes
- Durable and resistant to scratches and dents
- Long lasting with minimal maintenance
Fiberglass doors are especially popular for front entry doors because they provide a premium appearance while being able to withstand Indiana’s changing weather conditions.
Wood Doors
Wood doors are naturally beautiful, add character, and make a statement on any home. However, that beauty comes with some additional maintenance requirements. Because wood exterior doors are exposed to sun, rain, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures, they must be properly sealed and maintained to prevent damage. Without regular care, wood doors can experience issues such as:
- Warping
- Cracking
- Fading
- Rot & moisture damage
With any kind of wood exterior door, entry or garage, extra maintenance is required. Periodic refinishing and sealing will help protect wood doors from the Indiana weather changes. For homeowners who are willing to invest the time and maintenance, wood doors can be a great option. For those looking for a similar appearance with less upkeep, we recommend choosing a fiberglass door.
Steel Doors
Steel doors are known for their strength, durability, and security. They can be an excellent choice in specific applications around the home. One of the most common uses for steel doors is to be the door connecting your garage to your living space. In most cases, steel door slabs are required in this location to improve safety in the event of a fire.
Benefits of Steel Doors:
- Strong and hard to break through
- Durable and resistant door slabs
- Ideal for utility and service entrances
- Commonly used for garage-to-house entry doors
While steel doors are highly functional, they aren’t typically the first choice for a home’s main entry door or exterior doors in general. They have fewer design options and do not have any option for a faux wood appearance like fiberglass doors do. It is also important to note that while steel slabs are available to purchase, these doors will not come with a full frame like a fiberglass door unit would. When Tommy D’s replaces an exterior door, we will replace the entire door unit to ensure that everything matches and any surface-level rot or damage is corrected.
Which Door Is Best for Your Home?
When deciding between a steel and fiberglass door, the most important factor is where the door will be located. Most of the time, fiberglass doors are the best option for exterior doors while steel doors are appropriate for certain indoor uses like a garage to home connecting door.
For most exterior entry doors, fiberglass offers the best combination of style, durability and low maintenance, and it is what we would recommend at Tommy D’s.
Visit Tommy D’s to Learn More
Choosing the right exterior door can make a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and long-term value. To learn more about exterior door options, call Tommy D’s at 812-330-8898 or stop by our showroom during business hours. Our team would be happy to show you samples, discuss your options, and help you find the perfect door for your home.