When it comes to replacement exterior doors, steel and fibreglass are two of the most popular options. When deciding on the best option, homeowners often wonder, what is the difference between steel and fibreglass doors? Our experts are here to help you explore these options and help you decide what is best for your home.
Deciding Between Steel and Fibreglass Doors
When comparing steel and fibreglass doors, you will find that they both feature a wood inner frame and a foam core – the main difference between steel and fibreglass doors is their outer coating. Both steel and fibreglass coatings on our exterior doors offer unique advantages with just a couple of drawbacks. To help you understand how to decide between steel and fibreglass doors, this guide breaks down their essential features.Â
| Feature | Steel Doors | Fibreglass Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Can be painted, no wood grain | Can be painted or stained like wood |
| Security | Very secure, durable surface | Secure, but less impact-resistant |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, can dent | Low maintenance, can crack |
| Insulation | Good | Better thermal performance |
| Weather Resistance | Doesn’t warp or swell | Resistant to warping, rust & cracking |
| Cost | Typically more affordable | Slightly more expensive |
Advantages of Exterior Steel Doors
One of the main advantages of exterior steel doors is that they are very secure. They also have a hard surface that’s easy to clean and easy to paint, and they often feature attractive wood edges.
Their rugged design is not affected by changes in temperatures, helping these doors to last for many years to come. Steel doors are also generally less expensive than fibreglass doors.
Disadvantages of Exterior Steel Doors
Although steel entry doors are easy to paint, you won’t be able to stain them or create a faux wood look. Despite their durability, they can also be prone to denting if subjected to a high impact.Â
Advantages of Exterior Fibreglass Doors
There are several advantages of fibreglass doors, primarily their flexibility when looking to change their appearance. Fibreglass entry doors can be painted, but they can also be stained to look like wood. If desired, fibreglass can give you the beauty of wood without the maintenance.Â
All high-quality exterior doors are designed to protect your home, and fibreglass is no exception. This material resists warping, denting, rusting, or cracking. With this option, you don’t have to worry about how the Ontario elements are going to affect it. Compared to steel, it also has less thermal transfer, keeping the cold outside.
Disadvantages of Exterior Fibreglass Doors
You can easily order a fibreglass door with a wood finish, but if you decide to finish it yourself, it generally takes more advanced skills. You will also need to add a clear protective coating over the finish. Additionally, like steel, fibreglass can also get damaged under high impact, but it risks cracking rather than denting. A significant crack could reveal the core of the door and shorten its lifespan. Finally, because of all the advantages of fibreglass doors, they can cost more than steel doors.
Which Front Door is Right for You?Â
- Choose Steel if: You’re looking for a strong, secure, affordable door that requires little maintenance.
- Choose Fibreglass if: You want the look of wood without the upkeep and better insulation for Ontario’s winters.
Both are excellent options – it really depends on your home’s style, budget, and long-term goals. If you’re still unsure, our Brookstone experts are happy to walk you through your options in a free consultation.
Invest in Quality Exterior Doors with Brookstone Windows & Doors
Need more help comparing steel and fibreglass doors? Contact our service department today. At Brookstone Windows & Doors, we can help you find the ideal doors and windows for your taste and budget. Your home deserves to be beautiful, comfortable, and secure — we can help you find the perfect doors and windows to make that possible.
Frequently asked questions about fibreglass and steel doors:
It depends on what matters most to you. Fibreglass doors are more resistant to rust, don’t dent as easily, and can mimic the look of real wood. Steel doors offer strong security and tend to be more budget-friendly. At Brookstone, both options are built to perform well in Ontario’s climate – your choice comes down to style, durability preferences, and budget.
Fibreglass can crack under high impact, and finishing them to look like wood may require some skill. However, when professionally finished and installed, fibreglass doors offer long-term durability with minimal upkeep. And Brookstone windows and doors come with a lifetime warranty.
Steel doors are strong, but they can dent with hard impact and may rust over time if their finish gets scratched or isn’t maintained. That said, Brookstone’s steel doors are factory-finished and designed to resist everyday wear, even in harsh weather.
Fibreglass doors tend to perform better in direct sunlight over time, as they don’t absorb as much heat and resist fading and warping.
For both materials, regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually all that’s needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners. For steel doors, touch up any chips or scratches with rust-inhibiting paint to prevent corrosion. Fibreglass doors may benefit from a UV-protective clear coat if they’ve been stained.