Fiberglass Front Doors Versus Wood Front Doors

The entry door on your house serves many purposes, from providing security to your residence and family to improving the appearance of your home and its curb appeal. You may decide to upgrade your front door as part of an exterior renovation plan, or you might realize your home’s front door has reached the end of its lifespan and it’s time to start shopping for fiberglass front doors.

Whatever your reasons for replacing your front door, you’ll find it a valuable exercise to consider a few different types of doors before finalizing your decision. Two popular choices are wood doors, which have been used for millennia, and fiberglass doors, which have become very popular in the last decade.

What You Need to Know About Wood Front Doors

Wood doors are the most common type of doors in use today, and their popularity has only increased with the availability of different styles. From natural-finish wood to custom doors in a variety of wood types like oak, walnut, and cherry, one of the most versatile options you have for your new front door is a wood front door.

At the low-end of the scale, you’ll find doors that are composed of an engineered-wood core at the center and covered in a wood-veneer skin. The purpose in creating a multi-layered door is to reduce the amount of expansion and contraction that occurs as the weather changes. Expansion and contraction can cause warping, and multiple layers help prevent that.

Another type of wood front door you may see is a split construction option where two pieces of wood are laminated together with a core of insulation at the center. These doors are an option to consider if you’re looking to improve the insulation of your home.

At the top of the scale for wood doors are solid-wood doors, which can cost a fair amount more than wood-veneer or split construction options. Solid-wood doors are available in a pre-hung style, or you may choose to have a door made for your entryway (an option if your door space isn’t a standard size).

The Basics About Fiberglass Front Doors

One of the main benefits of choosing fiberglass front doors over traditional wood front doors is that they require very little maintenance even when used in a particularly harsh environment or where there is a lot of humidity that could otherwise warp a wood door.

If you’re interested in maintaining the look of your wooden door, you don’t necessarily need to stick with wood for your new front door. It’s easy to find fiberglass front doors that look identical to wood but are virtually maintenance-free. Wood doors often require yearly attention with staining or painting, but fiberglass-composite doors offer long warranties at an affordable price.

Consider the Impact of Windows or a Solid Door

If you’re particularly concerned about security, you might need to consider a solid door. Wood and fiberglass doors are both available in an endless number of designs, from those with large windows within the door to those that are completely solid.

The drawback of having a door that’s completely solid is that it can make it a little difficult to see what’s going on in the front yard if you don’t have conveniently placed windows on the front of your home. A completely solid door – whether made of wood or fiberglass – provides strong security, but it can also make the front of your home feel a little closed off.

• Do you have kids that play in the front yard frequently?
• Are you often at home when neighbors come by to visit?
• Do you enjoy the natural light of windows?

Today’s doors are made to withstand the elements, and they’re also made to provide good security. Windows on your door don’t necessarily invalidate the security features of the door or the protection from intruders your door provides.

The Basics About Fiberglass Front Doors

One of the main benefits of choosing fiberglass front doors over traditional wood front doors is that they require very little maintenance even when used in a particularly harsh environment or where there is a lot of humidity that could otherwise warp a wood door.

Choose a Beautiful New Front Door with Doors Repair Toronto

Is it time to update your front door? Want to know which type of front door will suit your home best? Contact Doors Repair Toronto today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 647 866 0956. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for GTA area residents.