Are wood, steel or fiberglass exterior doors better?

Answer 1

Fiberglass is far superior to either wood or steel. It will last as long as anything else, painted or not. Heat transfer is much better.

Steel would be second choice. Usually well insulated, but still transfer a bit more heat than fiberglass. Steel doors will rust if not painted, although some are painted at the factory. Small scratches in the finish may also cause rust.

I would never recommend a wood door. They are a maintenance nightmare and are not well insulated. If you must have the look, then go for it. Some of the newer fiberglass doors come pretty close though.

Answer 2

Wood is the most expensive yet worst for energy consumption, steel is a good mid way bet as they are insulated, Fiberglass has the least amount of heat / cold transfer so I would rate economically speaking best to worst Fiberglass, Steel, wood

Answer 3

I've replaced about five hundred exterior doors like this. Home Depot has a sale on exterior doors right now, they're very nice and reasonable, steel. Whoever is doing your job is giving you a deal but, should replace everything, even the frame with you paying the material of course. Good luck. P.S. Steel doesn't "dent" it takes quite a force. I had a contract with the Las Vegas police department for forced entries, steel doors always held up, fiberglass doors broke or shattered. This is of course with a SWAT team going through it. The frames will smash first.

Answer 4

Painted steel are the most durable. Wood is the prettiest. Fiberglass is just there, it aint pretty and unless painted won't last as long as steel. Wood doors need only be used where weather cannot get to them (covered porches or behind storm doors).