Wood vs Fiberglass Exterior Doors: What are the Differences?

07 Feb Wood vs Fiberglass Exterior Doors: What are the Differences?

Are you starting to think that it’s time for a new front door? Have you grown tired of having the same, old look for the last 15 years? If so, now is as good a time as any to make a change.

Perhaps you’re not entirely sure of what type of door you want, but have narrowed it down to either wood or fiberglass material? Now, the only thing to do is to make a final choice. 

Wood vs fiberglass doors: what are the differences? What’s the best type for you? Read on to find out!

Fiberglass

Pros

1. Extremely Durable

The thing that separates fiberglass from all other types of door materials is its extreme durability. Not only does fiberglass possess a very long lifespan, but it’s ridiculously easy to maintain as well. In fact, in most cases, fiberglass doors require no maintenance whatsoever.

2. Very Energy Efficient

Not only are fiberglass doors ridiculously durable, but ridiculously energy efficient as well. The reason for this is the fact that they are literally stuffed with insulation. Compared to most wooden doors, they are about 5 times more energy efficient.

3. Customizable

When it comes to aesthetics, fiberglass reigns supreme. In essence, fiberglass can be manipulated to look like almost anything, including wood. In addition to this, it can be painted essentially any color you like.

4. Resistant to Scratches

Another upside to fiberglass doors is that they’re almost entirely resistant to scratches. Not to mention, they’re almost completely incapable of warping. Again, they require close to no maintenance, and will tend to look good for at least the first 10 years that you own them.

Cons

1. Expensive

The biggest con associated with fiberglass doors is that they tend to be very expensive. In fact, in some cases, they will even double the costs of wooden doors. The upside, though, is that they possess close to no maintenance costs. Once they’re paid for initially, they typically require no further costs.

Wood

Pros

1. Fairly Affordable

While wood doors are not the most affordable types of doors, they are typically much less expensive than fiberglass doors. In general, you can purchase a wood door for between $250 and $750.

2. Customizable

Like fiberglass doors, wood door can come in any number of designs, styles, and colors. You can opt for something simple and unpainted, or something intricate and painted to the nines. Of course, more detailed styles will typically require that you pay a little more money.

Cons

1. Susceptible to Damage of All Types

While wood doors are fairly affordable, they are also prone to much damage. Not only will wood doors incur plenty of dings, dents, and scratches, but they will often become warped as well. Maintenance can help prolong the door’s lifespan, but it will not erase the damage that is done.

2. Limited in Terms of Energy Efficiency

As was mentioned above, fiberglass doors are about 5 times more energy efficient than wood doors. Whereas fiberglass doors have R-values of around 5 or 6, wood doors have R-values of only around 1. This can result in higher energy bills.

3. Require Regular Maintenance

Perhaps the worst aspect of wooden doors is that they require regular maintenance in order to thrive. Everything from sanding to wood restoration will be required in order to keep your door looking and functioning as desired.

Wood vs Fiberglass Doors: What’s the Winner?

Have you chosen a winner in the battle of wood vs fiberglass doors? If so, all that’s left to do is to purchase your door and get it installed. Looking for new door dealer and installer in the Arlington Heights area? Aspen Exterior Company is the installer you’re looking for.

We’ve been in business since 1978, and are very experienced in consulting homeowners on the purchase and installation of new doors.

Contact us to get started!