The cabin is getting new entry doors. Just trying to decide if I am going with fiberglass or steel.
All 3 doors are under large covered porches, so they get very little direct Sun and rarely get wet.
They will all be behind storm doors.

So what is your concern or question?

I like fiberglass. They don’t dent.

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
I like fiberglass. They don’t dent.

And they won’t transmit heat like steel doors too, right?

Steel, best for security which is what a door is for. It’s also the most energy efficient. I run those for my entry doors with double sided deadbolts and a storm door in front of it that has the automotive glass and security bolts/latches.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
I like fiberglass. They don’t dent.

And they won’t transmit heat like steel doors too, right?

That’s right.

For a Steel or Fiberglass door the considerations should be:

How is it Insulated?
Is it foam injected filling the door top to bottom or is it "Onesize fits most" foam sheets pressed in. Where the injection shines is in the little gaps where window insets are fitted.

Windows or in the industry, Lites: Remember windows are a whole in the wall/door you throw money through. They will never be as heat/cold retained.
Expense. A window can turn a $250 into a $800 door in a moment.


As said above Fiberglass does not dent, that is a pro, it also does not need to be painted. Steel may be overall stronger but a crack in the paint layer from a dent or a scratch can bring in unsightly rust.

Just a few musings from a former Millwork Manager

I had fiberglass in our log home solid no issues for the 13 years we were there. To get the wood look a gel stain was used.

We replaced an aging wood entry with fiberglass about 15 years ago. Single door with two sidelights. We love it. No storm door and on the coldest winter days the door is warm to the touch. We also found that it deadens sound from traffic as well. Zero maintenance.

Very small window at the very top just for some light and to tell if someone is standing there.
They’ll be nicely fortified so to get in one will actually have to break out and climb in a window.
They will be white and one will almost never be opened.
Really sounds as if it does not matter but whichever is cheaper.
The doors on there now are likely 40 years old and wood. Still in somewhat usable shape but it’s time to replace them.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
So what is your concern or question?

Which to go with?

Fiberglass doors are all around better than steel

Fiberglass all the way.

Steal may have an advantage for security but unless you reenforcing the jam and have high security locks it doesn't matter. The jam is almost always the weak point and what gives up first.

Make sure the Fiberglass is insulated. Worth it.

quote:

Originally posted by comet24:
Fiberglass all the way.

Steal may have an advantage for security but unless you reenforcing the jam and have high security locks it doesn't matter. The jam is almost always the weak point and what gives up first.

Exactly. Unless you have a steel frame, it makes no difference. Also, if the steel door is comprised of steel and wood, it can swell if in the heat. When we have to do our doors again, I am looking at fiberglass.

I have a Therma-Tru fiberglass with small half-circle light on top as front door. 20 years old still working good. I did wood-stained look, but needs some re-doing. Have a Stanley steel half-window on back of house, same age. Back door gets far more use than front. Got this one on big discount when lumber yard had a return, was still in packing. Fiberglass is a prettier door, but bondo handles steel door dents.

Budget? Location?
Steel with a peep hole for less, but not in a coastal location.

Is someone going to look at them with a critical eye? Steel always seems to pick up dents easily and often.
Fiberglass for looks if the budget allows.