If you're in the market for a new entry door and are torn between a fiberglass, steel, or iron front door, you have come to the right place! While each of these materials makes for a sturdy, stylish front door, they have different pros and cons regarding durability, maintenance, curb appeal, efficiency, and security.

Keep reading to determine which front door material is the right fit for your home!

Durability and Maintenance

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are considered a long-lasting, low-maintenance option. They withstand harsh weather, including rain, heat, and humidity, and they will not rust or decay. However, unlike iron or steel, a fiberglass door can be dented or cracked with extreme force.

Because of its weatherproof nature, fiberglass doors are excellent choices for homeowners with high-traffic entryways. Fiberglass must only be painted or stained occasionally and can be easily cleaned with a garden hose or damp cloth. You can also choose a factory finish for added convenience.

Steel

Steel is an exceptionally strong and sturdy material, making it a long-lasting, durable option for an entry door.

While steel doors will not break or warp, they are susceptible to scratches or dents if not adequately cared for. Steel doors must be regularly coated with a rust-inhibiting primer or linseed oil to remain in great shape. If scratched, steel doors should be re-painted and re-treated immediately. They also should be cleaned with something other than water to prevent rusting.

Iron

Iron is a good "middle-of-the-road" option for durability and maintenance compared to fiberglass and steel. Though iron is not as low maintenance as fiberglass, it is quite a bit stronger, and while it's slightly less sturdy than steel, it's much easier to care for.

Though iron and steel are both metals, iron is more resistant to wear and tear because of its high graphite content. While it's crucial to clean iron doors regularly and apply rust-resistant coatings to keep them pristine, iron is a bit more "forgiving" than steel—it won't rust immediately if it is dented or scratched.

Curb Appeal and Style

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is an excellent door material for homeowners who love the look of a wood front door but don't want to deal with the high maintenance upkeep. Fiberglass can mimic a variety of wood grains and can be painted or stained in countless colors to create a warm, welcoming entryway. A fiberglass door can also be styled to match almost any architectural style!

Steel

Though steel doors cannot mimic wood quite as well as fiberglass and don't come in as many colors and styles, they're great for homeowners who prefer a sleek, modern look. Many steel doors also have decorative panels and glass to embellish their appearance, though this can often detract from their most coveted feature—security.

Iron

Wrought iron is hard to beat if artistic craftsmanship and curb appeal are top of mind when installing a new front door. These elaborate doors, known for their detailed patterns and intricate designs, can be molded into complex patterns and offer more design flexibility than steel. They're an excellent choice for homes with both traditional and modern architectural styles.

Security and Efficiency

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are mostly built with a wood or foam core and are covered with a durable, molded fiberglass shell. While fiberglass is sturdy overall (it wouldn't be used for front doors otherwise!), it can still be cracked or dented with extreme force, making it more vulnerable to break-ins than steel or iron.

However, fiberglass doors are considered highly efficient because of their insulating core and ability to withstand fluctuating weather conditions. So, what you might sacrifice in security, you'll make up for in low energy bills and a cozy, comfortable home year round .

Steel

Steel offers the ideal blend of security and insulation. Like fiberglass doors, steel doors contain a foam or wood core, but instead of a fiberglass shell, they are covered with galvanized steel. Though metal is considered to be a good conductor of heat and cold, most modern steel doors are designed with not only an insulated core, but also a thermal break between the two layers of steel. This helps keep your home comfortable by improving energy efficiency. As mentioned earlier, steel is the sturdiest entry door material on the market. You'll never have to worry about intruders or break-ins with a steel door!

Iron

Unlike fiberglass, iron is a solid, heavy material that offers superior protection from break-ins. Like steel, iron is impenetrable, and the sight of it alone may deter intruders!

However, the trade-off for such a strong, sturdy material is a lack of energy efficiency. Unlike steel and fiberglass doors, which contain an insulating core, iron doors often lack insulation in favor of decorative elements and artistry. That said, you might experience higher energy bills with an iron door than with a steel or fiberglass one.

What's the Verdict—Fiberglass, Steel, or Iron?

  • Fiberglass Homeowners who value low-maintenance beauty and reliable efficiency will be thrilled with a fiberglass entry door. Though fiberglass isn't as strong as steel or iron, it's highly customizable, easy to care for, can provide the look of a real wood door, and is still perfectly sturdy and secure.

  • Steel Steel doors are ideal for practical homeowners who value security, durability, and affordable utility bills. Though steel requires extensive maintenance, it will protect your home from intruders while keeping it comfortable and cozy in all seasons.

  • Iron Iron doors are the right choice for homeowners who want a sturdy, show-stopping front door to boost their home's curb appeal. If you're okay with a bit of regular maintenance and a bit less insulation in favor of security and style—you'll likely love an iron front door!

Enhance Your Entryway with a New Fiberglass, Steel, or Iron Entry Door

Once you've decided if a steel, iron, or fiberglass door is best for your home, contact the experts at North Georgia Replacement Windows!

We specialize in installing all three door materials to create durable, stylish entryways customized to your unique preferences for both security and design. Explore our entry door services and see some of our past projects to start envisioning the perfect front door for your home!