Features and Benefits of the 3 Main Exterior Door Materials

One of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing your exterior door is the material. The door material will affect your door’s energy efficiency, durability, life span, and beauty, so you need to do your research before buying your new door. Handyman Connection® of Boise explains the features of the three main materials available for exterior doors:

• Wood – Wood is the typical choice for high-end exterior door projects because of its traditional appeal and substantial weight. The look of real wood is hard to duplicate, and it is an excellent choice for homeowners who place a premium on beauty. To maintain its appearance, wood doors need regular maintenance, and they need to be repainted or refinished every one to two years.

• Steel – Steel doors are incredibly strong, secure, and durable. They are a great choice if security is a top priority. It is also surprisingly affordable and comes in many designs, colors, and price points. Steel entry doors can also be insulated to improve the door’s energy efficiency. Unfortunately, steel doors are also difficult to repair, so you need to develop a good working relationship with your door contractor in case your door suffers from a dent.

• Fiberglass – Fiberglass doors are versatile and come in an immense variety of styles, including designs that can mimic wood. Fiberglass doors are also low-maintenance, and they do not expand or contract appreciably as the weather changes. Some fiberglass doors don’t need a paint or stain touch up even after 15 to 20 years. In general, fiberglass doors are between steel and wood doors in price.

The right door material will depend on your home’s design, your priorities, and your aesthetic preferences. We recommend collecting plenty of pictures and visiting showrooms to see and feel these door materials for yourself. If you are planning a door replacement, then why not perform another home improvement or maintenance task at the same time? Handyman Connection of Boise can help you with painting, carpentry, remodeling, and other maintenance tasks. Contact us to learn more about our services and products. You can also request an estimate.