Wood Doors vs. Fiberglass Doors: Which Is Better?

Wood doors vs. fiberglass doors overview

Wood exterior doors are made from solid wood, which sometimes includes reinforcements for security or better stability. Fiberglass exterior doors are made from fiberglass, which consists of glass fibers and resin.

Both wood and fiberglass exterior doors provide some of the best energy efficiency available, and will outlast all other material options in most cases. Since efficiency and overall durability are more or less equivalent, you should use the following criteria to decide which is right for your home:

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Fiberglass doors pros and cons

Here are some benefits and drawbacks of fiberglass exterior doors. Make sure you understand all the areas where fiberglass doors excel and fall short before committing to this material.

Fiberglass door pros

• Energy-efficient: Fiberglass is one of the best insulating materials for exterior doors, according to Energy Star.
• Maintenance demands: Fiberglass requires virtually no maintenance or upkeep, and it’s easy to clean. The color can fade over time in particularly sunny climates, but that’s the case with all materials.
• Durability: Fiberglass doesn’t react nearly as much as wood to humidity and moisture, so it’s a better option for rainy and humid climates. It’s also not prone to rot or insect infestation.
• Fire resistance: Fiberglass typically has a Class A fire rating, meaning it’s a suitable option for areas that are prone to wildfires.
• Longevity: Fiberglass exterior doors can last for 100 years or more, so you’ll rarely need to replace them unless you want to update the look of your home.

Fiberglass door cons

• Cost: Fiberglass doors can be more expensive than wood doors. The material is harder to work with, so you’ll see the biggest pricing differences on ornate doors.
• Curb appeal: Fiberglass doors can resemble wood, but it’s never a perfect match, and most homeowners prefer the natural look of wood.
• Home value: Since fiberglass doors lack the visual appeal of wood doors, you may see less of a positive impact on home value. However, replacing a damaged front door is still a worthwhile investment with good ROI.
• Customization: Fiberglass doors come in many color and design options, but once you choose one, it’s not easy to update it if your preferences or other exterior decor change.
• Refinishing potential: Fiberglass is much harder to paint than wood, and it’s more difficult to sand and stain than a wood door.
• Sustainability: The resin that makes up fiberglass doors is less sustainable than natural wood, which is regenerative.

Wood doors pros and cons

Wood doors offer some similar pros and cons to fiberglass doors, but there are a few notable differences that can help you figure out which suits your particular needs best.

Wood door pros

• Energy-efficient: Wood is among the most energy-efficient materials for exterior doors, so it’s suitable even in extreme climates.
• Fire resistance: Solid-core wood doors are among the two types of doors that the U.S. Department of Energy recommends for wildfire-prone areas.
• Lifespan: Wood doors can last for 100 years or more with good upkeep, matching the lifespan of fiberglass.
• Cost: Wood doors are usually less expensive upfront, so it’s a better option if you’re on a tight budget.
• Curb appeal: Wood offers the highest curb appeal of any exterior door material, especially if you match it with wood windows.
• Home value: Since wood doors maximize curb appeal, they also boost home value more than any other option.
• Customization: Wood is easy to work with, so you’ll have more options to customize trim, color and finish upfront.
• Refinishing potential: In addition to more initial options, you can sand and refinish wood to update the look of your door or match it to other changes on your home’s exterior.
• Sustainability: Wood is a more sustainable material than fiberglass overall.

Wood door cons

• Maintenance requirements: Wood doors require more maintenance than fiberglass, especially in humid and rainy climates. You’ll need to refinish the material every few years, and that may require sanding, which is time-consuming. Cleaning also requires a little more care than fiberglass.
• Durability: Wood is prone to rot and insect infestation, so it may not be ideal in wet or humid climates. It can also warp with dramatic humidity swings. If you’re not sure if wood is suitable in your area, speak with a local door company for clarification.

Cost and value

Wood exterior doors can cost anywhere from around $250 to $6,500, depending on the style, size, quality and wood species. Fiberglass doors tend to be more expensive, costing anywhere from $300 to $12,300 for more ornate and decorative options.

Since wood doors tend to look nicer and boost curb appeal more, you’ll likely see a bigger bump in property value when you go with wood. However, there are some long-term costs to keep in mind before deciding which will provide more value over time.

Maintenance and cleaning costs

If you plan on paying a professional to reseal your wood door, the cost may eventually even out the initial savings. You’ll also spend more time cleaning and maintaining wood doors, so consider if the upfront savings are worth the time investment.

Realistic replacement costs

Both wood and fiberglass doors can last for 100 years or more, but if you change the appearance of your home’s exterior within that timeframe, you may want to update the front door, too.

With a wood door, you can simply sand and refinish it to match any new exterior decor. With fiberglass, you may need to pay exterior door replacement costs much sooner, even if it has decades of life left in it.

Comparing long-term value

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide if wood or fiberglass is a better option overall.

FAQ

The bottom line

Both fiberglass and wood doors offer excellent durability, longevity and energy efficiency. If you’re worried about cost, though, wood doors are typically the cheaper option. Plus, they provide better curb appeal and resale value when it comes time to sell your home. If you prefer less maintenance or live in a wet or humid climate, a fiberglass door may be the better choice.