Seely Painting, Inc. Steel doors are preferred for high priority safety measures and … I guess that in 20 years I will be able to give you a correct answer. We did pick a good quality door with wood texture and stain-able. A cheap steel door may flake or peel, but a low-quality fiberglass door tends to crack or rot. Did you know that the handing of a door is the #1 mistake people make when purchasing a door? Cost to install a fiberglass or a steel entry door varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). I would like to repaint it, but I don't know material I am dealing with. The other main difference is the purpose for which you want to have either a steel or a fiberglass door. At the other end of the spectrum, both steel and fiberglass doors can be found at relatively low prices, though steel is often the better buy. Steel doors more commonly are used by commercial property owners but also are well-suited for residential purposes. Security – Steel entry doors offer the best solution for property owners concerned with building or home security. For about 20 years my house had wood doors, we replaced with fiberglass. The major difference is between the cover, or the outer skin, which can be either steel or made of fiberglass. Costs. A new fiberglass entry door can add substantial appeal to your home without costing you a fortune. Steel entry doors for homes usually come in 24 or 22 gauge. A quality fiberglass door can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,000, while a higher-quality fiberglass door can run from $1,500 to $2,500. The outside was stained and then a coat of urethane applied by a previous homeowner but much of this has now faded as the door is facing east and gets hot in the direct mid-morning sunlight. In addition, fiberglass is easy to repair with resin compounds. I need to install new hardware on a door, but I’m not sure if it’s fire-rated. Steel is made from iron mined from the earth. Beauty –Steel entry doors are available in smooth or wood grain textures in multiple stains and paint finishes, and come in a variety of door styles, including some with glass. Aluminum sounds duller and has less of a ring than stainless steel. If the door is already attached, swing it open and closed to see how much inertia it has. Fiberglass is more fragile than acrylic, and consequently is more prone to break and crack. It is a steel door that has a stamped imprint on it. It is very important to know if a door is fire-rated before making any modifications to the door. If one is looking at high-end doors however, fiberglass will almost always cost significantly more than steel. I guess that in 20 years I will be able to give you a correct answer. If you want beauty, style and aesthetic appeal, fiberglass is best. Steel vs Fiberglass Doors. Available at home center stores, lumber yards, or through contractors or special retailers, exterior doors are easy to view, browse and purchase.