If eyes are the windows to the soul, and windows are the eyes to your house, then what does that make doors? The nose? The mouth? Whatever body part doors represent, it must be an important one. Not only are they the most frequently used part of a home’s exterior, they’re also the first thing a guest gets up close and personal with, and the main passageway protecting you and your family from the many different hazards of the outside world. Doors have a pretty big job to do, so choosing the right material is one of those essential home owner decisions.Here’s a little info on three of the most common door materials:WoodSturdy, beautiful, sustainable, and safe, 100% solid wood doors are an excellent option. Although anything made of wood is always at risk of warping and fading, a solid wood door from a reliable manufacturer is relatively low-maintenance overall. The major downside? Price. If you’re looking for a quality 100% wood door, be ready to spend quite a bit more than you would with other materials. Adding a storm door on the outside to protect wood from the elements is usually a good idea.SteelProbably the most common material for door replacements, steel doors can range widely in quality and price. The thinner the steel, the lower the price, but even the slightest fraction of steel thickness can make a huge difference in the quality of the door. Steel is low maintenance, relatively cheap overall, and, though admittedly will never be a pretty as wood, can be cut in a variety of textures and colors.FiberglassPerhaps the most durable of the three choices, fiberglass resists denting, scratching, and warping, and doesn’t need to be finished to be resilient (though it certainly doesn’t hurt). While it’s still a relatively new technology, fiberglass doors are available in many wood-grain like colors and textures.
