When shopping for a new exterior door you have a lot of options to choose from, and the right material is a big factor in the equation. The most popular material choices on the market today here in the Minneapolis area are wood, fiberglass and steel. In this post we’ll look at the pros and cons of each.
But material isn’t everything. In fact, many times it’s the quality of the material that’s so important, not necessarily the material itself.
Let’s illustrate this point a little further. A steel door from a reputable manufacturer is going to have basically the same quality level as a well-made fiberglass one. On the other hand there are also many cheaply-made doors in each of the materials. As the saying goes “You get what you pay for.”
If longevity and value are what you’re looking for, avoid inexpensive brands and go with a manufacturer you trust.
Wood: Real, solid wood doors are among the heaviest and most secure doors available, not to mention their natural beauty. But with wood doors comes a lot of up-keep. Because they absorb so much moisture, they’re not well suited for the harsh winters we experience here in Minnesota. If you’re really set on a wood door, you can refinish it as needed, just know in advance it’ll require maintenance on your part. And in addition, we suggest you have a storm door installed to protect it, especially if it’s on a side of your house that faces north.
Fiberglass: Although fiberglass doors are relatively new on the market, they’ve already become known for their incredible strength, weather resistance and low maintenance requirements. But, as we mentioned before, quality is still important. Cheap fiberglass is prone to cracking, especially in cold weather. If you’re opting for fiberglass, make sure you choose a quality brand.
The most remarkable quality in fiberglass doors is that they can be wood grained to look almost identical a to real wood door. This makes fiberglass a great option for those who love the look of real wood but don’t want the up-keep.
Steel: The single most important thing to look at in a steel door is the gauge. The lower the number, the heavier the gauge, and that’s what you want. The larger the number, the thinner the steel. For example, 24 gauge steel is quite thin and usually used for the really inexpensive doors. The home market primarily uses 22 gauge steel. It’s sturdy, holds a finish well and can also be simulated to look like wood.
If you’re thinking about getting a new entry door installed, reach out to Window Outfitters, a Savage based window and door contractor serving the entire Minneapolis-St. Paul area. We’re pleased to offer you doors from only the best manufacturers. Whether your looking for wood, fiberglass, or steel, we’ve got you covered!
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
