Tips on Choosing the Right Material for Your Exterior Doors

Choosing the right material is often important for many different products, and any exterior door for your home is definitely on this list. From curb appeal considerations to practical areas like security and weather protection, choosing the right material for any exterior door goes a long way.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re your one-stop shop for all things entry doors, garage doors, Pella windows and more around Boise, Idaho, including the widest selection of residential exterior doors on the market. From entry doors to security doors, storm doors and more, our modern exterior doors meet any need you may have. Here are some basics on each of the major exterior door materials utilized by manufacturers today, plus some pros and cons of each and what to consider when choosing between them.

Steel Exterior Doors

One of the most popular and durable exterior door materials on the market is steel. Steel exterior doors offer a slew of benefits, including:

• Durability: Steel doors are known for their strength and durability, making them great for security purposes.
• Energy efficiency: Steel doors often come with insulation options that help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, potentially leading to energy savings.
• Low maintenance: Unlike wood doors, steel doors do not require regular upkeep such as sanding or repainting.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when it comes to steel exterior doors:

• Vulnerability to rust: While many modern steel exterior doors come with rust-resistant coatings, over time they can still be vulnerable to rust and corrosion, especially in areas with high humidity or salt exposure.
• Poor insulation: While steel doors do offer energy efficiency benefits, they are not as insulating as other materials like wood or fiberglass. This can result in higher heating and cooling costs.

Wood Exterior Doors

One of the most classic and traditional choices for exterior doors is wood. Wood offers several advantages, such as:

• Aesthetic appeal: Wood doors have a timeless look that adds charm and character to any home.
• Customization options: With wood, you have the freedom to choose from a variety of stains, paints, and finishes to match your personal style and home’s exterior.
• Insulation properties: Wood has natural insulating properties, making it a great choice for those looking to improve energy efficiency.

However, there are also some downsides to wood exterior doors:

• Higher maintenance: Wood doors require regular upkeep and may need to be sanded and repainted periodically to maintain their appearance and protect against weathering.
• Cost: Depending on the type of wood chosen, wood exterior doors can be more expensive than other materials like steel or fiberglass.

Fiberglass Exterior Doors

Fiberglass is another popular material used in exterior doors. Some benefits of fiberglass include:

• Durability: Fiberglass is resistant to dents and scratches, making it a durable option for high traffic areas.
• Energy efficiency: Like steel doors, fiberglass doors often come with insulation options that can improve energy efficiency.
• Low maintenance: Fiberglass is easy to maintain and does not require regular upkeep like wood.

However, there are also a few downsides to consider:

• Limited design options: Compared to wood or steel, there may be fewer design options available for fiberglass doors.
• Cost: Fiberglass doors can be more expensive than other materials like steel.

Aluminum Exterior Doors

While perhaps less common than other materials, aluminum exterior doors have their own set of benefits and drawbacks to consider:

• Durability: Aluminum is a strong and sturdy material that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Lightweight: Compared to steel or wood, aluminum is a lightweight option for exterior doors.
• Low maintenance: Similar to fiberglass doors, aluminum does not require regular upkeep such as painting or staining.

However, there are also some potential downsides:

• Poor insulation: Like steel doors, aluminum is not as insulating as other materials like wood or fiberglass. This can result in higher energy costs.
• Prone to dents and scratches: Despite its strength, aluminum can still be susceptible to dents and scratches from heavy use or impacts.

When choosing the right material for your exterior door, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, energy efficiency, maintenance, and cost. At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we offer a wide variety of high-quality exterior doors in all different materials to meet your needs and preferences. Visit our website or stop by our showroom in Boise, Idaho to browse our selection and speak with our knowledgeable staff about which material may be best for you. We’re ready to help you find the perfect exterior door for your home!