Upgrading your entry door can seem daunting at first with all the different options out on the market. If you’re asking yourself what the best material is for an exterior door, you’ve come to the right place. Here, the team from Master Doors has broken down the different material options for exterior doors in Canada.
Today’s Most Popular Door Materials
The most common materials for front or exterior doors are steel, fiberglass, and various types of wood. They can all protect your home effectively, but each one provides distinct advantages. For instance, steel is very durable, but wood is easier to refinish or repair. In addition to material type, it’s important to factor in other important considerations to ensure you install the perfect door for your needs. For example, do you want more natural sunlight flowing in? Add sidelights or decorative glass to your new door. Are storms a constant concern? Include a protective storm door in your exterior door installation project in Canada.
Front Door Material Types
When it comes to choosing the right front door material for your home, there are several options to consider. Each type of material has its unique benefits and drawbacks, depending on your preferences, budget, and the climate in your area. Here are some of the most common materials used for front doors:
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass entry doors work well in climates that experience harsh climates. This exterior door material is low maintenance, and does not typically warp or crack under climate pressure. They’re also resistant to denting and scratching, but are hard to refinish if they do need repair (unlike wood doors).
Besides durability, fiberglass doors also offer some style options. Fiberglass entry doors can be made to mimic the look of wood, but it is worth noting that they won’t be fooling anyone into thinking they are real wood. You can also add in decorative glass to improve your home’s curb appeal. Every aspect of your door from the colors, glass, trim, and hardware options is selected to create the look you desire. Overall, while fiberglass doors provide exceptional durability and low maintenance in extreme weather conditions, and offer various customizable aesthetic options, they still fall short when it comes to replicating the authentic and rich appearance of wood doors, and they can be challenging to repair if damaged.
Steel Doors
Steel doors can offer extra security and withstand the outdoor elements. They are a good option for entryways, garage doors or basement entry doors (especially when a fire-rated door is a building requirement). Since steel doors are designed to withstand a variety of temperatures, an exterior storm door or entryway covering is often not needed.
Although many imagine steel doors as too bulky or cold-looking as entryway doors, these days they can come in very modern designs, and have many customization options. Some of the most popular designs include smooth steel or wood grain textured steel. Additionally, steel doors can be customized with different stains and paint finishes, or even decorative glass.
Steel doors are generally very secure considering the strength of their material, so they are a good option for homeowners who are concerned about security. The flip side of this, however, is that they can rust if not properly primed and painted, and may require a bit more maintenance than other materials.
The Advantages of Solid Wood Doors
Solid wood doors are renowned for their robustness and durability, making them a top choice for enhancing home security. Their sturdy construction not only withstands wear and tear but also offers significant resistance against forced entry, ensuring a safer living environment. They are also highly sought after for their authentic beauty. Although solid wood doors are generally more expensive than steel or fiberglass doors, these benefits make them an investment that makes up for their cost. Thanks to their aesthetic appeal and their strength, solid wood doors are particularly suitable for historical homes that need an authentic look and highly secure entrances. Solid wood doors are also great for enhancing curb appeal with authentic wood grain that compliments garden features.
Maintaining a Solid Wood Door
One caveat is that, in harsh climates like Canada’s, it’s beneficial to have an added storm door or a covered entryway to protect the wood from direct sunlight and reduce maintenance needs. Additionally, ensuring a porch is high enough to prevent water puddling near the door can further protect its integrity. However, if your wood doors do require maintenance, wood is easily sanded and re-stained or re-painted, and it naturally hides scratches or dents well, unlike fiberglass or steel.
Wood’s natural ability to conceal minor scratches and dents, along with its ease of repair through simple sanding and re-staining, are significant advantages. Solid wood doors also offer commendable insulation due to their inherent high R-value, improving the energy efficiency of your home or building. Choosing solid hardwood or a door with an insulating wood core can provide substantial protection against the elements, combining style, durability, and energy efficiency in a single investment.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the best material for an exterior door in Canada depends on your specific needs, climate, and aesthetic preferences. Whether you value the robust security of steel, the climate resilience and low cost of fiberglass, or the timeless beauty and natural insulating properties of wood, each material offers unique benefits. Remember that the perfect door is not just about material but also about thoughtful features like storm protection and decorative elements that align with your lifestyle and home’s architecture. Consider all these factors carefully to ensure that your new door not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also stands up to the challenges of your local environment. If you’re interested in a custom, solid wood door, consider Master Doors your go-to expert for design and implementation.
Exterior Door Installation in Canada with Master Doors
Master Doors designs and manufactures some of the world’s most beautiful custom, solid wood doors. After Master Doors opened for business over 10 years ago, it quickly established a strong reputation for exceptional solid wood exterior doors and wine cellar doors. Master Doors’ comprehensive line of stile and rail doors includes hundreds of standard options from panel to French to decorative entry doors with matching sidelights and transoms.
Master Doors provides customers with the door they dream of, whether it is a standard design or a one-of-a-kind custom door. Every year, our professional team of door manufacturers handles hundreds of projects for builders, contractors, and homeowners across Canada.
To learn more, contact us online for a quote today or call (905) 597-9011.
