Steel or Fibreglass Doors, Which One Is Right for Your Home?

The main difference is the skin, which is the outer face of the door panel. A steel door has a galvanized steel skin with a smooth finish. A fibreglass door has a fibreglass skin. Our fibreglass skins have a woodgrain texture. Underneath, both are built the same way, with a core filled with polyurethane foam and an internal frame of stiles and rails.

When you compare steel vs fibreglass doors, that shared construction means the decision usually comes down to look, location, and how your entry is used.

The rest of the entry system matters as much as the skin, since the weatherstripping, hardware, and installation materials and quality are what really ensure you get the energy efficient door you paid for. At Centennial, both materials share the same supporting components.

• Jamb. The main support that holds the door panel and sidelites and connects the entry system to your home.
• Sill. The part you step on, which must seal out water, drafts, and insects.
• Frame weather stripping and door sweep. The seals along the jamb and at the bottom of the panel that keep cold air out.
• Lock block. The reinforced section inside the panel that supports the handle and deadbolt and resists forced entry.
• Cedar shims. Pre-engineered, oil-treated shims that keep the door level, square, and plumb so it closes and locks properly for years.

For a full walkthrough of each part, see our guide on how to choose the right front door for your home.

Which Door Is More Energy Efficient in an Ontario Winter?

Both are very energy efficient, and fibreglass holds a slight edge because it does not conduct heat the way steel does. In both doors, the polyurethane foam core does most of the insulating work; the same type of material used to insulate a refrigerator.

The difference shows up at the surface. Steel conducts heat more readily, so in strong summer sun a steel door can become hot to the touch while fibreglass stays cooler. Through a long Ontario winter, the foam core keeps both doors comfortable.

Either way, look for certification. According to Natural Resources Canada, ENERGY STAR® certified doors are about 15% more energy efficient than an average door.

Two other choices have a large effect on efficiency.

• Glass. A doorlite, sidelite, or transom brings in natural light, but more glass lowers a door system’s energy rating. A door system without glass achieves the highest rating.
• Installation. Natural Resources Canada notes that a poorly installed door can cause condensation, cold drafts, or water leaks. A properly sealed jamb, sill, and door sweep keep the warm air where it belongs.

Which Door Holds Up Better to Dents, Scratches, and Weather?

Fibreglass is more resistant to dents and scratches, and when it is damaged, it is easier to repair and leaves fewer visible marks. Steel is still extremely durable. Galvanization gives steel added resistance to rust, cracks, and bowing, and the panel is designed to resist warping and rotting.

Neither material will rot the way a wood door can, and both are designed and tested to withstand the Canadian climate. The practical difference is everyday wear.

If your entry sees heavy daily traffic from children, pets, strollers, or sports equipment, fibreglass is the more forgiving choice. If your door is sheltered by a porch and sees lighter use, steel will hold up well for years.

Which Door Looks Better on Your Home?

The better-looking door is the one that suits the style of your home. Steel offers a smooth finish with clean lines that works well on modern and contemporary homes. Fibreglass most closely resembles the texture, look, and feel of real wood, which gives century homes and traditional styles their warmth without the upkeep of a wood door.

Each material has its own finishing options.

• Steel. Panels can be smooth or embossed to add character, and the door is colour coated in our factory.
• Fibreglass. The door can be colour coated or hand stained in a woodgrain finish such as golden oak, mahogany, cherry, or espresso.

Both come in dozens of standard colours, with custom colours available, and every coating is applied in our factory by expert coating technicians. You can also choose one colour for the interior and another for the exterior. Both materials are available as double door systems as well as single entry systems.

To see how each option looks before your consultation, try combinations of panel style, colour, glass, and hardware in our Door Design Centre.

Is a Steel Door More Secure Than a Fibreglass Door?

Security depends on the whole entry system rather than the skin alone.

The parts that resist forced entry are the same on both doors. The lock block inside the panel supports the handle and deadbolt. The jamb holds the door square, so it latches tightly. Solid forged brass hardware is heavier and stronger than aluminum or plated steel hardware, and multi-point locking hardware is available for added security.

Both doors also reduce outside noise. Steel acts as a sound barrier, and the polyurethane foam core in both materials provides sound deadening.

How Much Maintenance Does Each Door Need?

Very little. Both doors are designed to resist warping and rotting, and both finishes are applied in our factory. A few simple habits keep either door looking and working at its best.

• Wash the door with mild soap and water rather than abrasive cleaners.
• On a steel door, touch up any deep scratch promptly so moisture cannot reach the metal.
• Each fall, check that the frame weather stripping and door sweep are sealing tightly against the cold.

If your door faces strong afternoon sun, mention it at your consultation. Your consultant can recommend the material and finish that suit that exposure.

What Do Steel and Fibreglass Doors Have in Common at Centennial?

Whichever material you choose, your door is built, installed, serviced, and warranted by one company.

• Custom manufactured in London, Ontario. After you decide, a trained measure technician measures your opening a second time before manufacturing begins. Every door is double-checked by hand before it leaves our facility.
• Installed by our own employees. We do not use subcontractors. Our own employees have installed every Centennial window and door since 1987. Learn more about who installs your replacement windows and doors.
• Finished completely. Your old door is removed and taken away, interior trim is fully painted, and our installers demonstrate proper operation before they leave.
• Serviced by the people who built it. If you ever need a service visit, a Centennial service technician who knows the product attends.
• Covered by our No Fine Print Warranty. Our No Fine Print Warranty covers both the product and the installation for as long as you own your home, with no pro-rated terms.

So Which Door Should You Choose?

Choose the material that matches your home’s style and how your entry is used. Both will serve you well through Ontario winters.

A steel door is a strong fit if you want

• A smooth, clean-lined finish for a modern or contemporary home
• A painted colour rather than a woodgrain look
• An entry that is sheltered by a porch or sees lighter daily use

A fibreglass door is a strong fit if you want

• The look and texture of real wood, or a hand-stained finish
• A door that suits a century home or traditional style
• The most resistance to dents and scratches for a busy family entry

The cost of either door depends on the size of your opening and the sidelites, transom, glass, hardware, and finish you choose. The clearest way to compare is a quote for your own entry.

Ready to Find the Right Door for Your Home?

The right door is easier to choose once you see the options against your own home. A Centennial consultant will look at your opening, your home’s style, and how your entry is used, then recommend the steel or fibreglass entry system that suits it. Book a free in-home consultation.