Woodgrain vs Smooth Fiberglass Doors
Your entry door can completely transform the front of your home, so you should put some thought into which material you want to invest in. One of the most popular materials for exterior doors is fiberglass, which comes in both woodgrain and smooth finishes. Both are an excellent choice for your front door, so the kind you choose will ultimately depend on your style preferences. Let’s dive into some of the distinguishing features and benefits of woodgrain and smooth fiberglass doors.
Woodgrain Fiberglass Doors
Woodgrain fiberglass doors are designed to mimic the appearance of real wood textures such as oak, mahogany, and cedar. It is nearly impossible to tell the difference between woodgrain and actual wood, which allows you to enjoy the beauty and feel of authentic wood with none of the upkeep. Woodgrain doors will never rot or warp and they will look great for considerably longer than their counterparts. The variety of stain colors available can complement the trim and exterior siding of any home.
Smooth Fiberglass Doors
Smooth fiberglass doors give your front porch a clean, modern look. Unlike woodgrain, these doors don’t have a faux texture imprinted on them, although they may have raised panels or trim instead of being completely flush. They come in a ready-to-paint finish so you can choose the perfect color to complement the exterior of your home. They are also available in a variety of standard factory colors, allowing you to enjoy a custom look without any additional labor.
Benefits of Fiberglass Doors
Whether they are woodgrain or smooth, fiberglass doors have many benefits when compared to other door materials. They are secure, durable, low maintenance, and increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Secure
Both design and hardware play a role in door security, and fiberglass doors have the best of both. Their solid construction is more secure than a wooden door, and they are often reinforced with a steel plate along the frame. They are filled with insulating foam, making them thick and strong but lightweight enough to allow easy opening.
Durable
Choosing fiberglass for your entry door is a long-term investment. The material is extremely durable and it will not dent, crack, peel, rust, or warp over time. They are much more resistant to sun exposure and weathering than wood. Fiberglass doors will last you for many years, even decades, before they need to be replaced.
Low Maintenance
With factory painting and staining options, fiberglass doors offer enhanced resistance to everyday wear and tear. They are virtually maintenance-free, only requiring the occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth. For woodgrain fiberglass doors, you can coat them with clear marine varnish to help prevent fading and help them last even longer.
Energy Efficient
Poorly insulated doors are one of the biggest sources of energy loss in a home, leading to higher utility bills. Fiberglass doors are made with energy efficiency in mind and feature fully insulated cores that reduce thermal transfer between the outdoors and in. Unlike wood, they are also very stable and will never shrink or swell. This prevents them from sticking in the summer or letting drafts inside your home during the winter.
Find Your New Entry Door
At Window World of Tucson, we carry both woodgrain and smooth fiberglass entry doors, as well as modern entry doors. Each type of front door comes in a variety of colors and stains to suit any home aesthetic. We also have accessories, decorative and privacy glass, and grid options to further customize your entry door.