Compare Wood vs Fiberglass Door Costs

Wood Doors Overview

Doors are almost always constructed with one of three materials: wood, fiberglass or steel. Wood has long been one of the most common materials, and it remains a popular choice today, particularly in high-end or traditional homes.

Most modern wood doors are constructed with layers of wood veneer over a solid wood core. This method of construction lowers the overall cost, and also helps prevent warping. Solid-wood doors are far more expensive, but they’re heavier, longer lasting and more secure.

Most doors - both wood and fiberglass - are sold in pre-hung form, meaning they come complete with framing, hinges, locks and weather stripping.

How Much Do Wood Doors Cost?

Pre-hung wood veneer doors start at about $400 to $500, but solid wood or custom wood doors can easily cost several thousand dollars.

Wood Doors Pros

• Difficult to damage - Solid wood doors stand up to years of wear and tear better than fiberglass. They’re difficult to dent, and scratches are easy to fix. They also tend to be sturdier than fiberglass doors.
• Better looking - Some homeowners won’t settle for anything less than the look of a traditional wood door. Wood doors feel more natural and appear more solid than fiberglass. Also, they’re offered in a wider variety of decorative options.

Wood Doors Cons

• More expensive - Solid wood doors are expensive. They cost significantly more than fiberglass. Wood veneer doors are closer in price to fiberglass, although they can be more expensive, depending on quality of construction.
• More maintenance - Wood doors need to be painted or stained every few years to look their best and resist wear and tear. And you should examine them for signs of wear at least once per year.
• Sensitive to the elements - Wood is sensitive to moisture and sunlight. Moisture is particularly harmful, leading to warping and cracking.

Fiberglass Doors Overview

Fiberglass is a man-made, glass-reinforced plastic that is lightweight yet durable. Fiberglass doors were invented in the 1990s as an alternative to wood. They weren’t very attractive in the early days, but fiberglass has come a long way.

Fiberglass doors can have a smooth surface, or they can mimic they look of real wood with a grain pattern. Well-made fiberglass doors can closely resemble real wood, and features such as specialized edge treatments make them even more convincing.

How Much Do Fiberglass Doors Cost?

Basic, unfinished, pre-hung fiberglass doors start at about $200 to $300. Finished, wood-grain varieties with decorative features such as glass panels usually cost about $600 to $1,200. Very high-end fiberglass doors can cost $3,000 or more.

Fiberglass Doors Pros

• Durable - Fiberglass is highly resistant to extreme temperatures and weather. It is less likely to warp, rot, crack or split.
• Low maintenance - Fiberglass doors require very little maintenance. Unlike wood, you won’t have to paint or stain them every few years.
• Less expensive - Fiberglass doors tend to be more affordable than wood doors, making them the practical choice for most consumers.

Fiberglass Doors Cons

• Not real wood - Although fiberglass doors can be designed to mimic real wood, the look will never be exactly the same. Fiberglass doors also sound and feel different than natural wood. For some consumers, fiberglass is simply not an acceptable substitute.
• Easier to damage - Fiberglass doors are more likely to dent or scratch than wood doors, and scratches are more difficult to fix.

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