Fiberglass and steel entry doors insulate about the same, so durability, appearance, and upkeep will affect your choice between the two materials. Serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a family-run, woman-owned exterior remodeling company with 7,000+ installations completed since 2011. The team confirms door pricing at a free estimate.
How Fiberglass and Steel Entry Doors Compare
- Similar insulation: Most steel and fiberglass entry doors rate R-5 to R-6, per the Department of Energy. Get a free estimate this fall to compare both.
- Steel value: A steel entry door averages about $2,547. Nationally, it recoups about 216% of its cost at resale.
- Wood look: Fiberglass can mimic real wood grain and resists dents, rot, and corrosion. This low-maintenance door needs only an occasional wipe-down.
- Premium entry: A grand fiberglass entrance averages about $11,953 and recoups about 87%. That figure reflects an upscale entrance project, not a basic door.
- Draft control: Old or poorly fitted doors leak more air as temperatures drop. Fall is the time to swap a drafty door before winter.
| Door | Durability | Insulation | Maintenance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Strong and secure; finish benefits from occasional care | R-5 to R-6 with a foam core | Low; a yearly wax protects the finish | About $2,547 (standard entry door) |
| Fiberglass | Resists dents, rot, and corrosion; can crack under heavy impact | R-5 to R-6, close to steel | Low; occasional wipe-down, refinish over time | About $11,953 (grand upscale entrance) |
Picking Your Entry Door
Top Recommendation: Steel entry doors deliver strong value and a high resale return for budget-minded homeowners. Schedule a free estimate with Coastal Windows & Exteriors this fall.
Best for looks: Fiberglass mimics real wood grain and resists dents with little upkeep.
Smart before winter: Replacing a drafty door this fall seals your entry before the cold sets in.
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Last Updated: September 2026
Sources:
- Insulated steel and fiberglass doors are more energy efficient than wood, and most rate R-5 to R-6 excluding a window. U.S. Department of Energy Doors, the Energy Saver guide to exterior door efficiency and R-values. (Accessed September 2026)
- Exterior doors can add significantly to air leakage, especially when old or improperly installed. U.S. Department of Energy Doors, the Energy Saver guide to door air leakage and weatherstripping. (Accessed September 2026)
- A steel entry door replacement averages about $2,547 in New England. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, New England, regional remodeling cost data. (2025)
- Steel entry door replacement recoups about 216% of its cost at resale nationally. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, national cost and resale data. (2025)
- A grand fiberglass entrance averages about $11,953 in New England and recoups about 87%. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, New England, regional cost and resale data for an upscale entrance project. (2025)
- Fiberglass doors can mimic wood grain and need little upkeep while resisting dents and corrosion, and steel doors typically cost less. Bob Vila Fiberglass vs. Steel Door, a side-by-side comparison of entry door materials. (2025)
