Fiberglass doors are the better pick for most homes because they insulate well and need very little upkeep. Iron doors offer more strength and a bold, upscale entrance, though they usually cost more and need their finish maintained. Wood and steel are also worth considering, depending on your home's style and how much maintenance you're comfortable with.

The Window Depot carries fiberglass, iron and wood exterior doors at its stores in Tucson, Phoenix, Chandler, Surprise, El Paso, Albuquerque and National City. This guide compares the main exterior door materials so homeowners and contractors can choose the right door for each entry.

What Are the Main Exterior Door Materials?

Most exterior doors are made of fiberglass, iron, wood or steel. Each one has its own balance of looks, upkeep and performance.

These are general traits. How any individual door performs depends on its construction, glass, hardware and installation.

Why Choose a Fiberglass Exterior Door?

Fiberglass doors combine good insulation with very little maintenance. They can mimic the grain and texture of wood without needing regular refinishing, and they hold up well to moisture and temperature swings.

That makes fiberglass a practical choice for most front doors, back entries and garage-to-house doors.

Do Fiberglass Doors Warp?

Fiberglass resists warping and cracking much better than wood. It handles heat and humidity changes well, which matters for entries that take direct sun. A fiberglass door still needs a square, well-sealed frame to close and seal properly.

Why Choose an Iron Exterior Door?

Iron doors are known for strength and curb appeal. They make a front entrance the focal point of the house, and they're a natural fit for Southwestern, Mediterranean and contemporary homes. Many iron doors include decorative glass or scrollwork, which adds to their visual impact.

Do Iron Doors Rust?

Iron can rust if its protective finish is scratched or worn through. A quality factory finish and occasional touch-ups help prevent this. Inspect the door now and then, especially near the bottom, where water collects.

Fiberglass vs Iron: Which Door Is More Secure?

Iron has the edge in raw strength, so it's a common choice when security is the top priority. But the door material is only part of the picture. A strong door in a weak frame, or with cheap locks, won't deliver the security you expect.

When security matters, look at:

• The frame and how securely it's anchored
• The deadbolt and other locking hardware
• The hinges and hinge screws
• How much glass the door has, and where it is

A fiberglass door with a solid frame and quality hardware can also give an entry good protection.

Fiberglass vs Iron: Which Is More Energy Efficient?

Fiberglass usually insulates better. Many fiberglass doors have an insulated core, while metal conducts heat more easily.

Glass makes a big difference with either material. ENERGY STAR sets door requirements based on how much glass a door has, using ratings for U-Factor (insulation) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC (solar heat coming through the glass). A door with a large glass area will perform differently from a solid door, so check the NFRC ratings for the exact model you're considering.

Which Exterior Door Material Works Best in the Southwest?

Strong sun is the biggest challenge for entry doors in Tucson, Phoenix, El Paso and Albuquerque. UV exposure is hard on finishes, so fiberglass and factory-finished iron usually hold up better than wood on a west- or south-facing entry. If your door has a lot of glass and takes afternoon sun, a lower SHGC helps keep heat out of the house.

Monsoon rain in Arizona, El Paso and Albuquerque adds moisture on top of the sun. Wood doors in those markets may need refinishing more often. In National City, salt air near the coast makes a durable finish on iron and steel doors especially important.

What About Wood and Steel Exterior Doors?

Are Wood Doors Still a Good Choice?

Yes, if you love the look and don't mind the upkeep. Wood suits Craftsman, Southwestern and traditional homes, and it can be customized. Plan on refinishing more often than you would with fiberglass, especially if the door gets a lot of sun.

Are Steel Doors a Good Value?

Steel doors are strong and often affordable, and an insulated core helps their energy performance. Dents and scratches can expose the metal, so keep the finish in good shape to prevent rust.

How Do You Choose Between Fiberglass and Iron Doors?

Start with what you want most from the entry.

Choose fiberglass if:

• Low maintenance is a priority
• You want good insulation at a moderate price
• You like the look of wood without the upkeep

Choose iron if:

• Security is your top concern
• You want a bold entrance that stands out from the street
• Your home's architecture suits a substantial, decorative door

Whichever material you choose, the door has to be installed in a square, well-sealed frame with a good threshold and weatherstripping. If the existing frame is damaged, have a qualified professional look at it before you replace the door.

For contractors: Confirm the rough opening and swing for each entry before ordering, especially for iron doors, which are often made to order and can't easily be adjusted on site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fiberglass vs Iron Doors

What is the best material for an exterior front door?

For most homes, fiberglass is the best all-around material because it insulates well and needs little maintenance. Iron is the better choice when security and a dramatic entrance matter most.

Are fiberglass doors better than iron doors?

Not in every case. Fiberglass is easier to maintain and usually insulates better. Iron is stronger and makes a bolder impression.

Which exterior door needs the least maintenance?

Fiberglass is one of the lowest-maintenance options. Wood needs regular refinishing, and iron and steel doors should be checked for finish damage that could lead to rust.

Where can I buy fiberglass or iron doors in Tucson or Phoenix?

The Window Depot carries fiberglass, iron and wood exterior doors at its stores in Tucson, Phoenix, Chandler, Surprise, El Paso, Albuquerque and National City.

Compare Exterior Doors at The Window Depot

See fiberglass, iron and wood doors in person at The Window Depot in Tucson, Phoenix, Chandler, Surprise, El Paso, Albuquerque and National City. Bring your door measurements, and the staff can help you compare styles and materials for your entry. Browse exterior doors online, or find your nearest store.