Decorating Guides
Wooden Doors vs Fibreglass Doors: Which Are Better?
Compare the strengths and shortcomings of wooden and fibreglass doors and then make an informed choice
The design for the entrance door or the interior doors of your home is an important part of the design process. It is also important to select the door material wisely. The material that is used for fabricating the door is not only responsible for the overall look of the doors but it is the key factor that determines the strength, durability and ease of maintenance of the doors. In this article, we look at wooden doors vs fibreglass doors.
Pros
- Wooden doors impart a warm, sophisticated and high-end look to the home.
- The best part about wooden doors is that they can blend with many kinds of home decor – modern, transitional or traditional.
- Wooden doors can be customised into any design as it is easy to work with wood.
- Additionally, wooden doors can be easily sanded, polished and the scratches repaired to restore their original look.
Cons
- Since wooden entrance doors and patio doors are exposed to external weather elements such as rain, sun and heat, they cause different types of wood finishes to fade. Therefore, these doors require periodic staining and maintenance.
- One disadvantage is that wood is prone to termite attacks. Hence, make it a point to treat the wooden door with anti-termite chemicals regularly to prevent a termite infestation.
- Another minus is that wooden doors have the tendency to absorb moisture and swell during the monsoon season, because of which the opening and closing the doors becomes difficult. Also, the moisture causes the wood finish to peel or bubble.
- Wooden doors do not provide good heat or sound insulation.
Fibreglass doors
- Fibreglass doors are often referred to as FRP doors, which stands for fibreglass reinforced plastic doors. Fibreglass doors are designed to simulate the look of wood but are much stronger than conventional wooden doors.
- The frame of a fibreglass door is made with a composite material that is reinforced with glass fibres and resembles the look of wood. The core is filled with polyurethane insulating foam.
Pros
- Fibreglass doors are light in weight, highly durable, sturdy, scratch resistant, energy efficient and long lasting. They do not rot, corrode or require frequent repairs.
- The best part about fibreglass doors is that they have a smooth surface, which makes it easy to clean and maintain. Also, these doors don’t have to be stained or painted regularly.
- Since the core material of fibreglass doors is polyurethane foam, it provides very good sound insulation.
- Fibreglass doors are energy efficient as they reduce the amount of heat which enters the home and provides good heat insulation against extreme temperatures.
- Another advantage is that fibreglass doors do not rust or warp in the presence of moisture. Unlike wood, fibreglass doors do not contract or expand in the presence of moisture
- Fibreglass doors are available in a wide range of colours and designs.
- These doors are resistant to termites.
Fiberglass Maricoba front entry double door.30"x30"x80 Right-hand Inswing
Cons
If you are looking for a door that is low in maintenance and can be subjected to extreme weather conditions, then go for a fibreglass door instead of a wooden one.
Read more:
A Guide to Door Styles
5 Things to Check Before You Buy a Front Door
Tell us:
Have you installed a fibreglass door in your home? Share your experience and recommendations in the Comments section below.
- Although fibreglass doors mimic the look of real wood, they have a synthetic appearance that does not give the feel of natural wood.
- Fibreglass doors are comparatively more expensive than wooden doors.
If you are looking for a door that is low in maintenance and can be subjected to extreme weather conditions, then go for a fibreglass door instead of a wooden one.
Read more:
A Guide to Door Styles
5 Things to Check Before You Buy a Front Door
Tell us:
Have you installed a fibreglass door in your home? Share your experience and recommendations in the Comments section below.
The most popular types of wooden doors include:
- Panel doors: These doors are made in solid wood and are mainly used as the entrance door. The various components of the panel doors include stiles, rails and infill panels which are assembled together to form the door.
- Flush doors: They are plain, flat doors made up of a wooden framework covered with plywood and with a hollow core, or filled with foam, low-density particle board or stacked slats of hardwood. Flush doors are very cost-effective and can be finished in materials such as paint, veneer and laminates. With clever design, their plain facings can become an asset, highlighting features around them. They are usually better suited for interior doors.
- Louvred doors: They comprise inclined horizontal slats that are fitted within the frame of the door shutter. These doors come with fixed louvres or movable ones that allow constant airflow and natural ventilation throughout the day, which can be controlled in the case of movable louvres.
- Glazed wooden doors: These doors comprise a single glass panel or multiple glass panes, as in French doors, to allow plenty of natural light to penetrate to the interiors.
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