Fibreglass doors are quickly becoming the preferred choice for homeowners and builders alike. Because of advances in manufacturing, fibreglass doors have become so good at mimicking the look and feel of wood, they’re virtually indistinguishable from solid mahogany, oak, or pine. But unlike wood doors, fibreglass doors won’t warp, rot, shrink, or, swell.

That’s because they’re made from the same family of glass-fibre-reinforced polymers used to craft airplanes, surfboards, and Corvettes. In other words, fibreglass doors are super-durable and built to last.

So if you’re looking for a door that looks like wood but performs like something else entirely, fibreglass is the way to go. Fibreglass doors have become increasingly popular among homeowners in recent years. This is mainly due to its aesthetic improvements and its lower cost as compared to the average wood door. 

Here are some important questions to ask before purchasing a fibreglass door:

How Much Does It Cost?

The average cost for a smooth-surfaced fibreglass door starts at $150 and goes upwards of $7,000 for a prehung, factory-stained wood-grained model with lights and molded panels. 

High-quality fiberglass entry doors range anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500.

Slab or Prehung Option

When you purchase a slab, it is just the door. You or a door installation professional still have to attach the hinges, drill holes for hardware and hang it on an existing jamb. 

A prehung door is already hinged to a jamb, has a threshold and a weather stripping system with a factory-installed lock and latch option available. You can also trim it according to the overall look of your house. 

Door Installation and Replacement

My Custom Doors is happy to assist retailers, dealers, builders and homeowners to provide professional installation services warranted by us. Feel free to contact our installation department.

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Pros and Cons of Fibreglass Doors 

Pros

  • Stability – Fibreglass is an excellent material for doors because it doesn’t shrink or swell in summer heat, nor do they let air seep through during winter cold spells. And with their molded panels (that come ready painted), these products won’t require any special recall procedures to be installed on your home!
  • Energy Efficient – A fibreglass door is typically an R-6 due to the insulating foam found inside, while a wood door is an R-2. But adding windows to your fibreglass door significantly lowers the advantage. 
  • Low Maintenance – Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is the only routine maintenance that’s required for a fibreglass door. Since this type of door doesn’t expand and contract, changes in temperature won’t affect the door’s finish. To avoid fading, a restorative top coat of clear marine varnish (or a wood-lock door) or paint can be applied. If the protective coat is kept fresh, the finish will look great.

Cons

  • Fit might be an issue – It’s important to make the necessary alterations before you install a fibreglass slab. The door opening may not be square, and some fibreglass doors cannot be trimmed at all. Some can only be trimmed on the top and bottom. Doors that can be planed on all four sides typically cannot be trimmed more than half an inch on each edge. 
  • It could crack – Although a fibreglass door will not dent, the skin may crack if it gets hit with a foreign object. Skin peeling away from the frame, otherwise known as delamination, can take place with doors that have wood stiles and rails. If it’s not sealed with varnish or paint, the wood stiles and rails will absorb water and rot. 
  • Not a unique option – With fibreglass doors, you’ll most likely have to choose from the available standard sizes, options and extras. Unless you’re willing to pay $20,000 to $30,000 to create a unique mold from a factory, most fibreglass doors will come in stand shapes and sizes.