We deal in fiberglass entry doors here at Lake Cook Exteriors. We prefer fiberglass for a variety of reasons. This blog post will focus on three different types of doors: fiberglass, steel, and wood. We will describe each and give some commonly known pros and cons for each. Then we will explain why we feel that fiberglass is absolutely the way to go here in Illinois.
Wood Entry Doors
Wood doors are very common because people love the versatility and beauty of a solid wood door. They’re available in a wide array of stains or colors, and may be customized with glass or other elements. They provide an insulation rating of about R-2 to R-5 and cost between $2,000 and $4,000 for a pretty standard prehung door in the frame, hinges, locksets, sidelights, and weather stripping. This is, of course, a rough estimate based on some of the latest figures we’ve seen on doors that are comparable to ours.
Steel Entry Doors
Steel doors are stronger than wood and they won’t crack or warp. They do dent if they’re on the receiving end of a heavy impact. Most dents can be pulled out and repaired using the same type of repair kit that you would use on a vehicle. Steel doors have an insulation rating of about R-5 to R-11 depending on the core and not including windows. They have a very broad price range depending on how they’re designed; they range between $1,500 and $5,000, also based on figures we’ve seen recently on comparable doors with surrounds.
Fiberglass Entry Doors
Fiberglass doors are more durable than both wood and steel. They are very low maintenance; only requiring an occasional wash. They do not dent, and offer an insulation rating of R-5 up to R-11 depending on the core and the number of windows. They range in price from $1,300 to $3,000 depending on additional optional items purchased.
Our Opinion
You probably already know our opinion – we are very biased toward fiberglass entry doors. We work primarily with Therma Tru fiberglass doors and Pella storm doors. We have Fypon surrounds and prefer those over other manufacturers because they’re incredibly beautiful, durable, and high quality. You may order a fiberglass door that has already been painted or a plain one that you can paint and customize as you wish. We enjoy seeing the combinations of doors, surrounds, hardware, and colors that homeowners choose.
Come Visit Us
Our showroom is full of amazing fiberglass entry doors, surrounds, guttering, windows, and too many wonderful name brands to mention. Visit us at 50 East Palatine Road in Palatine, IL, for a true hands-on experience that will help you make your decision more effectively than looking at pictures online or in a catalogue.