Choosing the Right
Entrance Door Material

This guide compares four popular entrance door materials, fibreglass, steel, vinyl, and wood, to help you make an informed decision.

If you're a homeowner in Ottawa or the surrounding region, this guide will help you compare materials and decide which option makes the most sense for your climate, budget, and home style.

Material & Construction

Fibreglass Entrance Doors

Fibreglass doors are constructed with reinforced fibreglass skins over a solid, insulated core, often polyurethane. These doors are engineered to replicate the look of real wood without the associated maintenance issues, offering strength, security, and longevity.

Steel Entrance Doors

Steel doors feature a steel skin, typically galvanised, over an insulated foam core. They provide excellent strength and security at a lower cost than fibreglass or wood, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking durability on a budget.

Vinyl Entrance Doors

Vinyl doors are made from uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), a lightweight and budget-friendly material. They are often used for side or back doors and may be combined with glass or steel components. While resistant to moisture, their design options are limited compared to other materials.

Wood Entrance Doors

Wood doors are crafted from solid wood or wood veneers over engineered cores. They offer unmatched beauty and craftsmanship but require significant maintenance to stay in good condition, making them best suited for protected entryways.

Appearance & Style Options

Fibreglass Entrance Doors

Fibreglass doors are highly versatile, and can be stained to mimic real wood grain or painted in bold colours, with many styles to suit both modern and traditional homes.

Steel Entrance Doors

Steel doors are typically smooth and painted, though some can be embossed with wood-like textures. Style options are expanding but still limited compared to fibreglass.

Vinyl Entrance Doors

Vinyl doors have limited colour and design flexibility, usually smooth basic finishes like white or beige, making them less ideal for statement-making front entrances.

Wood Entrance Doors

Wood doors are the most customisable, allowing for stain, carving, or paint for unique finishes, suitable for historic homes or premium custom builds.

Durability & Performance in Ottawa’s Climate

Fibreglass Entrance Doors

Fibreglass offers excellent resistance to dents, warping, cracking, and moisture, and withstands Ottawa’s temperature swings, snow, and humidity.

Steel Entrance Doors

Steel is very strong and secure, but can dent or rust if the paint finish is damaged, performing well in harsh weather if properly protected.

Vinyl Entrance Doors

Vinyl is resistant to moisture but can become brittle in extreme cold, and UV exposure may cause fading or slight warping over time.

Wood Entrance Doors

Wood can swell, crack, or rot with exposure to moisture or poor maintenance, and is not ideal for exposed, weather-facing entries in Ottawa.

Energy Efficiency

Fibreglass Entrance Doors

Fibreglass provides excellent insulation due to its thick foam core and tight-fitting seals, helping reduce heating and cooling costs.

Steel Entrance Doors

Steel is also highly energy-efficient when insulated with a quality foam core, slightly less thermally stable than fibreglass but still very effective.

Vinyl Entrance Doors

Vinyl offers decent insulation but may not match the efficiency of fibreglass or steel doors.

Wood Entrance Doors

Wood provides natural insulation but may lack the consistency and efficiency of modern insulated doors.

Maintenance & Longevity

Fibreglass Entrance Doors

Fibreglass requires occasional cleaning and may need repainting over time. It won’t rust, rot, or peel. A stained fibreglass door may need occasional clear coat touch-ups.

Steel Entrance Doors

Steel requires low to moderate maintenance, and touch-ups may be necessary to prevent rust and maintain appearance.

Vinyl Entrance Doors

Vinyl requires minimal maintenance, though occasional cleaning is recommended to remove dirt and stains..

Wood Entrance Doors

Wood requires high maintenance, including regular sealing or painting to protect against weather-related damage.

Security

Fibreglass Entrance Doors

Fibreglass doors are known for their solid core construction, making them highly resistant to forced entry. Many models come with reinforced frames and advanced locking options, offering excellent security for your home. While fibreglass itself is not fire-rated, some doors can be specially certified to meet fire safety standards if required.

Steel Entrance Doors

Steel doors are among the most secure options on the market due to their heavy-gauge metal construction. They are very difficult to break through, making them ideal for homeowners prioritising safety. Additionally, steel doors often come with fire-rated options, providing an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

Vinyl Entrance Doors

Vinyl doors generally provide basic security but are less robust compared to fibreglass or steel. Because of their lighter construction, vinyl doors are more vulnerable to forced entry and rarely carry fire safety ratings. They are best used in secondary entrances or low-risk areas.

Wood Entrance Doors

Wood doors offer moderate security depending on their thickness and core material. Solid hardwood doors can be strong, but wood is more susceptible to damage from force and fire. Fire ratings for wood doors vary widely, and special fire-rated wood doors are available for added protection.

Cost Considerations

Fibreglass Entrance Doors

Mid-to-high price range, but offers exceptional long-term value thanks to energy savings and durability.

Steel Entrance Doors

Typically, the most affordable material. A great choice for budget-conscious homeowners who still want solid performance.

Vinyl Entrance Doors

Low-cost option, usually reserved for secondary doors or basic entry systems.

Wood Entrance Doors

Most expensive upfront and over time (due to maintenance), but adds unmatched beauty and curb appeal.

Popularity & Warranty Insights

Most Popular Choice

Fibreglass doors are now the most popular for front entrances in Canada due to their durability, energy efficiency, and design versatility.

Best Warranties

Fibreglass and steel doors typically carry the best warranties, often 20 years or more on structure, finish, and glass. Vinyl doors offer moderate warranties, usually 10–15 years, sometimes prorated. Wood doors have the shortest and most conditional warranties, typically 5–10 years, and require strict maintenance to remain valid.

Additional Consumer Considerations

Sound Insulation

Many homeowners care about how well their door blocks outside noise. Fibreglass and solid-core steel doors typically provide good sound insulation, whereas vinyl and thinner wood doors might let more noise through.

Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Some buyers look for doors made from sustainable materials or those that have a smaller carbon footprint. Wood doors from responsibly managed forests or fibreglass doors with recyclable components can appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Installation Complexity & Cost

Door installation can vary significantly depending on the material. Fibreglass and steel doors may require professional installation due to weight and frame requirements, while vinyl and some wood doors might be easier to install as DIY projects.

Weather Resistance & Warranty on Finish

Consumers want doors that can withstand sun, rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles without fading, peeling, or warping. Warranty length and coverage on finishes are crucial here—fibreglass and steel often have the best warranties.

Impact Resistance

Steel resists heavy impacts, fibreglass endures knocks with ease, wood is prone to dents, and PVC handles everyday bumps.

Resale Value & Curb Appeal

The right door can boost a home’s curb appeal and resale value. High-end fibreglass and wood doors often add more perceived value, while steel offers solid security appeal at a lower cost.