Think about how often you use your front door—it’s the first thing guests see, the barrier between you and the outside world, and a key player in keeping your home comfortable year-round. But when it comes time to replace it, choosing the right one isn’t always easy.
Fiberglass and steel insulated doors stand out as two of the most popular options, each with its own advantages. Do you prioritize durability, security, or aesthetics? Fiberglass doors offer the charm of wood without the upkeep, while steel doors provide unmatched strength. Insulation and weather resistance also come into play—fiberglass is excellent for energy efficiency, while steel holds up better against impact. With so many factors to consider, how do you decide?
For homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada, these two doors are the leading choices. By breaking down their strengths and trade-offs, GEM can help you find the perfect entry door that fits your home’s style, security needs, and long-term goals.
Appearance and Aesthetics
A door plays a big role in your home’s curb appeal, setting the tone for visitors and making lasting impressions. Whether you prefer a classic or contemporary look, both fiberglass and steel doors offer great design options—but they differ in texture, finish, and customization.
Fiberglass Doors: If you love the look of wood but don’t want the hassle of maintaining it, fiberglass is a fantastic alternative. It can replicate the natural grain of woods like fir, mahogany, and cherry, and it’s available in a variety of stains and colours. Whether you want a rustic or modern style, fiberglass doors offer versatile customization to suit your home’s exterior.
Steel Doors: Steel doors, on the other hand, provide a smooth aesthetic. They come in a smooth finish and can be painted to match your home’s colour scheme. While they don’t have the same depth of texture as fiberglass, they work well for any home with a traditional, contemporary, or industrial design.
Durability and Maintenance
Your front door should be able to handle Toronto’s or Canada’s unpredictable weather, from humid summers to freezing winters. Both materials are built to last, but they perform differently under pressure.
Fiberglass Doors: These doors are designed to resist warping, shrinking, and swelling, making them an excellent choice for extreme weather conditions. They require minimal upkeep—just an occasional wipe-down to remove dust and dirt. However, while durable, fiberglass doors can crack or dent upon hard impact, and repairing them can be costly.
Steel Doors: Not all steel doors offer the same level of strength—the quality of the steel makes a big difference. Standard 24-gauge steel provides solid durability, while thinner options are more prone to dents. GEM ensures strength by offering 24-gauge steel doors as standard, with the Novatech High-Performance (NHP) door featuring even stronger 22-gauge steel. While steel doors withstand harsh weather, they can dent or scratch, so regular touch-ups help prevent rust and maintain their longevity.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a major factor, especially with the rising cost of heating and cooling. Both fiberglass and steel doors come insulated, but one stands out in terms of performance.
Fiberglass Doors: With a high-density foam core, fiberglass doors provide superior insulation. They help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
Steel Doors: Steel doors also offer good insulation, but because metal conducts temperature, they can become hot in summer and cold in winter. However, adding thermal breaks and weather stripping can improve their insulation properties.
Security
A strong entry door enhances your home’s security, providing peace of mind for you and your family. While both Fiberglass and Steel offer security and protection, one may meet your needs more effectively than the other.
Fiberglass Doors: While fiberglass doors are durable, they are lighter than steel, meaning they don’t offer the same level of impact resistance. However, upgrading to a 2-1/4" fiberglass door adds extra weight, giving it a more solid, wood-like feel. When paired with a multi-point locking system, fiberglass doors still provide strong security and reliability.
Steel Doors: If security is your top concern, steel doors are the better choice. Their tough metal construction makes them hard to break into, and adding a multi-point lock system enhances protection by evenly distributing force and resisting tampering. For even greater strength, the NHP Door offers twice the structural integrity of a standard steel door, making it one of the most secure options available.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
When choosing between fiberglass and steel doors, it’s important to consider what matters most—durability, energy efficiency, or security. Each material has its own advantages, and understanding their key benefits can help you decide.
Fiberglass Doors
Mimics the look of wood without the upkeep
Excellent insulation, reducing energy costs
Resistant to warping, swelling, and moisture damage
Steel Doors
Superior strength and security
More budget-friendly than fiberglass
Holds up well against dents and physical damage
Both options have their strengths, so the right choice depends on your home’s needs and your personal preferences.
Why Choose GEM Windows & Doors?
We know that choosing an entry door is a big decision. It’s about style, security, durability, and energy efficiency, all in one package. That’s why GEM Windows & Doors is here to help.
For over 60 years, we’ve been helping GTA homeowners find the perfect doors for their homes. Here’s why customers trust us:
Expert Consultation: We take the time to understand your needs and help you choose the best door for your home.
High-Quality, Canadian-made Products: We offer a range of top-tier fiberglass and steel doors from trusted Canadian manufacturers.
Professional Installation: Our team ensures a seamless fit for maximum durability and performance.
The best way to choose a door is to see it in person. Visit our showroom at 1590 The Queensway—one of the largest and most innovative in Toronto. Compare fiberglass and steel doors side by side, feel the materials, and find the perfect fit for your home. Book your visit today.
Still unsure which entry door is right for your home? We’re happy to help. Contact a GEM representative today to learn more about the perfect door for you.
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