Choosing the right entry door for your home is a bigger decision than it might seem—especially here in Pittsburgh, where harsh winters, humid summers, and heavy rain put every material to the test. If you choose wrong, you could end up dealing with drafts, rust, maintenance headaches, and early replacements.
At Energy Swing Windows, we’ve helped thousands of Pittsburgh homeowners navigate the fiberglass vs steel debate. Since we offer both types of doors, we know firsthand how each material performs in real-world conditions.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how fiberglass and steel entry doors compare in style, durability, weather resistance, maintenance, energy efficiency, and cost.
By the end, you’ll feel completely confident about which option fits your home, your budget, and Pittsburgh’s one-of-a-kind weather challenges.
Fiberglass vs Steel: What’s the Main Difference?
At a glance, the biggest difference is style.
- Fiberglass doors are a great choice if you love the look of real wood. They have deep, rich embossing that feels like natural wood when you touch it—and they can be stained to match that classic look beautifully.
- Steel doors, on the other hand, are a great option for homeowners who prefer a solid painted color. Painting a woodgrain texture doesn't always showcase its beauty, so if you know you want a painted door, many people lean toward steel.
Bottom line: Both fiberglass and steel doors can be designed to suit just about any style of home—you’re not locked into just one look!
Now that you know the main stylistic differences, let’s take a closer look at how fiberglass and steel doors perform when it comes to everyday durability.
How Durable Are Fiberglass and Steel Entry Doors?
Durability depends a lot on the quality of the door.
- Fiberglass doors are very low maintenance and are naturally resistant to dents, scratches, and rust. ProVia has three fiberglass door lines: Embarq, Signet, and Heritage. Each offering something unique for homeowners.
- Steel doors, especially high-quality options like ProVia’s Legacy line, are made with heavy-gauge steel that's extremely durable. Lower-end steel doors from big box stores, however, can be prone to denting and rusting over time.
Bottom line: Fiberglass wins for low-maintenance durability overall, but a well-made steel door (especially when protected from direct weather) can perform beautifully for decades.
Durability is important, but Pittsburgh’s wild weather brings its own challenges for entry doors. Let’s explore how fiberglass and steel handle the elements.
How Do Fiberglass and Steel Doors Handle Pittsburgh Weather?
Pittsburgh homeowners know all four seasons hit hard here: freezing winters, humid summers, and plenty of rain in between.
- Fiberglass is affected minimally by weather swings. It doesn't rust or expand and contract nearly as much as steel does.
- Steel can expand slightly in extreme heat and contract when it's cold. It's also susceptible to rust if the finish is damaged or if lower-quality steel is used.
If your door is exposed to a lot of rain and sun without an overhang, fiberglass tends to be the safer bet in the long term. If your entry is protected by a porch, a steel door will perform just as well and may even cost less.
Of course, a door's durability isn't the only concern in Pittsburgh's unpredictable climate. Let’s dive into how fiberglass and steel compare when it comes to energy efficiency.
This entry door was exposed to years of harsh sunlight and isn’t protected by any sort of porch or overhang. For the replacement, this Cranberry Township, PA homeowner went with a modern espresso-stained fiberglass door.
Energy Efficiency: Are Fiberglass or Steel Doors Better?
Both fiberglass and steel doors can offer excellent energy efficiency when they’re made with high-quality, expanded polyurethane foam cores.
- Fiberglass doors tend to be, on average, .75 inches thicker with more advanced weather sealing. Even with glass in the door panel, most fiberglass doors are still Energy Star rated.
- Steel doors can also be very efficient, especially solid models without glass.
Despite the fact that steel conducts heat at least 40 times faster than fiberglass, the modern solid foam cores provide excellent insulation to prevent this transfer of heat.
In everyday living, most homeowners won’t feel a dramatic difference between the two. If you want the absolute best insulation and warmth at the surface of the door, fiberglass edges ahead.
Which Entry Door Material Offers Better Home Security?
Security comes down more to the locking system than the material of the door itself. That said, steel is stronger than fiberglass if you were comparing raw force resistance. ProVia’s doors, for example, include reinforced kick plates that add security no matter the material.
Did You Know? 34% of burglars twist the front door doorknob and walk right in. So it’s more important to remember to lock your doors than the strength of the material.
Keyless digital deadbolts, like the Schlage Encode Plus WIFI Deadbolt, are available that allow you to lock your door from your phone, no matter where you are.
Cost Comparison: Fiberglass vs Steel Entry Doors
- Steel doors are typically more affordable upfront.
- Fiberglass doors tend to cost more, especially because of their ability to mimic high-end wood looks and the hand-applied stain finishes.
Things that can drive up the cost for either material:
- Adding decorative glass or sidelights
- Custom paint or stain colors
- Larger or custom-sized doors
- Upgraded hardware
Average Cost of Steel vs Fiberglass Entry Doors in Pittsburgh
Quick Tip: Want a more specific price for your home? Try our door pricing calculator to get a personalized estimate in minutes.
Entry Door Maintenance: Is Fiberglass vs Steel Less Upkeep?
When choosing a new entry door, maintenance is an important factor to consider, especially if you want your investment to look great and last for years. Both fiberglass and steel doors are popular low-maintenance options, but they differ slightly in how much care they require over time.
- Fiberglass doors are extremely low maintenance—just clean with mild soap and water when needed.
- Steel doors are also low maintenance, but can require a little more attention if the finish gets scratched or damaged. Scratches should be touched up promptly to prevent rust.
Homeowners with storm doors should also be aware: trapped heat between a storm door and an entry door can sometimes cause paint to deteriorate faster, especially with darker colors.
Appearance: Which Entry Door Looks Better?
Many homeowners want a door that matches their style, and the right material depends on the look you want! Let’s see which material gives you more design flexibility.
- Fiberglass is the clear winner if you want a natural wood appearance with depth and warmth.
- Steel works well for a sleek, solid-colored door and offers a slightly wider range of panel designs.
If you want a door with a rich wood tone, fiberglass is the way to go. If you’re envisioning a bold, painted statement door (popular in Pittsburgh's brick neighborhoods), steel may suit your style perfectly.
Here’s an example of how ProVia fiberglass doors are hand-stained at their manufacturing facility.
Fiberglass vs Steel Entry Doors: Quick Cheat Sheet
To help you quickly compare your options at a glance, here’s a handy cheat sheet breaking down fiberglass and steel entry doors side by side.
Priority Comparison Guide: Should You Choose Fiberglass or Steel?
With all these factors in mind, you might still be wondering: which door material actually fits your specific priorities? Here's a simple guide to help.
✅ Choose Fiberglass if: You want a realistic wood look, minimal maintenance, and excellent energy efficiency.
✅ Choose Steel if: You prefer a painted door, have a full porch, or are looking for a strong option at a lower cost.
Next Steps: Find the Right Entry Door for Your Pittsburgh Home
Now that you know the real differences between fiberglass and steel entry doors, you're much better equipped to make a smart decision for your home.
Remember, Pittsburgh’s weather is no joke—and the right entry door can make a huge difference in your home's comfort, curb appeal, and long-term maintenance costs.
If you're ready to take the next step, visiting Energy Swing Windows’ showroom gives you a hands-on look at both fiberglass and steel doors. You’ll get expert advice, no pressure, and a customized recommendation based on your specific needs.
At Energy Swing Windows, we’re proud to help Pittsburgh homeowners choose doors that stand the test of time—beautifully and affordably. Ready to find your perfect entry door? Schedule your free consultation today!