Door Material Guide
At Davis Window and Door, we help homeowners compare materials, brands, and product lines so they can make the right choice with confidence.
Whether you are replacing an entry door, upgrading patio doors,
or planning a larger renovation, our team will guide you through the options based on your home’s architecture, performance needs, design goals, and budget.
Eight materials, compared honestly.
Fiberglass Doors
Durable, Efficient, and Low Maintenance
Fiberglass doors are a strong choice for homeowners who want long-term durability with very little upkeep. They resist warping, rotting, chipping, and cracking, making them a practical option for changing weather conditions.
Fiberglass can also offer the appearance of wood grain without the same level of maintenance, making it a great fit for entry doors, patio doors, and exterior applications where performance
matters.
- Low maintenance
- Good energy efficiency
- Wood-look options without full wood upkeep
- Strong durability
- Resistance to moisture and temperature changes
- Long-term value
Steel Doors
ProVia Legacy Steel entry doors
Strong, Secure, and Cost-Effective
Steel doors are known for strength, security, and affordability. They are a practical choice for homeowners who want a durable exterior entry door at a more accessible price point.
Steel doors resist warping and rotting, provide strong weather protection, and can offer excellent energy efficiency when built with insulated cores. They may not have the same premium look or design flexibility as wood or fiberglass, but they are dependable, secure, and budget-conscious.
- Strong security
- Good energy efficiency
- Durability
- A cost-effective entry door
- Weather resistance
- Practical performance
Wood Doors
Classic, Warm, and Full of Character
Wood doors are valued for their natural beauty, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. They offer warmth, texture, and architectural character that can make a major impact on the look of a home.
Wood is especially well-suited for traditional homes, historic properties, custom designs, and projects where detail and craftsmanship matter. It can be stained or painted in a wide range of finishes, but it does require more regular care than lower-maintenance materials.
- A classic, high-end look
- Custom stains and finishes
- Premium craftsmanship
- Natural wood grain and texture
- Historic or traditional design
- Strong architectural detail
Wood-Clad Doors
Real Wood Inside, Protected Exterior Outside
Wood-clad doors offer the beauty of real wood on the interior with a more durable exterior surface. This gives homeowners the warmth and character of wood inside the home while helping
reduce maintenance on the exterior.
This is a strong option for homeowners who want a premium architectural look without taking on the full exterior upkeep of an all-wood door.
- Real wood interiors
- Premium design flexibility
- Weather-resistant exterior protection
- Lower exterior maintenance
- Strong curb appeal
- A balance of beauty and durability
Fiberglass-Wood Doors
Wood Warmth With Fiberglass Performance
Fiberglass-wood doors combine a warm wood interior with a durable fiberglass exterior. This gives homeowners the look and feel of wood inside while improving exterior resistance to weather, fading, chalking, peeling, and cracking.
This option is ideal for homeowners who want a refined interior finish with long-lasting exterior performance.
- Wood beauty on the interior
- Reduced exterior maintenance
- Warmth with modern durability
- Durable fiberglass exterior
- Strong performance
- A premium balanced option
Vinyl Doors
Affordable, Weather-Resistant, and Low Maintenance
Vinyl doors are a practical option for homeowners who want affordability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. Vinyl does not absorb moisture like wood, which helps reduce the risk of warping, rotting, or long-term water damage.
Vinyl is most commonly used for patio doors and sliding door systems. It may not have the same premium feel as fiberglass, aluminum, or wood, but it can be a dependable choice for homeowners working within a specific budget.
- A budget-friendly option
- Good energy efficiency
- Practical patio door performance
- Low maintenance
- Moisture resistance
- Simple, dependable operation
Vinyl-Wood Doors
ProVia Aeris sliding patio doors
Practical Exterior With a Warm Interior Finish
Vinyl-wood doors combine the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl with the warmth and design flexibility of real wood on the interior. This gives homeowners a more traditional look inside while keeping the exterior easier to maintain.
The wood interior can often be stained or painted, making it easier to coordinate with trim, flooring, and interior finishes.
- A warm wood interior
- Good energy efficiency
- Practical performance
- Lower-maintenance exterior
- Paintable or stainable interior options
- A balanced cost and design option
Aluminum Doors
Western Window Systems
Modern, Strong, and Built for Large Openings
Aluminum doors are a strong option for modern homes, large openings, and indoor-outdoor living spaces. Their slim profiles and structural strength make them well-suited for sliding doors, multi-slide doors, bi-fold doors, and scenic door systems.
broken aluminum options can also improve energy performance by helping reduce heat transfer.
- A modern appearance
- Large glass openings
- Strong structural performance
- Slim sightlines
- Indoor-outdoor living
- Low maintenance
Comparing Door Materials
| Material | Best For | Maintenance Level |
Style | Budget Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | Durability, efficiency, low maintenance | Low | Versatile, wood-look available |
Mid to premium |
| Steel | Security and affordability | Low | Simple, practical | Entry to mid |
| Wood | Historic, custom, and traditional homes |
Higher | Classic and premium | Premium |
| Wood-Clad | Wood beauty with exterior protection | Moderate to low | Architectural and refined | Premium |
| Fiberglass-Wood | Wood interior with durable exterior | Low to moderate | Warm and premium | Premium |
| Vinyl | Budget-friendly patio doors | Low | Simple and practical | Entry to mid |
| Vinyl-Wood | Practical exterior with warm interior | Low to moderate | Traditional and flexible | Mid |
| Aluminum | Modern homes and large openings | Low | Clean and contemporary | Mid to premium |
Not Sure Which Door Material Is Right?
The best door material depends on your home, your goals, your budget, and how much maintenance you want to take on over time.
Visit one of our showrooms in Atlanta or Charlotte to compare door materials, finishes, hardware, glass options, and product lines in person. Our team will help you find the right fit for your home and guide you through every step of the process.