Custom Fiberglass Entry Doors

Choosing fiberglass

Homeowners are choosing custom fiberglass entry doors. Of the various materials that can withstand outside elements, fiberglass emerges as a top choice for making entry doors to a house or building.

Mimicking wood

Even though homeowners prefer the natural look of stained wood grain, fortunately this can be replicated by modern fiberglass composite materials. The surface of fiberglass entry doors can be covered to mimic the grainy look of wood using a coat of textured, wood mold. Treatment with standard wood stain completes the look of fiberglass to match popular choices such as oak.

Customizing entry systems

The traditional entry door replacement has involved simply removing a door from its hinges and placing a new one on. The new movement is to install a whole entry system, which includes the vertical sides of the frame (known as the jamb), paned glass, and door sills (the bottom portion) which can accomodate a door interface.

Flanking fiberglass panels on the sides of the jambs adorned with glass panes is also available as part of a system. The installation of such an elaborate doorway can add high value to a home not only because of its value but also because of the added look and attractiveness. For a custom fiberglass entry door, one may select from amongst a preset number of styles for various elements of the door, and elements of the so-called “sidelights” of the door, which are panels added to frame the jambs that are made of the same material as the door.

Hardy materials

The advantage of fiberglass entry doors is that they are extremely hardy with the lowest maintenance out of all door materials, including wood and steel. This gives the manufacturer and retailer added room to support long warranties for the end consumer. There are companies that will go as far as guaranteeing the door for duration of your home ownership - available for customers who go the distance by opting for the most extensive entry system.

A mix of materials

Typically the materials of fiberglass entry doors is not wholly uniform. Some parts of a full entry system may in fact contain wood paneling, edges or finishes. Moreover, the interior of such doors can be composed of insulating materials. The name fiberglass entry door belies its complex construction. Even so, the artificial material costs less than the equivalent other materials.

A plethora of options

Choosing a custom fiberglass entry door may be an involving decision because the customization process is so detailed. The end consumer must pick from amongst dozens of basic layout designs of the main door, in addition to variations of the side lights that flank the door. After the layout is chosen, the consumer must select the faux woodgrain finish for staining the fiberglass. Included in these are antique finishes. The woodgrain is secondary to a final painting step which can turn the custom door into a unique shade. If the consumer is interested in individualization, s/he may ask for carving that will imprint completely unique designs on the door. Should glass be also installed as panels in either the main door or the side lights, the kinds of glass that are available number in the several dozens.