I'm looking to replace my exterior side door, which is currently wood that we love. It fits perfectly with our wood-themed kitchen, but I'm finding that wooden doors can be super pricey. I've heard that wood-textured fiberglass might be a cheaper alternative that still delivers a nice aesthetic. We're open to staining it ourselves if needed. I'm curious if anyone here has experience with these doors. How good are they in terms of quality and do they really mimic the look of real wood well? Any recommendations or advice on what to avoid?
1 Answer
Wood-grain fiberglass doors are a solid option! Different manufacturers have varying levels of realism when it comes to the wood grain textures. Generally, the ones that look more authentic tend to cost more. From my experience working at a major door manufacturer, I recommend getting a factory finish. I’ve seen homeowners try to stain them on their own, and many ended up wishing they’d just paid for the factory stain instead. It’s trickier than it looks!
Any specific brands you’d recommend for the more authentic looking options? Also, does the price get close to actual wood doors?