Your home’s exterior door isn’t just an entry point; it’s a statement piece that boosts curb appeal, enhances security, and helps with energy efficiency. But choosing the right front door? That’s no easy task. With so many door brands and materials—fiberglass doors, steel doors, and solid wood doors, to name a few—it can feel overwhelming.
The good news? We’ve done the legwork for you. This guide dives into the best exterior door brands, breaking down their door options, pricing, and standout features. Whether you’re after something stylish, durable, or a mix of both, this list will help you find the perfect door for your home’s exterior.
Keep reading to learn about the top entry door brands and what makes them worth your consideration. Let’s get started!
How We Chose the Best Exterior Door Brands
When it comes to finding the perfect door, not all options are created equal. To ensure we’re giving you the best advice, we based our comparison on these key factors:
1. Materials and Durability
From fiberglass doors to steel doors and solid wood doors, the materials used in a door can determine its strength, lifespan, and ability to withstand bad weather. We evaluated each brand’s material options and their reputation for delivering high-quality doors.
2. Energy Efficiency and Weather Resistance
A great entry door should help keep your home comfortable while reducing your energy bills. We focused on doors with features like polyurethane foam cores, superior insulation, and seals designed to handle even the harshest conditions.
3. Style and Design Options
Your door should match your home’s style while also reflecting your personal taste. We looked for brands offering a variety of door options, from modern designs with glass panels to classic solid wood doors that enhance home’s curb appeal.
4. Pricing and Value
Buying a new front door is an investment, so we considered the balance between price and quality. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly fiberglass entry or a luxurious vault-like steel door, this guide highlights options for every budget.
5. Customer Feedback and Brand Reputation
We also factored in customer reviews, industry rankings, and each brand’s reputation for craftsmanship and service. Brands like Pella, Therma-Tru, and Jeld-Wen stood out for their consistent quality and performance.
By combining these factors, we’ve created a list of the best entry door brands that offer a blend of durability, design, and value. Keep reading to find the one that fits your needs!
Top 5 Exterior Door Brands: A Breakdown
Let’s dive into the best exterior door brands that stand out for their quality, durability, and design. Whether you’re after a fiberglass entry with glass panels or a robust steel door, these brands have something for everyone.
1. Pella Doors: Premium Design and Unmatched Quality
For homeowners seeking top-of-the-line quality and style, Pella is a standout brand. Known for their innovative designs, durability, and energy efficiency, Pella doors offer a perfect combination of form and function. Here’s why Pella doors are a premium choice:
Materials
Pella offers exterior doors crafted from high-quality fiberglass, steel, and solid wood. Their fiberglass doors are designed for superior durability and weather resistance, while their steel doors provide unparalleled security and strength. If you’re drawn to the timeless charm of wood, Pella’s solid wood doors are crafted with attention to detail and can be customized to suit your home’s style.
Design Options
Pella doors shine when it comes to design versatility. From sleek, modern styles to traditional designs with intricate glass panels, Pella offers something for every aesthetic. Customizable options like natural light-friendly windows, sidelights, and transoms allow you to create a door that truly reflects your personal taste and enhances your home’s curb appeal.
Cost
As a premium brand, Pella doors are priced on the higher end. However, their long-lasting durability, energy savings, and stunning design make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking luxury and performance.
2. Therma-Tru Doors: Durable, Stylish, and Energy-Efficient
Therma-Tru is a top choice for homeowners who want fiberglass doors that mimic the beauty of real wood without the maintenance. Known for their durability and energy efficiency, Therma-Tru doors balance style and practicality.
Materials
Therma-Tru specializes in fiberglass doors that are built to last. These doors are resistant to dents, warping, and rot, making them ideal for all climates. They also offer steel door options for homeowners who prioritize strength and security.
Design Options
Therma-Tru’s catalog includes a vast selection of styles, from classic paneled designs to modern doors with sleek glass panels. Their customization options include woodgrain textures, decorative glass, and sidelights, so you can create a door that matches your home’s unique architecture.
Cost
Therma-Tru doors are priced in the mid-range, making them accessible to most homeowners. Their blend of affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal makes them a smart investment for anyone looking to upgrade their front door.
3. Jeld-Wen Doors: Affordable Versatility for Every Home
Jeld-Wen is a reliable option for homeowners who want stylish, durable doors without breaking the bank. With a wide range of materials and designs, this brand offers solutions for nearly every budget and style.
Materials
Jeld-Wen’s doors are available in fiberglass, steel, and wood. Their fiberglass doors are known for being lightweight yet durable, while their steel doors provide strength and security. For those who prefer natural aesthetics, their wood doors offer classic charm with customizable finishes.
Design Options
From minimalist, modern designs to more traditional options, Jeld-Wen provides a variety of door options to suit any home’s exterior. Many of their doors can be customized with features like glass panels, sidelights, and hardware, allowing you to achieve a personalized look.
Cost
Jeld-Wen doors are among the most affordable on the market, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Despite their competitive pricing, these doors don’t skimp on quality or style.
4. Masonite Doors: Quality Craftsmanship at an Affordable Price
For homeowners seeking high-quality doors with a touch of style, Masonite is a brand worth considering. Their doors are known for their durability, versatility, and wide range of design options.
Materials
Masonite offers doors in fiberglass, steel, and wood. Their fiberglass doors are engineered for durability and energy efficiency, while their steel doors are built for strength and security. For those who prefer the natural beauty of wood, Masonite’s solid wood doors provide a timeless option that can be stained or painted to match your home.
Design Options
With a vast selection of styles, Masonite makes it easy to find a door that suits your home’s architecture. Whether you’re drawn to rustic charm or sleek modern looks, Masonite has options, including doors with decorative glass panels, sidelights, and hardware accents.
Cost
Masonite doors are known for their affordability, making them a favorite among budget-conscious homeowners. While they may come at a lower price point than some premium brands, they still deliver excellent durability and performance.
5. Stanley Doors: Functional, Secure, and Affordable
Stanley focuses on creating durable and functional doors that provide reliable performance. While they may not offer as many decorative options as other brands, their focus on practicality and security makes them a solid choice.
Materials
Stanley specializes in steel doors, which are ideal for homeowners who prioritize strength and weather resistance. These doors are designed to withstand wear and tear while offering enhanced security.
Design Options
Stanley’s design options lean toward functionality, but they still offer clean, modern looks that fit well with most home’s exteriors. Customization options like sidelights and transoms are available for some models.
Cost
One of the most affordable options on this list, Stanley doors are perfect for homeowners looking for a no-frills solution to their entryway needs.
How to Choose the Right Door for Your Home
Selecting the perfect entry door for your home can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into a few key considerations makes the process much easier. Here’s what to think about when narrowing down your options:
1. Assess Your Needs
- Security: If safety is your top priority, a sturdy steel door is hard to beat. Look for models with reinforced frames and strong locks.
- Energy Efficiency: If cutting down on energy bills matters, opt for doors with polyurethane foam cores and weather seals. Brands like Therma-Tru and Pella excel in this area.
- Curb Appeal: Want to boost your home’s curb appeal? Go for stylish designs with glass panels, decorative hardware, or solid wood doors for timeless elegance.
2. Consider Your Home’s Style
The door should complement your home’s architecture and exterior design.
- Traditional Homes: Opt for solid wood doors or fiberglass entry doors with classic paneling.
- Modern Homes: Sleek designs with clean lines and natural light-friendly features are ideal.
- Rustic Homes: A woodgrain-textured fiberglass door or solid wood door with sidelights will add charm.
3. Know Your Budget
Your budget plays a significant role in your decision.
- High-End Choices: If budget isn’t a concern, brands like Pella and Therma-Tru offer premium doors with exceptional performance and design.
- Mid-Range Options: Brands like Masonite and Jeld-Wen provide excellent quality at a reasonable price.
- Budget-Friendly Solutions: For affordable and functional options, consider Stanley doors.
4. Think About Maintenance
Different materials require varying levels of care:
- Low-Maintenance Choices: Fiberglass doors and steel doors are easy to maintain and resistant to wear and tear.
- High-Maintenance Choices: Solid wood doors may need periodic staining or painting to keep them looking their best.
5. Factor in Climate
Your local climate can influence the best door material for your home:
- Hot and Humid Areas: Opt for durable fiberglass doors that resist warping and cracking.
- Cold Regions: Look for doors with excellent weather resistance and superior insulation, like those from Therma-Tru or Pella.
- Storm-Prone Areas: Consider impact-resistant steel doors or doors designed to handle bad weather.
6. Look for Customization Options
Customizable doors allow you to create the perfect match for your home:
- Add sidelights or transoms to bring in more natural light.
- Choose decorative hardware and finishes to enhance your home’s exterior.
- Consider doors with detachable insect screens for seasonal flexibility.
7. Get Professional Installation
Even the best entry door brands won’t perform well if not installed correctly. Invest in professional door installation to ensure your door fits properly and seals tightly against drafts.
By focusing on these factors, you can find a door that fits your needs, budget, and style perfectly. Ready to explore the options? Check out our comparison table below for a quick recap of the top brands!
Comparison Table: Top 5 Exterior Door Brands
To make your decision even easier, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the top exterior door brands. This table highlights the key details to help you quickly find the perfect door for your home:
| Brand | Materials | Design Options | Energy Efficiency | Cost | Best For |
| Pella | Fiberglass, Steel, Solid Wood | Modern and traditional styles, glass panels, sidelights, customizable finishes | Excellent | High | Homeowners seeking luxury and long-term value |
| Therma-Tru | Fiberglass, Steel | Classic and modern styles, decorative glass, woodgrain textures | Superior | Mid-range | Durable, stylish doors at a reasonable price |
| Jeld-Wen | Fiberglass, Steel, Wood | Traditional and contemporary options, customizable hardware | Good | Affordable | Budget-conscious buyers who want variety |
| Masonite | Fiberglass, Steel, Solid Wood | Trendy styles, detachable glass panels, customizable finishes | Good | Mid-range | Stylish and durable doors for any climate |
| Stanley | Steel | Simple, functional designs with basic customization | Decent | Budget-friendly | Practical homeowners focused on security |
This table provides a quick overview of what each brand brings to the table. Whether you prioritize energy efficiency, style, or affordability, there’s a brand on this list that fits your needs.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Door
Choosing the right entry door is about more than just looks—it’s about combining style, security, and functionality to create a welcoming and durable entryway for your home. Whether you’re upgrading for better energy efficiency, improved curb appeal, or simply because your current door has seen better days, this guide has you covered.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Pella is the go-to for homeowners seeking luxurious designs and long-term durability.
- Therma-Tru offers a blend of affordability, style, and performance, especially with their innovative fiberglass doors.
- Jeld-Wen is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want a variety of options and reliable quality.
- Masonite balances affordability with trendy, customizable designs that fit almost any home.
- Stanley delivers practical, secure doors at a budget-friendly price point.
The best exterior door for your home ultimately depends on your priorities—be it budget, material, or style. Take the time to assess your needs, compare the brands, and pick a door that not only fits your home’s style but also stands the test of time.
Still unsure? Explore your local door manufacturers or reach out to professionals for recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Remember, the right door doesn’t just improve your home’s exterior—it enhances your daily life. So go ahead, make the investment, and enjoy the many benefits of a high-quality front door!
FAQs
1. What is the best material for an exterior door?
The best material depends on your needs:
- Solid wood doors provide unmatched beauty and classic appeal but require regular upkeep.
- Fiberglass doors are durable, low-maintenance, and offer excellent weather resistance and insulation.
- Steel doors are strong, secure, and great for bad weather conditions, though they may dent over time.
2. Are fiberglass doors better than steel doors?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Fiberglass doors are versatile, energy-efficient, and resist warping, making them ideal for all climates. Steel doors, on the other hand, offer superior security and durability but may lack customization options compared to fiberglass.
3. How much does a good entry door cost?
The price of an entry door can vary widely:
- Solid wood doors usually start at $1,000 and can exceed $4,000 for high-end options.
- Fiberglass doors typically cost between $500 and $3,000, depending on customization.
- Steel doors are more affordable, starting around $300 but can go up to $1,500 for premium models.
4. What features should I look for in an energy-efficient door?
Look for doors with:
- Polyurethane foam cores for insulation.
- Weather seals to prevent drafts.
- Energy Star certification, which ensures the door meets high efficiency standards.
5. Which door brands are the most reliable?
Some of the most trusted brands include:
- Stanley: Focused on durability and affordability.
- Pella: Known for premium designs and energy efficiency.
- Therma-Tru: Offers durable and stylish fiberglass doors.
- Jeld-Wen: A budget-friendly choice with solid quality.
- Masonite: Great for trendy designs and customizable options.
6. Can I install an exterior door myself?
While DIY installation is possible, it’s not always recommended. Properly aligning and sealing the door is crucial for weather resistance and insulation. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done right and prevents future issues.
7. How often should I replace my front door?
A high-quality front door can last 20–30 years or more, depending on the material and maintenance. Signs you might need a replacement include drafts, visible wear and tear, or difficulty opening and closing the door.
8. What adds more curb appeal: a wood or fiberglass door?
Both can boost your home’s curb appeal, but it depends on your style preference:
- Fiberglass doors can mimic woodgrain textures while offering more durability and less maintenance.
- Solid wood doors offer a timeless, luxurious look.
9. What’s the difference between an entry door and a storm door?
- An entry door is your primary front door, designed for security, insulation, and aesthetics.
- A storm door is a secondary door installed in front of your entry door, offering extra protection from the elements and sometimes allowing for insect screens in warmer months.
10. Where can I buy the best exterior doors?
Top door manufacturers sell through big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as specialty dealers. Many brands, like Pella and Therma-Tru, also offer local showrooms where you can see options in person.
