Is there a downside to fiberglass doors?

Yes, there are some downsides to fiberglass doors despite being considered best overall for entry doors, including higher cost than steel, potential fading of dark stains, and difficulty repairing if damaged. One downside is cost, fiberglass entry doors cost 500 to 1,200 dollars pre-hung materials, which is significantly more than steel entry doors at 300 to 600 dollars, making fiberglass less attractive for budget projects. Another downside is that dark stained finishes on fiberglass doors with wood grain can fade after 5 to 10 years in intense sun exposure if not maintained with topcoat, requiring re-staining to maintain appearance, though painted fiberglass fades less. Fiberglass doors can also be difficult to repair if dented or cracked, unlike steel that can be filled and painted, fiberglass may require replacing skin or entire door if severely damaged. Some homeowners note that cheap fiberglass doors can feel less solid than wood, though premium Therma-Tru Classic-Craft feels very solid. Installation requires proper handling as fiberglass can crack if mishandled. Compared to wood, fiberglass cannot be easily trimmed to fit non-standard openings. Despite these downsides, fiberglass doors offer excellent low maintenance, resistance to warping, rotting, and denting, and good energy efficiency, making downsides minor for most homeowners compared to benefits, with most considering fiberglass best overall entry door material.