Fiberglass Doors Don't Sacrifice Style for SubstanceFashion Forward

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In the Southwest, arches and elliptical-topped doors are popular, for instance, because they complement Spanish-style homes, says Plastpro's Chehade.

The advent of Craftsman-style doors from several manufacturers is one reason some clients switched to fiberglass, says dealer Reinhart. In the past, Craftsman-style doors were "a problem area where we had to use wood," he says, because fiberglass door manufacturers did not offer Craftsman styles.

Custom Design
Homeowners can further spruce up their grand entrances with grain, color, and accessories. Once only available in oak-grain or smooth styles, modern wood-look doors now imitate even fine grains like mahogany. As many pros know, fiberglass doors can be difficult to stain, but several manufacturers recently introduced factory stain options—and the 15 percent price premium is worth it, Reinhart says.

Design-savvy clients continue to crave fiberglass doors with beautiful glass lites, so manufacturers are offering decorative caming in finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and wrought iron. Also available are accessories including dentil shelves, popular on Craftsman-style doors, or clavos and straps for an Old World feel.

Fiberglass door makers say consumers can expect better performance, such as impact-rated products, and even more design choices as manufacturers aim to surpass steel on the entryway. And, like fashion designers, they'll continue to introduce new styles that might look perfect on your next project. -- BUILDING PRODUCTS

Frame It

A fiberglass door panel eliminates a lot of homeowner maintenance. But if you're not installing a low-maintenance door frame as well, you're only reducing—instead of virtually eliminating—maintenance issues for your clients. "Why have a primed wood frame on the door that you'd have to paint and maintain?" asks Jeff Kibler, Peachtree brand manager.

To address that problem, some manufacturers offer low-maintenance, composite frame packages that resist moisture and rot. The part of the door most susceptible to wicking moisture and rot is the door frame legs, which often go straight into the concrete, says Masonite's Dale Mayfield. "To have that part being a composite is probably the most critical part of the door," he says.

Using aluminum cladding and a snap-in brickmold for the frame is another way to reduce maintenance. APCO Window and Door's Bill Reinhart says he specs an aluminum-clad jamb on almost every home with a two-story foyer without a porch. It adds about 10 percent to the cost, but otherwise, with no coverage and a wood jamb, "your door jamb's going to rot," he says.

Masonite. The Belleville fiberglass entry door series is offered with a smooth or textured wood-grain surface. The door includes an ornate, high-definition panel profile. It is compatible with the company's extensive line of specialty glass and is available with traditional and unique panel configurations. Belleville Textured features the manufacturer's new authentic hardwood texture in oak. 800-663-3667. www.masonite.com.