Entry door brands

We're picking out a new front door. We're looking at steel, as fiberglass seems too expensive. We've seen a lot of brands and it is hard to know which to choose. Thermatru is awfully pricey, though they look nice and have a good reputation. We're thinking of a steel door from Masonite (Masonite HD Steel). Does anyone have any experience with Masonite entry doors? Are they good quality?

Thanks!

 

Masonite makes a fine steel door, but you will be limited as to what you can do with the steel except for painting it. Look at what type window they offer, as you don't want a 9 lite door for a front door. I would seriously shop the fiberglas line, as they don't swell, crack, warp and you can stain them just like real wood for a rich look.
But it is your door, and Masonite is good, but there are other brands just a good, so shop around as it introduces your house to guests.
Let us know if we can help further.

 

Thanks for the advice, Larry.

Our leaning toward Masonite steel doors is due primarily to price. It seems like it is the most attractive door for the money. Do you know of anyone who has bought one and has had problems? I have so little experience in this department!

The door we are replacing is an ugly, cheap steel door that came on our modest little modular. We're hoping that a pretty, tasteful front door, some new shutters and nice landscaping will help make the house look a little bit less like a box! But the front door is south-facing and gets very, very hot in summer. It sounds like you're telling me that fiberglass will be more stable in those conditions. We had pretty much concluded that we could not afford a fiberglass door. Will we be very sorry if we don't pony up for the fiberglass?

Thanks so much for all the help.

 

No, I am just saying to scope out all the options. If price is a factor, and you plan on dressing up around it (as you stated), then the steel door will do just fine. You can purchase woodgraining kits from big orange and make it look like wood, if you wanted to. South facing is better than east or west, so count your blessings. I would suggest buying the door already framed for an easier installation, and the threshold will be a part of it.
Good luck with the door and other upgrades. If we can help further, let us know.

 

Mayby you could go with the less expensive door and add an awning or door hood above it to protect it from as much sun as possible.

(I KNOW SUN!! Sometimes the only place hotter than Redding is Death Valley!!)