Why Fiberglass Double Doors Outperform Wood and Steel for Toronto Homes

Thinking about replacing your front doors?

Double doors are a bold upgrade. They look great, let in more light, and make moving big stuff easier. But the material you choose makes all the difference; especially here in Toronto.

Most people compare three options: wood, steel, and fiberglass.

Each has its pros. But only one really checks all the boxes: for durability, insulation, and style.

Let’s talk about why fiberglass double doors are the smartest choice for Toronto homes.

Toronto Weather and Why Door Material Matters

Let’s start with what your doors deal with.

Toronto weather is no joke.

In winter, we’re talking deep freezes, ice storms, and salt spray. In summer, it’s heat, humidity, and UV exposure. That’s a tough combo for any material.

Wood Has a Moisture Problem

Wood looks beautiful. No doubt.

But it swells when it’s humid and shrinks when it’s dry. That means sticking in the summer and drafts in the winter.

Plus, you’ll need to refinish it every couple of years. Especially if your entry gets direct sun or snow.

One homeowner in North York told us they had to sand and reseal their wood double doors three times in six years.

Steel Sounds Strong, But Isn’t Perfect

Steel can be affordable. And yes, it’s strong.

But it dents. It rusts. And in winter, it gets cold fast, which can lead to condensation around the frame or even ice buildup on the inside.

Also, once steel gets scratched or chipped, it’s vulnerable. Moisture gets in, and rust follows.

Fiberglass Just Handles It Better

Fiberglass doesn’t absorb moisture. Doesn’t warp. Doesn’t rust.

And it’s engineered to stay stable. Even through extreme temperature swings.

Whether you're in The Beaches or the Bridle Path, fiberglass holds up through all four seasons. No sagging. No surprises.

Maintenance Comparison: Fiberglass vs. Wood vs. Steel

Let’s talk about something no one enjoys: upkeep.

You want your front doors to look good and work smoothly, without constant repairs or refinishing. Here’s how the three materials stack up.

Wood Needs Regular TLC

Wood looks stunning at first. But it’s high-maintenance.

You’ll need to sand, stain, or repaint it every couple of years, especially if it's exposed to sun, rain, or snow. Double doors mean double the surface area, which also means double the work.

And if water gets into the grain? Swelling, cracking, or peeling follows.

Steel Is Not Care-Free

Steel needs less maintenance than wood. But once it chips or dents, rust becomes an issue.

And it’s not just cosmetic. Rust weakens the panel and can affect insulation if left untreated.

Also, if the finish fades or peels (common in direct sun), it’s hard to match touch-up paint cleanly.

Fiberglass Is the Winner

Fiberglass needs almost no maintenance. No warping. No rotting. No rust.

You can paint it, stain it, or leave it factory-finished. The doors hold color well and don't peel.

If you want beautiful doors without the hassle, fiberglass is the clear choice.

Strength, Security & Functionality in Double Doors

Now let’s talk strength: especially with double doors, where it matters more.

Two doors mean more surface area, more movement, and more potential points of failure.

Heavy wooden doors can sag on the hinges. Especially in double door setups where one panel isn’t always fixed.

Over time, you might notice sticking, gaps, or uneven alignment.

Also, wood can split under pressure or crack near the hardware.

Steel is structurally tough. It resists forced entry well.

But here’s the issue: steel can dent from everyday impacts. Even a hard kick or an accidental hit with moving furniture.

And once dented, it’s not easy to fix without replacing the panel.

Fiberglass offers the best balance: it's strong, lightweight, and resists both impact and warping.

• It doesn’t sag like wood.
• It doesn’t dent like steel.
• And it holds up well in oversized or custom double door setups.

Many fiberglass doors can be paired with multi-point locking systems, reinforcing both panels for high security.
And because fiberglass is slightly more flexible than steel, it can better absorb impact without damage.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation Performance

This is where fiberglass really pulls ahead.

Toronto winters aren’t just cold, they’re long. Your front doors play a big role in keeping heat in and cold out.

Solid wood has poor thermal performance compared to modern materials.

It absorbs moisture. It lets air seep in through micro-gaps and seasonal expansion. And unless it’s custom-insulated (which costs more), it lets heat escape.

Steel conducts temperature. That means in winter, the inside of your door can feel cold to the touch. And, it pulls heat from your interior.

Condensation can form around the frame. That’s not just uncomfortable; it’s bad for your floors, too.

Most fiberglass doors are built with insulated polyurethane cores. That helps regulate interior temps and blocks drafts.

They also pair well with energy-efficient glass inserts and triple-sealed weatherstripping.

Some fiberglass doors are 4-5 times more energy efficient than wood. You’ll notice the difference. Especially on your heating bill.

Style & Customization Flexibility

A door isn’t just a barrier; it’s a statement.

Your front entry sets the tone for your entire home. It welcomes guests, frames your curb appeal, and reflects your personal style. So when it comes to design, flexibility is a must.

Here’s where fiberglass really shines.

With fiberglass double doors, your design options are almost endless.

• Want the warm richness of mahogany or oak? Fiberglass can mimic it down to the grain; without the aging, splitting, or fading.
• Prefer something sleek and contemporary? Smooth fiberglass panels with frosted glass lites give you a minimalist, modern look.
• Love heritage style? Craftsman grids, arched glass, and sidelites are all on the table.

You can stain, paint, or finish it in just about any tone. Add decorative glass, upgrade your hardware, choose a unique pull bar. These are all customizable.

And it’s not just about looks. You can configure your double doors with:

• One active door + one fixed
• Two operable panels
• Transoms and sidelites
• Full, half, or ¾-lite glass inserts

Whether your home is in Rosedale, Riverdale, or Richmond Hill, fiberglass lets you match the aesthetic, and elevate it.

Cost vs. Long-Term Value

Let’s talk numbers and real-world values.

At first glance, fiberglass might not be the cheapest option. Wood and steel can sometimes cost less up front, depending on the style and brand. But here's the truth Toronto homeowners need to hear:

Fiberglass pays you back. Year after year.

Here's how:

• Fewer repairs. No rotting, rusting, or refinishing. That’s hundreds saved over time.
• Lower energy bills. With high insulation value, fiberglass keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
• Longer lifespan. Fiberglass double doors often last 25+ years with little to no maintenance.
• Higher resale appeal. Curb appeal matters and buyers love low-maintenance.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a quality entry door replacement can return up to 74% of its cost at resale.

And here’s something to keep in mind: double doors amplify that effect.

They’re not just functional; they’re impressive. They raise the perceived value of your entire exterior.

So yes. Fiberglass might cost a little more at first.

But over the next 10, 15, or 20 years?

It ends up being the most affordable choice you could’ve made.

Verdict

Toronto homes need entry doors that can handle extreme weather, resist wear, and still look amazing year after year. And when it comes to double front doors, the demands are even higher.

Here’s what we’ve learned:

Wood looks great; but it’s high-maintenance and vulnerable to weather.

Steel offers strength; but it dents, rusts, and transfers cold.

Fiberglass? It delivers the perfect balance:

✔ Weather-resistant
✔ Low-maintenance
✔ Energy-efficient
✔ Strong and secure
✔ Highly customizable
✔ Built to last

And for Toronto homeowners? That’s exactly what you need.

At Delco Windows & Doors, we help homeowners across the GTA choose, customize, and install the perfect front door. Every door is built for Canadian weather, backed by a lifetime warranty, and installed by our in-house team. So, there’s no subcontractors, no guesswork.