What’s New in Exterior Doors

Until just a few years ago, choosing an entry door was pretty simple: mid- and lower-priced homes got steel doors, while high-end homes got wood. Both steel and wood are still popular, but they now face some stiff competition from fiberglass doors. A number of manufacturers have recently introduced composite doors with exterior-grade hardboard skins, and several less familiar options — including solid MDF and vinyl — are also available. In addition to new door materials, door manufacturers have rolled out new features to entice buyers, such as operable sidelights and built-in electronics. There’s also been a trend toward an ever expanding range of ornamental glazing options, including frosted, stained, and cut glass. While the door industry is too large to survey completely here,