Is an insulated stainable fiberglass door as efficient as a wood door?
You have several efficient front door options that simulate the appearance of real stained wood without regular maintenance. These are insulated fiberglass and stainable steel doors. Both will be much more energy efficient than a typical wood front door. The insulated stainable steel doors are sometimes the most energy efficient overall because they use refrigerator-type magnetic weatherstripping. When it is new, fiberglass door weatherstripping also seals well, but magnetic weatherstripping on a steel door will remain more airtight for many years. Since you are concerned about the appearance, an insulated stainable fiberglass door would be your best choice. The stainable finish on a steel door looks good, but the deep graining in the skin on a fiberglass is more realistic and durable. When it is stained, it is difficult to distinguish from wood. Several fiberglass door manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty. The surface of a fiberglass door is stained similarly to a real wood
