Materials Guide
Wood, fibreglass, steel and hollow-core each trade off differently on look, maintenance, durability and cost. Here's how to think about it before you request a quote.
Solid Wood
Solid wood offers the richest natural grain and can be refinished for decades. It performs best on covered or protected entries, and needs periodic maintenance against BC's wet climate.
Best for: statement front entries, covered porches, buyers who want a natural material and don't mind occasional refinishing.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass mimics the look of wood grain while resisting warping, rot and swelling. It's more energy-efficient than steel or wood and needs very little upkeep — a strong choice for exposed West Coast entries.
Best for: exposed entries, energy efficiency, low-maintenance buyers who still want a wood-look finish.
Steel
Steel entry doors are strong, secure and generally the most budget-friendly exterior option, with good insulation value. Ideal where security and value matter more than natural wood grain.
Best for: security-focused entries, secondary/side doors, value-conscious projects.
Hollow-Core & Solid-Core Interior
Hollow-core doors are lighter, more affordable and perform well for most rooms and closets. Solid-core and solid-wood interior doors add sound dampening and a heavier, higher-end feel — worth it for bedrooms, home offices and busy hallways. Our Trimlite interior door lines cover both, and as an authorized Trimlite dealer we can spec the right one for each room.
FAQ
Wood offers natural grain and can be refinished for decades but needs upkeep; fibreglass mimics wood's look with far less maintenance and better energy efficiency.
Fibreglass and steel handle Lower Mainland rain and moisture with less maintenance. Wood remains excellent on covered, protected entries.
No — they're lighter and more affordable and suit most rooms well. Solid-core adds sound dampening where it matters most.
Yes — strong, secure and typically the most budget-friendly option with solid insulation value.
Not Sure Which To Choose?
Send us your opening size, exposure and style, and we'll suggest the right material and finish, then quote it for free.