> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.yournewdoor.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Materials, Glass, and Hardware
> Scope the product choices that drive performance, appearance, and price — wood, fiberglass, steel, glass styles, hardware prep, and finish details.
# Materials, Glass, and Hardware
Material, glass, and hardware decisions should be captured at intake — not at the end of the quote. These choices affect price, lead time, finish compatibility, and order requirements.
Every door specification has three layers: the **material** the slab is made of, the **glass** in the door (if any), and the **hardware** the unit is prepped for. All three must be confirmed before a quote is complete.
## Slab Material
**What it is:** Solid wood or engineered wood construction. Includes species such as mahogany, pine, oak, alder, fir, and others.
**Strengths:**
* Premium appearance and natural grain
* Paintable and stainable to exact color matches
* Can be custom-sized more easily than other materials
* High perceived value — strongest upsell opportunity
**Weaknesses:**
* Requires regular maintenance (paint, stain, seal)
* Can warp, crack, or swell with moisture and temperature exposure
* Higher material cost
* Longer lead times for custom species or profiles
Wood doors in exterior applications must be finished on all six sides (including top and bottom) before installation to prevent moisture ingress.
**What it is:** Fiberglass-reinforced composite construction. Available in smooth or woodgrain textures. Can closely mimic the look of real wood.
**Strengths:**
* Excellent dimensional stability — resists warping, cracking, and swelling
* Low maintenance compared to wood
* Paintable and gel-stainable (woodgrain versions)
* Good thermal performance
* Broad style availability
**Weaknesses:**
* Woodgrain versions require proper gel stain technique for best results
* Cannot be field-trimmed as easily as wood
* Smooth fiberglass can show dents more than steel
Fiberglass is the most commonly recommended material for exterior entry doors in residential sales due to its combination of durability, appearance, and low maintenance.
**What it is:** Steel-skinned door with foam core fill. The most common value-tier exterior door.
**Strengths:**
* Lowest material cost
* Strong and dent-resistant (heavy-gauge steel)
* Good energy performance with foam core
* Wide availability and fast lead times
**Weaknesses:**
* Can dent from impact (thin gauge)
* Susceptible to rust in humid or coastal environments if finish is damaged
* Limited style range compared to fiberglass or wood
* Harder to paint with custom colors — factory finish is standard
In coastal or high-humidity markets, always ask about proximity to salt air. Steel doors within a few miles of the ocean may require fiberglass or treated steel options.
## Material Comparison Quick-Reference
| Feature | Wood | Fiberglass | Steel |
| ------------------ | ------------------ | ----------------------- | ---------------------- |
| Appearance | Natural grain | Wood-look or smooth | Smooth or embossed |
| Maintenance | High | Low | Low (if finish intact) |
| Durability | Moderate | High | High |
| Energy performance | Moderate | Good | Good |
| Custom sizing | Easy | Moderate | Difficult |
| Price range | High | Mid-High | Low-Mid |
| Best for | Premium aesthetics | Durability + appearance | Value-focused |
## Glass Options
Full transparency. Maximum light. Lowest privacy. Common on full lite and half lite doors where the homeowner wants to see the entryway or yard. Must be insulated (IGU) on all exterior applications.
Custom-designed glass with patterns, textures, or colors. Adds significant aesthetic value. Requires longer lead times and is typically a non-returnable special order. Always confirm lead time before promising delivery.
Textured or frosted glass that allows light but obscures the view. Common in half lite or 1/4 lite configurations where privacy is important. Available in several texture levels from lightly obscured to nearly opaque.
Multiple small panes in a divided pattern. Available in true divided lite (each pane is separate glass) or simulated divided lite (full glass with applied grilles). Important to confirm which style the customer expects.
Glass with a low-emissivity coating that reflects infrared heat. Required in some energy codes and recommended in high-sun or high-heat applications like Texas. Reduces heat gain through the glass without significantly reducing visible light.
In Texas climates, always recommend low-E glass for south- and west-facing exterior doors. The energy savings and comfort benefits are a strong upsell point.
## Hardware
### Hardware Prep (Bore Configuration)
| Prep Type | Description | Use Case |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Single bore | One 2-1/8" hole for handle/knob | Interior doors, simple entry |
| Double bore | Two holes: handle + deadbolt | Exterior entry doors (standard) |
| Bore + auxiliary | Handle + deadbolt + surface or mortise bolt | High-security applications |
| No bore | Slab only, no machining | Customer supplies own hardware and bores |
### Backset
Backset is the distance from the door edge to the center of the bore hole. Always confirm backset before hardware selection.
* **2-3/8"** — Standard for most residential applications
* **2-3/4"** — Common on thicker stile doors and some commercial applications
If backset is not confirmed and the customer buys hardware separately, there is a high chance of incompatibility. Always note the backset on the order.
### Finish
Hardware finish must be specified for all orders that include or reference hardware prep. Common finishes:
**Popular Finishes**
* Satin Nickel
* Oil-Rubbed Bronze
* Matte Black
* Bright Brass
* Antique Brass
* Satin Brass
**Finish Compatibility Notes**
* Hinge finish should match lockset finish on premium installations
* Deadbolt, knob/lever, and handleset should coordinate
* Exterior-rated finishes required for outdoor exposure
* Black hardware on dark doors is trending in modern residential
## The Materials Intake Checklist
Capture all of these before finalizing any product specification.
Wood, fiberglass, or steel. If fiberglass, smooth or woodgrain? If wood, what species or grain?
Lite style, glass type (clear, privacy, decorative, low-E), and IGU requirement for exterior.
Single or double bore. Backset: 2-3/8" or 2-3/4".
Match to existing hardware on the home if replacement. Note if customer is supplying own hardware.
Matches or coordinates with lockset finish.
Is the door being ordered primed, factory-painted, or raw? Will customer finish on site?
The materials conversation is your best upsell opportunity. A customer who asks for "a steel door" may not know that a fiberglass woodgrain option exists at a modest premium with significantly better performance and appearance. Present the comparison before accepting the first answer.