Entry Doors Get Rated

In its October 2004 issue, Consumer Reports rated all types of entry doors-fiberglass, steel and wood. In its CR Quick Recommendations, it said, "All the doors we tested performed very well overall. You can expect these doors to keep out heavy rain and drafts even after many years of use. However, as the Ratings show, steel doors fared the worst in wear and tear because they dent easily and can rust … Since these doors are so closely matched in overall performance, you may want to base your choice on price or style."

Here's what brands made CR's Quick Picks, which considers other factors and not strictly performance.

Best choice for most people:
Therma-Tru $300 to $1,750
Peachtree $300 to $1,650
Pella $270 to $1000

Very good and moderately priced steel doors:
Peachtree $225 to $1,530
Reliabilt $135 to $430
Therma-Tru $150 to $900
Pella $195 to $750
Stanley $100 to $600

Very good (but expensive) choices for the least wear and tear:
Masonite $660
Simpson $500 to $2,200
Jeld-Wen $750 to $2,500

For more information on this report, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.