Top Exterior Doors for Dallas-Fort Worth Homes: Styles, Benefits, and Commonly Asked Questions

Looking to elevate your home’s curb appeal and functionality? Focus on a feature that makes a lasting impression: your exterior front door. Upgrading your front door is one of the most impactful home improvement projects, offering benefits like enhanced style, improved energy efficiency, and added home value. 

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where summers are hot, storms are unpredictable, and diverse architectural styles come together, your exterior door is not just an entry point - it’s a statement. The right exterior door stands up to Texas’ unique climate challenges - from heat and humidity to severe wind and hail – and reflects your unique style.

Whether you’re searching for durability, security, or modern design, Seconds and Surplus offers an unmatched selection to meet your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular exterior door features, materials, and styles to help you make an informed decision.

Climate Considerations for Exterior Doors in DFW

Due to the hot climate in Texas, you will likely want a front door that can stand up to the heat. Look for exterior doors that are insulated to help prevent energy loss, lower utility bills, and keep your home cool. 

Similarly, the hot Texas sun can cause fading and warping in some door styles. If you are looking for a durable, low-maintenance exterior door, a UV-resistant finish should be your priority.

Last, the durability of your exterior door will determine how it will hold up to Texas storms. Some door materials may scratch and dent easily from severe weather.

Best Exterior Door Materials for Texas Homes: Pros and Cons

Fiberglass Exterior Doors: Durable, Energy-Efficient, and Versatile

Overview and Benefits

Fiberglass exterior doors are becoming a top choice for homeowners in Dallas-Fort Worth and across the U.S., thanks to their unmatched combination of durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. These doors are designed to withstand the challenges of Texas’ climate, from extreme heat to severe storms, making them an excellent investment for a durable exterior door.

Key Features of Fiberglass Doors

1. Durability:
   Fiberglass doors resist warping, dents, scratches, cracks, and splitting, ensuring they maintain their appearance and functionality over time. Unlike wood, they do not expand or contract with humidity or temperature changes.
2. Energy Efficiency:
   Designed with insulated cores, fiberglass doors reduce energy transfer, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This makes them a cost-effective choice for homeowners looking to save on utility bills.
3. Weather Resistance:
   Fiberglass doors are highly durable in the face of severe weather conditions like hail, heavy rain, and high winds. They are also less susceptible to fading or damage from prolonged sun exposure when paired with a UV-resistant finish.

• Style Versatility:
  Seconds and Surplus in DFW offers a wide variety of fiberglass doors to suit any home design, including: traditional and modern styles that are perfect for classic or contemporary homes; texas-themed doors that showcase your pride with options featuring the iconic Texas Star; enhanced privacy and light control with doors featuring built-in blinds; as well as many other customizable features such as wood-like finishes, glass panels, side-lites, and more.

Why Choose Fiberglass?

Fiberglass doors are ideal for homeowners seeking an affordable, low-maintenance option that combines functionality with style. Their versatility in design and durability under extreme conditions make them one of the most practical choices for Texas homes.

Visit Seconds and Surplus to explore a wide range of fiberglass doors that are built to last in Texas’ toughest conditions.

Iron Doors: Durable, Secure, and Timeless

Overview and Benefits

Iron exterior doors are the best of the best for durability and security, making them an excellent choice for homeowners in Dallas-Fort Worth who value strength, style, and longevity. Due to the strong iron materials, these doors are built to withstand the Texas climate, from extreme heat to heavy rain, while adding an authentic, sophisticated Texan touch to your home’s entryway.

Key Features

1. Durability:
   Iron doors are incredibly strong and resistant to warping, cracking, and damage from severe weather conditions like hail and high winds. With proper care, they can last for decades.
2. Weather Resistance:
   Treated with rust-resistant finishes, iron doors perform well in Texas’ humid and rainy conditions. Regular maintenance ensures they remain protected against corrosion and wear from the elements.
3. Security:
   Known for their exceptional strength, iron doors provide unmatched protection against forced entry, giving homeowners added peace of mind.
4. Low Maintenance:
   Compared to wood, iron doors require minimal upkeep. A properly finished iron door resists fading, cracking, and frequent resealing.
5. Thermal Conductivity:
   While durable, iron can absorb heat during peak summer months, potentially becoming hot to the touch. This material may also transfer heat into the home unless insulated or paired with thermal barriers.

• Style Versatility:
  Seconds and Surplus in DFW offers a range of iron doors that combine elegance and functionality through intricate designs and custom details like scrollwork and wrought-iron accents that provide a timeless, sophisticated look; the quintessential Texas Star motif; and glass accents that include frosted, clear, or textured glass panels for added natural light without compromising privacy.

Why Choose Iron Doors?

Iron doors are ideal for homeowners seeking the ultimate combination of strength, beauty, and security. Although they come with a higher upfront cost and installation challenges due to their weight, their timeless appeal and longevity make them a worthwhile investment. These doors can enhance your home’s curb appeal, increase property value, and provide long-lasting peace of mind.

Find options for timeless exterior front doors that provide safety and durability with exterior iron doors at Seconds and Surplus.

Metal Doors: Affordable, Durable, and Secure

Overview and Benefits

Metal exterior doors, particularly steel doors, are a practical and budget-friendly choice for homeowners in Dallas-Fort Worth. Known for their durability, security, and energy efficiency, they offer excellent performance in the extreme weather conditions of Texas. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective solution or enhanced security, metal doors deliver reliability and functionality.

Key Features

• Durability:
  Metal doors, especially steel, are resistant to warping, swelling, and cracking, making them ideal for Texas' fluctuating weather conditions. Alternatively, they are more prone to denting from impacts such as hail or other extreme forces.

• Energy Efficiency:
  Many metal doors come with insulated cores that reduce energy transfer, keeping your home cooler during hot Texas summers and warmer in the winter while lowering utility costs.

• Security:
  The strength of metal doors makes them highly resistant to forced entry, providing homeowners with added peace of mind.

• Weather Resistance:
  Properly finished steel doors hold up well against rain and wind, but they may require maintenance to prevent rust in humid environments. Note: they do tend to absorb and transfer heat, potentially becoming hot to the touch during Texas summers. Insulated doors can help mitigate this potential issue.

• Affordability:
  Metal doors are often the most budget-friendly option compared to wood, fiberglass, or iron, making them ideal for cost-conscious homeowners.

Why Choose Metal Doors?

Metal exterior doors are a smart choice for homeowners prioritizing affordability, security, and practicality. While they may not offer the same variety of styles and customization options as wood, iron, or fiberglass, their durability and cost-effectiveness make them a reliable option for many DFW homes. With proper maintenance, a metal door can provide years of solid performance and protection.

Save money on exterior metal doors at Seconds and Surplus – an option that can stand up to the harsh Texas climate.

Wood Doors: Warm, Versatile, and Timeless

Overview and Benefits

Wood exterior doors offer unmatched warmth, natural beauty, and timeless appeal to your home. Known for their versatility and high customization potential, they complement a variety of home styles, making them a favorite among many homeowners in Dallas-Fort Worth who want a unique and personalized entryway.

Key Features

1. Aesthetic Versatility:
   Wood doors come in a wide range of styles, finishes, and wood species, making them adaptable to both modern and traditional homes. They can be customized with carvings, glass panels, iron accents, or unique hardware to create a truly one-of-a-kind look. As trends change, they can be refinished to stay up-to-date.
2. Energy Efficiency:
   Wood is a natural insulator, offering good energy efficiency to help keep your home comfortable in Texas’ hot summers. However, it may not perform as efficiently as fiberglass doors without additional weatherproofing.
3. Repairability:
   Unlike other materials, wood doors can be easily sanded, refinished, and repaired if they sustain scratches, cracks, or weather damage. This feature extends the lifespan and allows the door to maintain its beauty over time.
4. Timeless Appeal:
   The rich, natural appearance of wood adds warmth and sophistication to your home, enhancing curb appeal and increasing property value.
5. Variety of Style Options:
   Seconds and Surplus in DFW offers a variety of wood doors to suit your home’s unique style, from modern wood doors with sleek designs and minimalistic features for contemporary homes to more traditional wood doors that pair well with Texas’ brick and stone exteriors to rustic wood doors that offer warm, textured wood with wrought-iron accents, ideal for ranch-style or farmhouse homes. Many styles offer customizations like glass panels, carvings, or iron details to create a standout entryway.

Why Choose Wood Doors?

Wood doors are perfect for homeowners seeking a unique, standout feature for their home. While they require more maintenance than other materials, their timeless charm, repairability, and high degree of customization make them an excellent investment for those who value beauty and craftsmanship. Homeowners should be aware of the higher level of maintenance, weather sensitivity, and pest vulnerability when selecting an exterior wood door. With proper care, a quality wood door can last for decades while enhancing your home’s curb appeal and character.

Explore the large selection of quality wood exterior doors available at Seconds and Surplus to achieve a warm home aesthetic.

Selecting the Most Popular Exterior Door Style to Fit Your Home

Below are descriptions of the various exterior door styles and suggested products at Seconds and Surplus. Please note that the doors mentioned in the article are available in the Dallas-Fort Worth area at the time of this article (January 2025), however availability may change. Our store representatives would be happy to help you find the exterior door style you have in mind for your home. There are many other options available through our special order program!

1. A Classic Texas Aesthetic: Texas Star Home Doors
1. Show off your Texas pride with exterior doors that feature the Texas Star. This style is available in both Fiberglass and Iron Exterior Doors - ranging from traditional to more modern styles.
2. Seconds and Surplus styles to consider:
1. Texas Star Fiberglass Door - White
2. Texas Star ¾ View Fiberglass Door - Classic Oak (or check out the Graphite color option!)
3. Texas Star Full View Fiberglass Door - Dark Walnut
4. Texas Star Double Wrought Iron Entry Door
2. Sleek Design and Durability: Modern Front Doors
1. Sleek designs with clean lines, this exterior door style often features glass panels for a contemporary look.
2. Seconds and Surplus styles to consider: 
1. Contempo 4-Lite Reeded Fiberglass Door
2. 9-Lite Mahogany Exterior Wood Door
3. Metro Wrought Iron 4-Lite Exterior door
4. Lancaster Fiberglass Door - Graphite (could go modern or traditional)
   
3. Timeless Charm Meets Energy Efficiency: Traditional Front Doors
1. Classic wood, steel, or fiberglass designs that pair well with the region's brick or stone exteriors.
2. Seconds and Surplus styles to consider:
1. Oval Glass Steel Exterior Door - a value buy!
2. Hestia Prehung Exterior Fiberglass Door - Graphite
3. Lancaster Fiberglass Door - Graphite
4. Exterior Wood Door w/ Sidelites & Flemish Glass 
4. Authentic Texan Style to Farm House Refresh: Rustic Front Doors
1. Warm, textured wood doors with wrought-iron accents, a favorite for homes inspired by Texas ranch aesthetics.
2. Seconds and Surplus styles to consider:
1. Prefinished Mahogany Exterior Door with Iron Grille
2. 6-Lite Flemish Glass Double Exterior Wood Door for a farmhouse look
3. This 6-Lite Mahogany Exterior Wood Door with Flemish glass blurs the lines between rustic, traditional, and modern
4. Bonus: to pull through a rustic style in your home, check out our interior barn doors like this Diagonal Plank in Pine or the Z-Brace Barn Door in Knotty Pine
5. Alternative Exterior Entry Points: French Doors and Patio Doors
1. While the focus of the home exterior is the front door, you may want to consider upgrades to other exterior doors on the side or back of the home. Popular for patios, these double doors add charm and allow natural light into the home.
2. Seconds and Surplus styles to consider:
1. 1-Lite Premium Fiberglass Retrofit Patio Door Unit
2. 15-Lite Fiberglass Retrofit Patio Door Double Unit
3. If you only have the space for a single door, here are some great patio options: Full View Fiberglass Door and the Half Mini Blind Prehung Exterior Fiberglass Door.

Browse all exterior doors at Seconds and Surplus here.

Check with Local Regulations and HOA Requirements before Selecting an Exterior Door

The last consideration when you are looking to buy an exterior door for your home are local building codes and/or Homeowners Association guidelines. It’s important to check with your city and HOA to ensure that the exterior door you have selected complies with any guidelines that may be in place in your area.

Before making your exterior door purchase, confirm your door style meets HOA standards in terms of color and design. Some DFW neighborhoods may require neutral tones or prohibit certain materials. You should also check with your city for permits, especially if you plan to widen the door frame or alter the exterior design. If you are using a contractor for your project, ensure that they have followed this step before the project is underway.

Endless Options for your Dream Exterior Door through Customization and Special Orders

Your home should represent your unique, personal style, as well as the architectural design of your home. There are many great options to choose from in-store and online at Seconds and Surplus. If you do not see the style that you are looking for, we offer access to hundreds of other options through our special order program, Spend Less Express.

Additionally - if you are looking for an exterior door for your home but do not live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, don’t worry! We offer nationwide shipping on many of our products to service any customer in the United States. If you need assistance in finding exterior doors that can be shipped, try out the Chat feature on our website for guidance from a store representative.

Learn more about Spend Less Express Special Orders here.

Frequently Asked Questions Homeowners Have about Exterior Doors for the Home in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area

• What is the best exterior door material for hot, humid climates?

• Answer: FIberglass Exterior Doors are a go-to choice for many homeowners due to its durability, versatility, and weather-resistant features. Fiberglass doors offer excellent insulation and protection from extreme weather conditions and require very little maintenance. You do not have to worry about fiberglass doors warping or cracking with fluctuating temperature and humidity levels.

• How do I maintain an iron door in hot, humid conditions?

• Answer: There are several things you can do to maintain your iron exterior door and increase the longevity of the product, including: 

• Apply a protective wax or sealant to create a barrier against moisture build-up and harmful UV rays. Find a wax or sealant product that is designed specifically for metal doors. Avoid harsh chemicals that may strip the protective coatings and lead to premature wear and tear.

• Check regularly for rust or damage to prevent further corrosion. Inspect the door monthly for chips or rust spots. The rust can be treated by using fine-grit sandpaper to gently remove, followed by thoroughly cleaning and drying the affected area. Finish the repair with an application or a rust-inhibiting primer and touch-up paint that matches the door’s color.

• You should follow these maintenance steps for all exterior doors: 

• Prevention of direct sunlight and other harmful weather conditions by adding an overhang or awning to provide shade if possible.

• Regular cleanings to remove dust, dirt, and debris (avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage finishes).

• Install weather stripping and ensure proper drainage around the door to protect against the various weather elements and prevent water pooling at the threshold.

• How do I maintain a wood door in hot, humid conditions?

• Answer: Like iron doors, there are several things you can do to increase the durability and longevity of your exterior wood door. Those steps include the following:

• Apply a high-quality sealant or finish that will aid in protecting the wood material from moisture, heat, and UV damage. Research the options for weather-resistant stains, polyurethane, or marine-grade varnishes to seal the door. 

• Inspect your exterior wood door regularly for signs of heavy wear, such as splitting, warping, or a peeling finish. Edges and corners of the door are more prone to water infiltration. If you do find damage, sand the area lightly and refinish with a matching stain or sealant. Damaged weather stripping and thresholds should be replaced right away.  If your door has suffered extensive damage, you should consult a professional.

• It is recommended that you refinish the door every one to two years to keep it looking its best, as it is the main focal point of your home. 

• The humid conditions in Texas may attract insects, like termites, that can damage the wood. Use a wood-safe pest repellent or treatment to protect against this damage and inspect the door and frame regularly for signs of these pests.

• You should follow these maintenance steps for all exterior doors: 

• Prevention of direct sunlight and other harmful weather conditions by adding an overhang or awning to provide shade if possible.

• Regular cleanings to remove dust, dirt, and debris (avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage finishes).
• Install weather stripping and ensure proper drainage around the door to protect against the various weather elements and prevent water pooling at the threshold.
• What exterior door styles are popular right now?

• Answer: It’s important to select a style that is both attractive and creates a cohesive look for the exterior of your home. Many popular home styles right now are Craftsman homes, Farmhouse homes, Ranch homes, French country homes, Barndominium homes, and Contemporary homes. Seconds & Surplus is proud to carry a variety of front entry doors that complement any style.
  
  Iron doors offer the benefit of a bold, authentic Texan statement. Wood doors are timeless and customizable to many different home styles. Fiberglass exterior doors are perhaps the most flexible and customizable to any home style. The front door you select is very much a personal choice and as long as it matches the style of your home, you can’t go wrong!

• How do I measure for the right size of an exterior front door?

• Answer: Depending on the type of door you’re replacing, you will want to measure your current door width and height at several places. To measure the height, measure from the floor to the bottom of the door jamb. For the width, measure from one side of the door panel to the other. If you have double doors, measure across both doors. For sidelights, measure the window, making sure to include the width inside the jamb.
  
  You will also want to note measurements of the thickness of the door jamb and the door itself, as well as the width and height of the structure including the door jamb framing. If you are worried your current doors may be warped or uneven, take several measurements from different points of the door instead of just the center.

Knowing the right size door to get can help you drastically narrow down your options. 

• Can I customize the size of my exterior door?

• Answer: At Seconds and Surplus, we carry all of the most common door sizes, and a few hard-to-find sizes as well. It’s important to have the correct measurements when you begin shopping so we can assist with selecting the right size door. While many options are carried in-stock, lesser common sizes may require a special order.
  
  How do I know if I need a Right-Hand or Left-Hand door?

• Answer: Determining whether you need a right-hand or left-hand exterior door is easy once you understand the door handling. Stand inside the room and face the door opening, then imagine yourself opening the door to step outside. The direction in which the door swings open determines the door handling.  if the hinges are on the right side and the door swings toward you, it’s a right-hand door. Alternatively, if the hinges are on the left side and the door swings toward you, it is a left-hand door.
  
  Other definitions you may need to know include inswing and outswing. Simply stated, an inswing door is a door that swings into the house or room and an outswing door is one that swings outward from the house or room.

When you combine door handling and swing direction, you narrow down four possible door options:

Left-Hand Inswing (LHIS): Hinges on the left, door swings into the house.

Right-Hand Inswing (RHIS): Hinges on the right, door swings into the house.

Left-Hand Outswing (LHOS): Hinges on the left, door swings outward.

Right-Hand Outswing (RHOS): Hinges on the right, door swings outward.

When it comes to exterior front doors, there is no right or wrong side for the door handle to go on. It all comes down to personal preference. At Seconds & Surplus, we see the merit of both styles and provide plenty of right- and left-hand options for you to choose from. If you’re still unsure about which side to decide on, drop by one of our store locations and our experienced personnel can help you make the right choice.

Finding an Exterior Door in Dallas-Fort Worth that is Durable and Stylish

If you are looking to upgrade your exterior door in your Dallas-Fort Worth home, look no further than Seconds and Surplus. Our stores offer the most popular styles in exterior doors - whether you are looking for energy-efficient doors, durable exterior doors, modern front doors, patio doors and more. Our store representatives are always happy to help you select the right door material and style for your unique home or start by browsing our online selection of exterior doors today.

About The Author

With over 15 years of experience in marketing and sales, Danial R. specializes in crafting strategic content for both online and offline audiences, driving internal communications, and staying ahead of industry trends. For the past six years, she's focused on the building materials industry, attending national design shows annually to bring fresh insights and inspiration to her work. Having recently built her own home, she brings a hands-on perspective to home improvement projects and shares practical advice based on real-world experience. She holds a degree in Marketing Management and a Master of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, blending academic expertise with industry know-how to help homeowners and professionals achieve their goals.