When I first considered upgrading my home’s front door, I wanted something that offered style, security, and durability. After browsing through different options, I landed on the Steves & Sons Legacy Collection Fiberglass Front Door.
I had heard mixed reviews about it, but the idea of a customizable, energy-efficient door that could withstand various climates while offering a traditional design piqued my interest.
Now that I’ve had it installed for a while, I can share my experience, along with some helpful tips and comparisons for those considering this brand.
My Experience With Steves & Sons Legacy Collection Door
After placing my order, I had to wait several weeks for it to arrive.
Fortunately, the estimated delivery time was spot on, but the installation process wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped.
While the installation itself wasn’t too difficult, I did notice some inconsistencies.
For example, the top left corner of the door slightly dipped, making it difficult to close properly.
I ended up having to reach out to customer service to resolve the issue.
That said, I have to give credit where it’s due. The door itself is quite sturdy and has a nice, solid feel to it. I went for the black finish, which, while sleek, does show water spots after rain.
However, this is a small price to pay for the overall aesthetic. It certainly has added to the curb appeal of my home.
Pros of Steves & Sons Doors
Let’s dive into some of the aspects I liked about the Steves & Sons Legacy Collection Fiberglass Door:
- Durability: One of the main selling points of this door is its durability. Made from fiberglass composite, this door is built to last in various weather conditions. Whether you live in a hot, dry climate or a wet, cold one, you’ll likely find that this door holds up much better than traditional wood or even steel doors. The composite frame ensures that the door doesn’t warp or rust, which is a huge plus for me, living in an area with fluctuating temperatures.
- Energy Efficiency: I love that the Steves & Sons door is Energy Star compliant. Since installing it, I’ve noticed a slight reduction in my energy bills, especially during the summer. The fiberglass construction reduces heat buildup, making it more efficient than some of the older doors I’ve had in the past.
- Customizability: Another aspect I appreciated was the level of customization available. From different colors to door sizes and styles, I could pick and choose features that suited my home perfectly. You can also paint the door or its frame if you ever want to switch things up.
- Security Features: This door came prepped with a double bore and three-inch stiles, providing an extra layer of security. I feel much safer knowing that the door is not only sturdy but has security features that offer peace of mind.
Cons of Steves & Sons Doors
Of course, no product is perfect, and I did encounter some downsides with my Steves & Sons door:
- Installation Challenges: While the door itself isn’t difficult to install, there were some minor manufacturing inconsistencies. As I mentioned earlier, my door slightly dipped in one corner, affecting the closure. I also read reviews from other users who had similar issues, including gaps between the door and sidelight or imperfections in the finishing work.
- Website Ordering Issues: Ordering the door online wasn’t as seamless as I had hoped. The website didn’t list all the specs clearly, and there wasn’t a way to confirm that my order was correct. I had to call customer service to verify the details, which was an extra step I didn’t expect to take. Others have mentioned similar frustrations, especially with incorrect sizing or clicking the wrong options online.
- Finishing Work: The paint and silicone work around the glass frame wasn’t as neat as I would have liked. While this wasn’t a deal-breaker, the attention to detail was lacking compared to higher-end brands like ThermaTru. For the price, I expected a little more finesse.
Maintenance Tips For Steves & Sons Doors
Fiberglass doors, while low-maintenance compared to wood, still require some care to keep them looking and functioning at their best. Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful:
- Cleaning: Use a mild detergent and water to clean the door periodically. For the glass panels, you can use a standard glass cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they may damage the finish.
- Repainting: If you decide to repaint the door, be sure to lightly sand the surface beforehand. This will help the paint adhere better and prevent chipping over time.
- Lubricate the Hinges: Ball-bearing hinges on this door help prevent sagging over time, but it’s a good idea to lubricate them every few months. This will ensure the door continues to open and close smoothly.
- Check for Leaks: Although the door is designed to withstand the elements, it’s wise to check the door seals occasionally to ensure no moisture is getting in. This can help prevent any long-term damage.
Comparison With Other Brands
When choosing a new front door, you’ll likely come across several other brands besides Steves & Sons. Here’s how it stacks up against some competitors:
- ProVia Doors
ProVia is well-known for producing premium-quality doors with a focus on energy efficiency and customization.
While Steves & Sons doors offer great durability at a more affordable price, ProVia doors tend to come with more advanced insulation and weatherproofing features.
ProVia also excels in offering high-end customization, allowing you to tailor every aspect of the door to your exact specifications.
However, this level of detail comes at a premium price, making ProVia more suitable for those with a larger budget or looking for long-term investments in energy savings and performance.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking a reliable and solid fiberglass door without breaking the bank, Steves & Sons offers excellent value. It’s a great middle ground for those wanting quality without paying premium prices like ProVia.
- Simpson Doors
Simpson Doors is renowned for its high-quality wood doors. If you’re after a classic, natural wood look, Simpson is a top contender.
Their wood doors can be customized in various styles, finishes, and wood species, adding warmth and elegance to any home.
However, wood doors require significantly more maintenance compared to fiberglass options, as they are susceptible to warping, rotting, and other weather-related damage.
In contrast, Steves & Sons fiberglass doors offer the same level of customizability with much less maintenance. Fiberglass doesn’t warp or rot like wood, making it a better choice for homeowners who want a door that can withstand the elements without needing frequent upkeep.
If you prefer a traditional wood aesthetic but want the durability of fiberglass, Steves & Sons offers customizable finishes that mimic the look of wood.
- Feather River Doors
Feather River is another brand that offers a wide range of fiberglass entry doors.
Like Steves & Sons, they offer both traditional and contemporary designs, but Feather River stands out for its decorative glass options and smooth finishes.
Their doors are also highly energy-efficient, with features like Low-E glass for better insulation.
However, Feather River doors often come with a higher price tag compared to Steves & Sons. While both brands offer good insulation and energy efficiency, Steves & Sons doors provide similar features at a lower cost, making them a more budget-friendly option for homeowners who don’t need intricate glass designs or higher-end finishes.
If you’re looking for a simple, sturdy door that does the job well, Steves & Sons offers a practical alternative to Feather River’s more premium offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Steves & Sons doors are made in the United States, with manufacturing facilities located in Texas and Tennessee. The company has a long history of crafting quality doors since 1866, making it a trusted name in the industry.
The best quality front door depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a door that offers a balance of security, insulation, and durability, fiberglass doors like those from Steves & Sons or ThermaTru are excellent choices. Wood doors offer a traditional aesthetic but require more maintenance, while steel doors provide top-notch security but can dent and rust over time.
ThermaTru is widely regarded as one of the top brands for fiberglass entry doors, known for their superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Steves & Sons offers excellent durability and customizability at a lower price point.
Fiberglass doors, while low-maintenance and durable, can have some downsides. They can be more expensive upfront than steel or wood doors, and some users report that the finishes or paint can wear unevenly over time. Additionally, lower-quality fiberglass doors may not have the same level of insulation or security features as higher-end models.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an affordable, customizable front door that offers durability and style, Steves & Sons doors are worth considering. While the door might not be flawless—especially when it comes to minor finishing details—the overall value is undeniable.
Plus, the solid construction and energy efficiency make it a great choice for homeowners in various climates.
In my case, the installation hiccups and minor finishing imperfections were minor annoyances in an otherwise positive experience. The door not only enhanced the look of my home but also provided better insulation and security than my previous one.
If you’re in the market for a new front door and value customizability and durability without breaking the bank, Steves & Sons is a solid option.