Materials behind an Ensemble Entry Harbor Door

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The Materials Behind Ensemble® Entry Doors | Renewal by Andersen

Discover how Ensemble®entry doors by Renewal by Andersen combine the best qualities of wood, fiberglass, and steel. Learn what makes them durable, energy efficient, and beautifully built to last.

Built to Last: The Materials Behind Ensemble® Entry Doors ​

When it comes to choosing a new front door, the material you pick matters just as much as its design. Your entry door does a lot more than welcome guests—it protects your home from the elements, helps keep energy costs down, and adds to your home’s overall character.

 

That’s why Renewal by Andersen created the Ensemble®entry door—the perfect blend of style and engineering. These doors combine the best qualities of today’s leading materials—wood, fiberglass, and steel—into one strong, energy-efficient design that looks beautiful and performs even better. 

 

Every Ensemble®entry door is also custom-built for your home and designed to stand up to the toughest weather conditions. The result is a door that fits perfectly, seals tightly, and performs reliably season after season.

 

Understanding Entry Door Materials

If you’ve started looking for a new front door, you’ve probably noticed that most are made from one of the following materials: wood, fiberglass, or steel. Each one has its perks—and its drawbacks.

  •   Wood gives you that classic, timeless look but needs regular upkeep.
  •   Fiberglass is durable and efficient but can feel lighter or less solid than other materials.
  •   Steel is tough and secure but can rust or dent over time.

Ensemble®entry doors take the best parts of each material and combine them into one innovative design that’s built to last.

 

Wood Doors – Natural Beauty, Higher Maintenance

For homeowners who love the look and feel of real wood, few materials compare. Wood doors add natural warmth, depth, and architectural detail, and they can be customized with stains and paints. However, this timeless beauty comes with added upkeep. Wood doors are more vulnerable to swelling, cracking, and fading due to moisture and sunlight, and they often require refinishing to maintain their appearance over time.Materials behind an Ensemble Entry Wood Door

 

Fiberglass Doors – Lightweight and Low-Maintenance

Fiberglass doors are among the most popular options for homeowners today. They’re resistant to warping, rotting, and rusting, and they offer energy efficiency thanks to insulated cores. Their textured surfaces can even mimic real wood, offering a balance of beauty and practicality. However, fiberglass doors can sometimes lack the solid feel and warmth of traditional wood, and repairs can be challenging if the surface becomes damaged.

Materials behind an Ensemble Entry Door with Fiberglass

 

Steel Doors – Strong and Secure

Steel doors are prized for their security and structural strength. They’re typically less expensive than wood doors and offer dependable protection against weather and impact. While steel provides excellent durability, it can dent or rust if not properly finished. Because steel conducts heat and cold, these doors can also be less efficient in extreme climates and offer fewer design options.Materials behind an Ensemble Entry Door made of steel

 

How Ensemble® Entry Doors Combine the Best of All Materials

Each Ensemble®entry door system features a continuous dual-composite frame for exceptional durability and weather resistance. The scratch-resistant fiberglass panel is reinforced with a laminated veneered lumber skeleton for strength and stability. Unlike steel or wood, these doors won’t rust, rot, or dent—so they stay beautiful for years.

 

Every panel also includes a full-perimeter composite edge that protects against moisture and insect damage. Inside, a CFC-free foam core provides superior insulation for comfort and efficiency. The result is a door that brings together craftsmanship, technology, and everyday durability.

 

Engineered for Energy Efficiency and Longevity

The continuous composite frame and insulated fiberglass panel help keep your home cozy in winter and cool in summer. The CFC-free foam core boosts efficiency, while the full-perimeter seal blocks drafts, moisture, and even insects.

 

Because these doors don’t rust, rot, or dent, they maintain their structure and finish with little upkeep. Rigorously tested for strength, energy performance, and weather resistance, Ensemble®entry doors are built to handle whatever the forecast brings.

 

Customized for Your Home

Every Ensemble®entry door is built to your home’s exact measurements for a precise, weathertight fit—no gaps, no leaks, no pests.

 

You can personalize nearly every element: choose your panel design, add transom windows or sidelights, select decorative glass or grilles, and pick from dozens of interior and exterior colors. You can even mix finishes—perhaps a rich wood tone inside and a bold color outside—to match your personal style. Take a look at our entry door options page for even more possibilities.

 

Designed, Built, and Installed by Renewal by Andersen

When you choose an Ensemble® entry door, you get Renewal by Andersen’s Signature Service—from the first consultation to final installation. One dedicated team handles the process from start to finish, so everything fits and functions perfectly. Each door is backed by a fully transferable limited warranty for added peace of mind.

 

Schedule your free consultation to see how an Ensemble®entry door can transform your home’s entryway with beauty, performance, and precision craftsmanship.

Want to learn more? Visit our Ensemble product page or request an entry door brochure today!

Frequently Asked Questions
 
How do I know if I need to replace my entry door?
If your door sticks, lets in drafts, or shows visible wear, it may be time for an upgrade. A new door can improve functionality, security, and curb appeal.  
 
What is the best material for a front entry door?
It depends on your priorities. Wood offers beauty, fiberglass provides durability, and steel adds security. Ensemble®entry doors combine all three advantages into one design.
 
How are Ensemble®entry doors different from other fiberglass or steel doors?
The Ensemble®entrydooris a system that has a continuous dual-composite frame and a reinforced fiberglass panel supported by laminated veneered lumber—offering superior strength, insulation, and resistance to damage.
 
Are Ensemble®entry doors energy efficient?
Yes. Insulated cores and full-perimeter seals help prevent the transfer of heat and cold which can help maintain consistent indoor temperatures while reducing energy loss.
 
Are the Ensemble ®entry doors secure?
Yes. A dual-composite frame, reinforced panels, and advanced hardware systems provide exceptional forced-entry resistance.*
Doors with a stainless steel multi-point mortise locking system latch in three places for a tight, weather-resistant seal. Reinforced hinge pockets and strike plates add extra protection where it matters most.
 
How long do Ensemble®entry doors last?
Ensemble®entry doors are engineered for longevity. Their composite construction resists warping, cracking, rust, and rot—providing years of reliable performance with minimal maintenance.
 
Can I customize the color or finish of my Ensemble®entry door?
Absolutely. Choose from a variety of finishes, glass, hardware, sidelights, and transoms—even select different colors inside and out.
 
How long does it take to replace an entry door?
Most installations are completed in as little as one day, depending on your project.
Have more questions? Check out our full Ensemble FAQ section!
*For residential entry doors when independently tested per ASTM F476: Standard Test Method for Security of Swinging Door Assemblies, cylinder body pull, cylinder pull and jamb spread tests achieve Grade 30, with all other referenced tests achieving Grade 40 when configured with a mortise locking assembly.

Our Hassle-Free Process

Meet with your design consultant in-home or virtually to design a replacement solution that works for you. You’ll get options that fit your home, your timeline, and your bottom line.

Step 1

Design Consultation

Meet with your design consultant in-home or virtually to design a replacement solution that works for you. You’ll get options that fit your home, your timeline, and your bottom line.
Your project technician will assess your home, take detailed window and framing measurements, and answer any last-minute questions before sending in the order for custom-built windows.

Step 2

Measure and Manufacture

Your project technician will assess your home, take detailed window and framing measurements, and answer any last-minute questions before sending in the order for custom-built windows. 
Our installers treat your home as if it were their own. They come prepared with a “rolling workshop,” take time to answer any of your questions, and clean up thoroughly when done.

Step 3

Installation

Our installers treat your home as if it were their own. They come prepared with a “rolling workshop,” take time to answer any of your questions, and clean up thoroughly when done.
A robust limited warranty is backed by a commitment to making sure your windows function as expected. We will be here for you today, tomorrow, and decades down the road.

Step 4

Customer Care

A robust limited warranty is backed by a commitment to making sure your windows function as expected. We will be here for you today, tomorrow, and decades down the road.