RELIABILT Back Doors
RELIABILT back doors are steel exterior doors designed for side and rear entries. Simpler designs than front doors at a lower price point.
RELIABILT back doors are typically steel 6-panel or flat-panel exterior doors priced from $150 to $300. They use the same construction as front doors (galvanized steel skin over a polyurethane foam core) but with simpler designs since curb appeal is less of a priority. Available as prehung units with frame, weatherstripping, and threshold included. Half-lite (half glass) options let in natural light while maintaining privacy.
Back Door Styles
| 6-Panel Steel | Most popular. Traditional raised panel look. Fully insulated. Primed white, ready for paint. $150 - $200. |
| Flat Panel Steel | Clean, modern look. Same construction as 6-panel. $150 - $200. |
| Half-Lite Steel | Upper half is glass (clear, frosted, or decorative). Lower half is solid steel. $200 - $350. |
| Full-Lite Steel | Full glass panel in steel frame. Maximum light. $250 - $400. |
How to Choose a RELIABILT Back Door
Measure the rough opening width and height. Standard back doors fit 32" or 36" x 80" openings. Garage-to-house entries often use 32" doors while back patio entries use 36". Confirm your rough opening before ordering to avoid shimming more than 1/2" per side.
Solid panel doors cost less and insulate better. If the back door faces a patio or garden, a half-lite model adds visibility and natural light. If it opens to a side yard or utility area, a solid 6-panel is the practical choice since you do not need the view.
Inswing vs outswing matters for back entries. Most back doors are inswing (open into the house). Outswing doors are harder to force open and work well where interior clearance is tight, but they are exposed to weather on the hinge side. Check that the swing direction clears cabinets, appliances, or stairs near the opening.
Outswing vs inswing security considerations: Outswing doors have hinges on the exterior, which makes them vulnerable to hinge pin removal. If you choose outswing, specify non-removable hinge pins (NRP hinges) or add security hinge studs that interlock the two hinge leaves even if the pin is removed.
If your back entry leads to a patio or deck, a sliding patio door may be a better fit for wide openings. For storm protection on the back entry, add a screen door. For maximum security on a side entry, consider a security door overlay.
Back Door Installation Tips
Check the subfloor condition at the threshold. Back door thresholds sit close to grade level and are prone to subfloor rot. Before installing a new door, probe the subfloor with an awl. Soft or spongy wood must be replaced to provide a solid base for the threshold and prevent future water damage.
Apply flashing tape over the rough opening sill plate before setting the prehung unit. This waterproofing layer directs any water that gets past the threshold back to the exterior rather than into the subfloor. Use self-adhesive rubberized flashing tape at least 6" wide.
Verify the door opens in the correct direction before fastening the frame. Back doors near kitchens or garages should not swing into appliances, vehicles, or high-traffic paths. Test the full swing arc before driving final screws.
Install a drip cap above the door if the back entry does not have an overhang or awning. A drip cap ($5-10) is an L-shaped metal flashing that deflects rain runoff from the wall above the door. Without it, water streams down the face of the door and accelerates paint failure and threshold wear.
Caulk the exterior frame-to-siding joint immediately after installation. Back doors are often more exposed to driving rain than front doors due to less porch coverage. Use polyurethane caulk for maximum adhesion and flexibility. Re-inspect this seal annually.
Add a kick plate during installation, not after. It is easier to install a kick plate ($15-25) while the door is accessible on sawhorses than after it is hung. Drill pilot holes to prevent denting the steel skin, then attach with the provided screws.
Common Back Door Problems and Fixes
Water pooling at the threshold: Back doors are more exposed to rain runoff from rooflines. Check that the ground slopes away from the door. Adjust the threshold height screws (accessible from the top of the sill) to raise the seal. If pooling persists, install a small awning or drip edge above the door.
Sagging on the hinge side: Heavy steel doors can pull hinge screws loose over time, especially if the original screws are short. Replace the top hinge screws with 3" screws that reach the wall stud. This pulls the door back into alignment without rehinging.
Lock difficult to engage: Temperature changes cause steel to expand and contract. If the deadbolt no longer lines up with the strike plate in summer, file the strike plate opening 1/16" wider. In winter, if the door shrinks and rattles, add an adjustable strike plate.
Paint peeling on the exterior side: Back doors often receive less attention than front doors. Peeling typically means moisture is trapped under the paint. Sand to bare metal, prime with a rust-inhibiting exterior primer, and repaint. Ensure the threshold seal is intact so water does not wick up from the bottom.
Kick plate damage on the lower panel: Back doors take more abuse from foot traffic, deliveries, and pets. Install a 6" or 8" brass or stainless steel kick plate ($15-25) to protect the bottom of the door from scuffs and dents. This extends the life of the paint finish and prevents corrosion at the vulnerable lower edge.
How to Maintain Your Back Door
Inspect the threshold seal every spring. Back doors take more foot traffic with shoes, pets, and outdoor gear. The compression seal wears faster than a front door. Replace it when you see daylight under the closed door or feel a draft at the bottom.
Clean and repaint every 2-4 years if the door faces weather exposure. South- and west-facing back doors fade faster. Use exterior acrylic latex paint over a clean, lightly sanded surface.
Lubricate the lock cylinder annually with graphite powder (not WD-40, which attracts dust). Back door locks see less use and can seize if neglected. Test the deadbolt throw to confirm smooth operation.
Check the door sweep or bottom seal for gaps. Back entries near ground level are entry points for insects and moisture. Replace worn sweeps with screw-on aluminum-and-vinyl models that last 5+ years.
Examine the door frame and sill for wood rot annually. Back door frames are more exposed to rain splash-back from patios and decks. Probe the sill and lower frame with an awl. If the awl sinks in easily, the wood is rotting and the frame section should be replaced before it compromises the door seal and structural integrity.
Keep vegetation trimmed 12 inches from the door. Shrubs and plants against the back door trap moisture against the frame and create pathways for insects. Maintain clearance on all sides for airflow and easy access to the hardware.
Test the door seal in autumn before heating season begins. Close the door and run your hand along all four edges. Any cold air you feel indicates weatherstripping failure. Also check the threshold by sliding a piece of paper under the closed door. If the paper moves freely, the threshold seal needs adjustment or replacement.
Clean the glass on half-lite doors inside and out. Use standard glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. For textured or frosted glass inserts, use a soft-bristle brush to clean the pattern grooves where dust accumulates. Insulated glass units (dual-pane) with fogging between panes indicate seal failure and require panel replacement under warranty.
Back Door Questions
Is a back door the same construction as a front door?
Yes. RELIABILT back doors use the same galvanized steel skin and polyurethane foam core as front doors. The difference is cosmetic: back doors come in simpler panel designs without decorative glass options, which keeps the price $50-150 lower than comparable front door models.
Can I use a 32" back door for a garage entry?
Yes. A 32" steel door is the standard choice for garage-to-house entries. It meets fire code requirements in most jurisdictions when rated as a 20-minute fire door. Check your local building code since some areas require a fire-rated door between the garage and living space.
Do RELIABILT back doors come prehung?
Most RELIABILT back doors are sold as prehung units with the slab, frame, hinges, weatherstripping, and threshold included. Slab-only options are available if your existing frame is in good condition. Prehung is recommended for replacement projects since the frame, seal, and threshold are all matched.
Should I choose inswing or outswing for a back door?
Inswing is standard and works best in most situations since the hinges stay dry on the interior side. Choose outswing if interior space is tight (the door swings onto a porch or patio instead) or if you want added security, as outswing doors are harder to kick in. Outswing doors require non-removable hinge pins (NRP hinges) for security since the hinge barrels are exposed on the exterior.
Need hardware for your back door? Door knobs and keyed-entry sets start at $15. Add weatherstripping and a kick plate for durability. For the back patio, consider a sliding patio door instead.