RELIABILT Front Doors
Steel and fiberglass prehung entry doors sold exclusively at Lowe's. Single-door, double-door, and sidelight configurations from $150 to $750+.
RELIABILT front doors are prehung steel and fiberglass exterior doors starting around $150 for steel and $300 for fiberglass, sold exclusively at Lowe's. All units include the door slab, pre-assembled frame, hinges, weatherstripping, and threshold. Steel doors offer the best security and lowest price; fiberglass doors resist dents, don't rust, and can be stained to mimic wood grain.
Standard size is 36" × 80" prehung. Sidelight and double-door configurations are available for wider openings. Most steel models are Energy Star certified. All carry a limited lifetime structural warranty with a separate finish warranty (1–5 years depending on model).
Steel vs Fiberglass Front Doors
| Feature | Steel | Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$150 prehung | ~$300 prehung |
| Dent Resistance | Can dent on impact | Dent-proof |
| Finish Options | Paint only | Paint or stain (wood look) |
| Insulation Core | Polyurethane foam | Polyurethane foam |
| Rust Risk | Yes, if finish is scratched | None |
| Security | Strongest option | Good, lighter than steel |
| Best For | Budget, security priority | Curb appeal, coastal climates |
How to Choose a RELIABILT Front Door
Measure your rough opening before ordering. Standard RELIABILT front doors fit 36" × 80" rough openings. If your opening is wider than 36", look at double-door or sidelight configurations instead of forcing a non-standard frame.
Pick steel for security or budget; fiberglass for appearance and coastal climates. A 20-gauge galvanized steel skin resists forced entry better than fiberglass. Choose fiberglass if your door faces direct sun for more than 4 hours daily — steel conducts heat and can cause finish issues in extreme exposure.
Glass inserts add curb appeal but reduce insulation. Half-lite doors still provide decent energy efficiency. Full-lite doors lose more heat in winter. If you live in Climate Zone 5 or higher, stick with solid or half-lite panels.
Configuration options: Single 36" door is standard. Double doors (two 30" panels) suit 60"+ openings. Sidelight configurations add narrow fixed glass panels beside the door for extra light without the full cost of a double door.
Front Door Installation Tips
Remove the old door and frame completely. Prehung front doors include their own frame, so the old frame must come out. Pry off interior casing trim first, then cut through shims and nails holding the old frame to the rough opening.
Dry-fit the new door before applying caulk. Set the prehung unit into the rough opening without fasteners to check the fit. Verify clearance on all sides and ensure the threshold sits level. Adjust with shims as needed.
Apply a continuous bead of exterior caulk to the back of the brick mold before pressing the door into the opening. Use polyurethane caulk for the best adhesion and flexibility.
Shim behind every hinge and the strike plate. Drive 3" screws through the hinge into the stud. Check the door swings freely and the deadbolt engages cleanly after each adjustment.
When to Hire a Pro
DIY-friendly if the rough opening is square. Hire a professional if the framing is out of square, requires structural changes, or if you are installing a heavy fiberglass unit in a two-story opening.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Door sticking or hard to close | Tighten all hinge screws first. If still sticking, shave 1/16" off the latch side with a block plane. On fiberglass, adjust the threshold screws on the sill plate. |
| Rust spots on steel door | Sand with 120-grit paper, apply rust-inhibiting primer, repaint with exterior-grade paint. Catch rust early before it spreads beneath the paint film. |
| Deadbolt misalignment | Remove the strike plate, enlarge the mortise with a chisel, reinstall with 3" screws reaching the wall stud. |
| Glass insert fogging | Failed seal — the glass unit must be replaced. Check warranty coverage; most sealed glass units carry a 10-year or lifetime seal warranty. |
How to Maintain Your Front Door
Clean twice a year with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners on both steel and fiberglass finishes. Dry with a soft cloth after rinsing.
Repaint steel doors every 3–5 years or sooner if you notice chalking or exposed primer. Fiberglass holds color longer — typically 7–10 years before repainting. Use 100% acrylic latex exterior paint for both materials.
Lubricate hinges annually with silicone spray or white lithium grease. Inspect the threshold and sill pan every fall — water pooling at the threshold can wick under the frame and cause subfloor rot. Recaulk the exterior frame-to-siding joint as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RELIABILT front doors Energy Star certified?
Most RELIABILT steel and fiberglass front doors with polyurethane foam cores meet Energy Star requirements for all U.S. climate zones. Check the product listing at Lowe's for the Energy Star label on the specific model, as some glass-heavy configurations may not qualify in northern zones.
Can I install a RELIABILT front door myself?
Yes. Prehung front doors are designed for DIY installation and take 2–4 hours with basic tools (level, drill, shims, 3" screws). The frame comes pre-assembled — set it in the rough opening, shim plumb and level, then secure. Lowe's also offers professional installation if preferred.
Do RELIABILT front doors come with a warranty?
RELIABILT front doors carry a limited lifetime structural warranty and a separate finish warranty (1–5 years depending on model). Glass insert seals are warranted separately. Keep your Lowe's receipt as proof of purchase.
Pair with a matching handleset and deadbolt. Add a screen door for storm protection. See customer reviews and full warranty details.