If properly cared for, a wooden door has an average lifespan of 56 to 65 years. Cabinet doors are expected to last a lifetime, and French doors have an average lifespan of 30 to 50 years. While storm doors are often chosen as a way to keep your home more energy efficient, they can offer some protection from the elements and, therefore, extend the life of the exterior door. Although they weigh less than steel or solid wood doors, fiberglass doors are generally durable and offer good protection against the elements.
Many older homes have wooden doors that are the centerpieces of the porch, and the material also adds a traditional element to newer homes. The lifespan of a wooden door depends on the type of wood, but on average, most of those that have been properly maintained can last between 20 and 50 years or more. Wood exterior door gaskets, weather strips, and frames may need to be replaced every eight to 10 years. They can come factory-painted in bright colors or raw and ready for your personal touch, but you can also build a solid wood door yourself if you have intermediate DIY skills.
