Some projects are memorable for their scale, some for their complexity—and others because they hit all the right notes in terms of design, function, and storytelling. This one definitely fits into that last category.
It all began with a bold custom color scheme: a dramatic two-tone combination with red and black on the exterior, and white with stainless steel accents on the interior. We paired that with a smooth finish fiberglass door slab—a choice that really made the colors pop and gave the whole entryway a sleek, ultra-modern feel. Fiberglass, especially in a smooth finish, gives us the freedom to experiment with clean lines and sharp contrast, all while keeping things low-maintenance and energy efficient.
Then came the detail that caused more than a little head scratching: the mail slot.
I’ll be honest—I generally try to avoid mail slots altogether. They often compromise the door’s thermal performance, especially here in Ontario winters. But in this case, it was a must-have for the homeowner. After digging through several options, I finally settled on a Yale-branded mail slot, which offered better sealing and a tighter profile than most. It’s not something I’d use on every job, but as far as mail slots go, this one was solid.
Now let’s talk install.
This job was scheduled as a two-man job, but of course, my helper didn’t show up. So I ended up doing the entire thing solo—which wasn’t exactly ideal, given the weight and precision involved, but hey, the show must go on. Thanks to my trusty Milwaukee lighting setup, I was still able to catch all the little details, and in some ways, working alone gives you a unique kind of focus.
This project also marked a turning point in terms of hardware philosophy.
It was the last door I installed using a traditional deadbolt with roller catches paired with pull bar handles. While this setup is still widely used across the industry, and it does offer a very clean, hardware-free look on the interior, I’ve since moved on to multipoint locking systems for most of my doors—especially with fiberglass.
Multipoint locks keep the door pulled tight into the weatherstripping, significantly boosting security, insulation, and long-term stability. Yes, it does mean you can accidentally lock yourself out if you’re not careful (something I’ll cover in a future post), but overall, I’ve found the benefits far outweigh the risks.
In the end, this smooth fiberglass door wasn’t just visually striking—it was a fun challenge that reminded me why I love this work: problem-solving, design, and execution, all rolled into one sleek entryway.
If you’re wondering whether a fiberglass door can really hold its own in terms of both aesthetics and performance—this project says yes.