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Steel doors are among the most durable and longest-lasting options available, with a typical lifespan ranging from 30 to 100 years. Their longevity depends on factors such as the quality of the door, proper installation, climate, and the amount of use it receives.

While known for their resistance to wear and tear, steel doors can get dented and scratched over time. It is important to maintain them by regularly cleaning, checking the seals, and repainting them if the paint peels to prevent rusting.

A slab door is a standalone door without a frame or hardware. A prehung door is a complete set that includes the door, frame, hinges, and sometimes the doorknob and lockset.

In most cases, a prehung door is the better and easier option to install, especially for DIY projects or exterior applications, as they often come pre-weatherproofed. They require fewer tools and less experience to install properly. Although prehung doors are heavier and have a higher upfront cost, the investment is often worthwhile for a complete upgrade that includes a new frame.

A slab door may be a better choice if you are on a tight budget, have a custom-sized wall opening, or only need to replace the door while keeping the existing frame. While the initial cost is lower, you will need to purchase all the hardware separately and do more DIY work to hang it, which may not result in significant time or money savings.

Begin by determining which way you want the door to swing based on the layout of your room. Traditionally, left-handed doors have a doorknob closest to your left hand, and right-handed doors include a doorknob closest to your right. Right-handed doors with left hinges swing inward and vice versa. This can vary based on the layout of your home, though.

The average fiberglass door that you purchase from your local door company or home improvement store will last around 20 to 40 years, so fiberglass doors are considered durable compared to other door materials. When properly maintained, it's not unheard of for a fiberglass door to last up to 80 years.