What to Know Before Choosing a Black Entry Door

By Natalie Leonardelli on August 4, 2026

Black entry doors have become increasingly popular within the past decade. Their sleek and cohesive style make for a common choice among many homeowners. Not only can black entry doors match with nearly any color or finish, they can also increase curb appeal with their clean, modern aesthetic.

Just as there are many positives to black entry doors, there can be some pitfalls, as well. There are a few considerations to take into account before purchasing your black entry door. This article will walk through the steps to protect your entryway, which door materials work best with black finishes, and the pros and cons of black entry doors.

What to Know

Black absorbs heat the most of any color due to its light reflective value (LRV). The darkest shade of black has 0 light reflective value, meaning it absorbs all heat, while white reflects it. If exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day, this can cause a black door to shrink, warp, and even crack.

There are ways to avoid this, however, if you decide to move forward with a black entry door. Choosing the correct material and making sure your door is hidden from direct sunlight are both crucial in increasing the longevity of your entryway.

Credit: PlastPro

Protection & Materials

Before you consider purchasing a new entry door with a black finish or painting your existing one, you must determine if you have space for an awning above your door. An awning is critical to keeping direct sunlight off your entry door, regardless of material, to prevent damage from heat and UV rays.

Fiberglass

Another factor to take into account is which door material you choose. Fiberglass doors can be painted black or have color built directly into the skin. PlastPro’s ONYX Series features exclusive Pigmented ONYX Skin, a durable fiberglass finish where the rich color is built into the door itself. Because the pigment permeates the entire skin, it won’t chip or flake like paint, ensuring a long-lasting, low-maintenance finish.

Wood

Wood doors can also be painted black, but only one wood species can properly withstand black’s low light reflective value. Simpson’s Accoya wood doors, distributed by Western, are engineered to handle low LRV paint. By combining advanced materials with expert craftsmanship, Simpson ensures that dark-painted accoya doors maintain their beauty and integrity over time, without compromising on performance, longevity, or warranty coverage.

Pros

  • Increased curb appeal
  • Easy to maintain and touch up
  • Can match nearly any color
  • Creates a focal point for your entryway

Cons

  • Can get extremely hot in direct sunlight
  • Possibility of warping or cracking if proper precautions not taken

If you’re ready to upgrade your entryway, and you’re looking to make a statement, black entry doors might be the choice for you. Sleek and modern, black entry doors can increase your home’s percieved value and curb appeal. Taking the proper steps to protect your black door can ensure its longevity for years to come. Explore all of Western’s entry door options today. 

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