Blog>Expert Advice>Buying guide: Helping you to choose your composite doors
Last updated: 14 August 2024
Buying guide: Helping you to choose your composite doors
This buying guide outlines the key features to look out for, a list of some of the best composite front doors on the market, and an overview of prices.
If you know your front door is letting the side down, it could be time for an upgrade. Whether it's no longer fit for purpose or putting a dent in your kerb appeal, a composite door is a great choice to spruce up your property!
Here, we outline everything you need to know about composite doors to help you confidently choose the right one for your home.
What is a composite door?
Composite door sales have rocketed in recent years - they've become the preferred choice of front door for homeowners across the UK.
The doors themselves are made of several different materials:
At their core, you'll find a solid timber section that provides strength and insulation
Surrounding this are additional layers such as uPVC, GRP (also known as fibreglass), and high-density foam, which give the doors their durability and robustness
Why choose a composite door?
Composite doors make an attractive choice for UK homeowners.
They're available in various colours and styles, and their multi-layer construction makes them energy-efficient, durable, and low-maintenance. They're a robust choice offering excellent security too.
Here's where to start and what to consider when buying a new composite door for your home.
How to choose the best composite doors
Let's take a look at the key features of composite doors in more detail. After all, your front door is not just about aesthetics, it's one of the most vital ways of keeping your home safe and secure.
Colours and styles
Traditional or contemporary, bold or muted; composite doors are available in a huge variety of styles and colours. You might even opt for composite stable doors for a charming, country feel.
Further customisation is possible through your choice of handle, knocker, and letterbox, allowing you to create whatever first impression you desire.
Energy-efficiency
Fully fitted composite doors are regarded as the most energy-efficient doors you can choose due to their multi-layer construction (including wood, uPVC, insulating foam, and glass-reinforced plastic 'GRP'). However, as with most products, some are better than others.
Since June 2022, by law, all replacement windows and doors in the UK must achieve a U-value of 1.4W/m²K or less. However, this is the minimum requirement - you can upgrade to benefit from a better-insulated home. Remember, better insulation will pay you back through reduced energy bills!
Durability
Composite doors are seriously durable - expected to last 35 years or more without warping, cracking, or fading. Comparatively, uPVC doors are likely to last up to 25 years. A solid hardwood front door could last around 60 years but will require regular maintenance.
There are different grades of composite doors, so to be sure of what you're getting, check what the core and external layer are made from.
Low maintenance
Who doesn't love a low-maintenance option? Composite doors don't need to be painted or varnished and they're easy to clean - just needing the occasional wipe down to keep them looking good. A big tick in the box for busy homeowners!
Weather resistance
Let's face it, our front doors take a battering from wind, rain, and the occasional bit of sun. Composite doors are designed to withstand the elements, avoiding issues such as rot and fading. Timber and uPVC doors will require more upkeep to avoid this fate.
Security
Composite is the top choice of material for a highly secure front door. It's significantly stronger than other materials, such as timber or uPVC, making composite doors much harder to break into.
When researching composite front doors, look for those marked as 'Secured by Design' (SBD). This means they're designed and manufactured to meet rigorous standards of enhanced security performance as defined by the police.
Also, check your choice of door locks have the BSI Kitemark to prove they conform to the minimum legal requirements for security.
Cost
Composite doors aren't cheap, but their durability, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and extra security make them a good investment compared with other options.
Composite doors are more expensive than uPVC doors, but are generally more affordable than timber doors.
Do your research and compare the key features that are important to you against your available budget.
What are the most popular composite doors?
When researching the most popular composite doors on the market, you'll find some key brand names mentioned. Including:
Solidor - a brand known for excellent security
Endurance - known for sustainably, safety, and energy efficiency
Rockdoor - a best-selling brand with innovative S-Glaze technology
Comp Door - known for great thermal efficiency and security
Truedor - an affordable choice offering a range of traditional styles
Door-Stop - reliable security and energy efficiency at competitive price points
GRP Composite Doors - a wide selection of styles at affordable prices
Hallmark Panels - known for fast delivery and a variety of design styles
There are no 'bad' door manufacturers, but the quality can vary. Design and style, budget, and security are often key drivers for homeowners comparing the various composite doors on the market.
Do your research to narrow down your selection based on your needs and contact a local composite door installer for expert advice. Search your postcode, below, to find approved experts in your area.
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Average cost of a composite door
One of the first questions you're likely to ask is, "How much does a composite door cost?"
A basic specification composite door without glass typically costs between £1,100 - £1,400.
Don't forget the labour cost to install your composite door
Labour costs will depend on the type and size of the door being installed and whether the door frame is being replaced too. As a guide, expect to pay in the region of £500 - £1,000 for labour.
Request a quote for your composite doors
Whether you're looking for composite double doors, composite stable doors, or composite front doors, get direct quotes from our approved members through our request a quote feature.
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If you're looking for a new door, could it be time to upgrade your windows too?
A new front door will instantly improve your home's appearance and - together with a smart-looking exterior - could even add up to 10% to its value. Have you considered how your new front door will look against your existing windows?
Learn more about the cost of new windows, energy ratings, and window styles in our handy guide below.
Window types and features: Choose the right style for your home
There are several types of windows available in the UK, each with their own set of pros and cons, efficiency ratings, design options, and price tags.
Key takeaways
Composite doors are the preferred choice for UK homeowners
They're solid, secure, energy-efficient, and durable, available in a wide variety of colours and styles
Basic specification composite doors typically cost between £1,100 - £1,400
Installation costs normally sit in the region of £500 - £1,000
Find a composite door specialist in your area
All Checkatrade tradespeople must pass up to 12 checks and meet our high standards, giving you complete confidence in your choice of hire.
Plus, when you book your composite door installer with us, we'll guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
Ready to get your composite door installed? Find trusted and approved suppliers through Checkatrade. Search your postcode to get started.
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Choosing the right composite doors will make all the difference to your home
Check out this project completed by Checkatrade members, Sheerwater Glass. What a difference the new composite door and windows make!
New windows and composite front doors in Wisley
Checkatrade members, Sheerwater Glass, put an end to the draught and damp problem at several cottages in Wisley by fitting new windows and a composite front doors.
Frequently asked questions about composite doors
What are the disadvantages of a composite door?
Composite doors aren't cheap and some people hear cracking and creaking sounds in hot weather as the plastic inside the door expands and contracts.
What is the alternative to composite doors?
The three main alternatives that homeowners compare vs composite doors are uPVC, wood, and aluminium doors. Wooden doors require more maintenance, aluminium doors are more expensive, and uPVC are cheaper but less durable.
Is a composite door better than uPVC?
Composite doors are durable and secure with their solid core and reinforced frame. They have better thermal and sound insulation than uPVC doors and require less maintenance due to their weather resistance.
While uPVC doors are more affordable and offer a range of styles, composite doors have a more authentic 'wood-like' appearance, which many homeowners are drawn to. Our guide to composite vs uPVC offers a full comparison.
Which is cheaper - uPVC or composite front doors?
Composite front doors are often closely compared with uPVC doors. When it comes to budget, uPVC doors are cheaper than composite.
What does a composite door cost?
A basic specification composite door typically costs between £1,100 - £1,400. For installation, expect to pay in the region of £500 - £1,000.
How much does it cost to replace a front door in the UK?
In the UK, expect to pay between £350 - £950 for a uPVC front door or between £750 - £3,000 for a composite front door.
The average cost of labour for installing a door ranges between £500 - £1,000. This will depend on the type and size of front door you have.
Our door installation cost guide contains more detailed information.
Are composite doors worth the extra money?
Despite composite doors being on the more expensive side, they are extremely durable and long-lasting. They offer a secure yet aesthetically pleasing entrance to your home. Their low maintenance and thermal efficiency could save you money in the long run vs other types of doors.
What is the lifespan of a composite door?
Composite doors are built to last, with a life expectancy of at least 30-35 years, with proper care and maintenance.
Does the sun affect composite doors?
Composite doors are UV resistant, so they're less likely to fade due to sun exposure. However, they can swell and expand in hot weather, making the door harder to open and close.
Do you need a new frame with a composite door?
While it's not essential to get a new frame with a composite door, it's highly recommended to do so. This will ensure the perfect fit with the locking mechanisms, which results in greater security and reduced heat loss.
How long does it take to get a composite door fitted?
Composite door fitting can take anywhere from two hours to a full day depending on the scope of the work and any complexities. For example, it will take longer if you're replacing the frame too.
Your composite door installer will be able to give you a more accurate time estimate when they quote for the work. Read our guide to door replacement for more information.
Can composite doors be kicked in?
One of the key selling points of composite doors is how secure they are. They're much harder to break into compared to uPVC or wooden doors due to their solid core, reinforced frame, double glazing, and multi-point locking systems.
More Composite Front Doors Installation Articles
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