Composite doors vs wood doors: what's best?

More and more homeowners are opting for composite doors instead of traditional wooden ones. But which are better? Here’s all you need to know about composite doors vs wood doors.

Replacing your front door can improve your property’s security, enhance its kerb appeal and even add value to your home. But what kind should you go for?

Here, we’ll help you navigate the composite door vs wood door debate so you can decide which option is right for you and your property. Read on for all you need to know.

Composite doors vs wood doors: what’s the difference?

Wooden doors have been around since the start of civilisation.

They're available in lots of different types of wood, and they’re strong, sturdy, and perfect if you’re after a more traditional look for your home.

However, more and more homeowners nowadays are switching to composite doors.

Composite doors are made from wood, PVC, insulating foam and reinforced plastic with a reinforced steel frame or solid hardwood frame.

This gives them added durability, security, and thermal resistance, making them one of the safest kinds of front doors.

However, both wood doors and composite doors have their advantages. This brings us to…

Benefits of composite doors

Composite doors have many advantages, owing to the fact they’re constructed using a mixture of materials.

Here are the main benefits of composite doors when compared with wood doors.

Low maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of composite doors is that they’re extremely low maintenance.

This is because of their outer coating of glass-reinforced plastic, which allows them to withstand harsh weather and wear and tear without needing to be touched up or painted.

On the other hand, wooden doors need ongoing maintenance to prevent issues like peeling, warping and swelling. It’s generally recommended that your wood door is repainted every 2-5 years.

High thermal resistance

Both wood and composite doors provide excellent thermal and noise insulation compared to other types of doors.

But composite doors have the edge.

This is because they’re better at retaining their insulative properties over time. Meanwhile, a wood door needs to be properly maintained, otherwise these properties can be lost.

Secure

When it comes to security, both composite doors and solid hardwood doors should be at the top of your list.

Both are sturdy and – as long as they’re fitted with the right locks – can be impenetrable without the right tools.

However, composite doors come out slightly on top. Why? Well, if your wood door swells or warps due to poor maintenance, it will become much less secure. Meanwhile, if you have a composite door, this won’t be a concern.

Aesthetically pleasing

Composite doors are available in lots of different styles and in every colour imaginable.

You can even get them with a wood grain texture, although this will not replicate the look of a wood door exactly.

With that in mind, many homeowners believe composite doors perfectly combine the low maintenance of uPVC with the look of timber.

Advantages of wood doors

Wood doors also have their advantages – especially solid hardwood doors, which are made from denser woods such as oak, walnut and maple.

Here are some benefits of wooden doors.

Cost-effective

Wood doors tend to cost less than composite doors up front.

As a rough guide, you can expect to pay around£550 - £1,800 to get a basic spec wood front door installed. Meanwhile, you’re looking at around £1,100 - £1,400 for a composite front door.

As you can see, there is some overlap, but wood door prices start lower than composite door prices. Remember that you’ll likely save money in the long run with a composite front door, as it will require less maintenance.

Head over to our door installation cost guide for more ballpark prices.

Classic look

Many homeowners crave the authentic look and feel of a real wood front door, which is impossible to replicate.

Period properties, such as Victorian properties, Edwardian homes, and country cottages, are likely to benefit from a traditional timber front door.

However, wood doors suit many different property styles, including modern homes.

Customisable

Unlike composite doors, wood doors can be easily customised.

If your door is too big, it can be planed down to fit. Meanwhile, if it’s too small, you can use packers to fill out the frame.

If you quickly get tired of your decor choices, you’ll also be a big fan of the fact that you can easily repaint a wood door (in fact, it’s recommended that you do so every 2-5 years). This means you can change the colour of your front door whenever you like.

Sustainable

A wood door is a sustainable choice for your home – provided the wood has been sourced responsibly.

Meanwhile, the materials used to make composite doors have traditionally been difficult to recycle.

Many composite door suppliers have taken measures to make their products more sustainable, but solid wood doors remain a a good choice for the environment.

Long-lasting

A solid wood door can last for an impressive 60 years+ if it’s properly cared for.

However, it’s worth noting that it will need to be carefully maintained from day one—otherwise, its lifespan could be much shorter.

Meanwhile, a composite door can last for over 30 years without maintenance.

Are composite doors better than wood?

Composite doors and wood doors are both excellent choices.

After all, they’re both strong and secure with high thermal resistance.

With that in mind, it’s impossible to say whether one is better. Instead, it will depend on your property, preferences and lifestyle.

Whichever option you choose, remember to hire a professional to install your new door.

Your front door is crucial to keeping your home secure, so it’s best not to take any chances. Instead, a professional can install your new door to a high standard while ensuring that it offers the maximum security possible.

Enter your postcode below to find a trusted door fitter near you.