Blog>Planning Guides>Front door replacement: everything you need to know
Last updated: 1 November 2024
Front door replacement: everything you need to know
Replacing your front door is a great way to make your home more energy efficient, as well as adding style and security. From door types, finding door fitters, cost, and more, our guide has all the information you need to help plan your project.
A front door replacement is a great way to transform your home, helping to improve its appearance, energy efficiency, and security.
But before you start ripping your old front door off the hinges, there are several important factors to consider.
To get you started, read our practical planning guide to choosing a replacement front door and installing it.
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Reasons for door replacement
Homeowners often choose door replacement because of the following:
Energy efficiency - over time, doors wear out and no longer keep heat. An insulated front door keeps the heat in and cold out
Wear and tear - exposure to the elements can take its toll on a front door. Replacing your damaged door can prevent further damage
Security - a broken door is a burglar's dream. If your door or frame has rust, cracks, dents, or holes, replace it to protect it from intruders
Kerb appeal - upgrading your front door can enhance its kerb appeal and help you achieve your intended look
Repairing a front door
A repair can be a cheaper option depending on your door's condition.
But, sometimes, replacing your door is better to maximise energy efficiency and improve security.
Look out for these common issues to address them quickly:
1. Rusty hinges
Rust accumulates on door hinges when moisture builds, leading to clunky movements and creaking doors.
You can remove the rust if you catch it quickly enough. But, for rust that is too advanced, you might be able to fix new hinges onto an old door.
Before you buy the hinges, check your door's overall condition to see if there is other damage to address.
2. Split panel
Old timber doors are prone to splitting panels due to wax, varnish or dirt build-up. So, your door can't expand and contract.
Caught early, you can repair cracks and breaks in timber front doors.
A new door might be safer if you have several split panels.
3. Rotten wood
A door is only as strong as the frame it sits in.
Timber doorframes can warp and rot when they are exposed to ongoing water. If you find the rot early enough, you can repair the affected area.
However, rotten wood will threaten the door's integrity if left untreated, making door replacement unavoidable.
4. Loose frame
Repeated usage over decades will cause a door to come loose from its hinges.
When the door does not align, it can cause issues with its functionality and security.
When your hinge screws won't grip to tighten the frame, call a professional. They can locate the issue and the best option to repair your door.
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Choosing a new front door
Consider a few things before buying your new door and hiring a tradesperson.
Ask yourself these questions:
Would a modern or traditional door suit your home's age?
Do you want a new colour and style or a like-for-like replacement?
What colour and style would match your windows?
What colour would suit the brick or rendering on the exterior of your house?
What is your budget for a new front, garage, or interior door?
What styles and colours look great on your neighbours' house?
Does your door need any extra security measures?
If you live in a flat, can you change your front door without permission? (More on that later)
Best material for a front door
The type of door you choose will depend on several factors.
For example, you might choose UPVC and aluminium for a modern look or timber and composite doors for traditional properties.
The most popular and secure front door materials are:
uPVC
Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride is a safe, affordable, water-resistant, and durable material popular with homeowners.
With anti-snap lock and multi-point locking systems, uPVC doors are a popular choice for the security-conscious.
Other positives include:
Cost-effective
Low maintenance
Double or triple-glazed
Wide colour choice
Panels do not split
Best for modern homes or new builds
Aluminium
Aluminium front doors are popular for modern installations because of their contemporary aesthetic.
Large expanses of glass are easily supported with slimline frames, making it a perfect choice for sliding doors.
Plus, aluminium doors are very durable and secure.
Aluminium can be easily customised to almost any shape and size and can be powder coat finished in hundreds of colours.
Other positives include:
Strong and durable
Low maintenance
Modern slimline appearance
100% recyclable
Perfect for contemporary new homes
Timber
Hardwood doors are usually built from multiple types of wood and are perfect for a traditional look.
Timber is a secure option because it's solid and sturdy. But choose a heavy, solid hardwood door with a sturdy lock and frame.
Unlike uPVC, you can resize and paint wood doors.
If the door is too big, it can be planed down to fit. If it is too small, you can use packers to fill out the frame.
Other positives include:
Classic aesthetic
Bespoke made
Fully sustainable
Durable and secure
Top choice for Victorian, Edwardian properties or country cottages
Composite
Composite doors are made from wood, PVC, insulating foam, and reinforced plastic with a reinforced steel frame or solid hardwood frame.
This results in higher thermal resistance, durability, and security. They can even withstand brute force and are one of the safest front doors.
The price tag reflects this, as composite doors are often the most expensive but long-lasting option.
Other positives include:
Realistic woodgrain effect finish
High-security standards
Excellent thermal performance
Contemporary and traditional designs
It looks great on period or country cottages
How to select glass for a door
Glass in your front door is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. It makes for an attractive style but also allows natural light to flood into your hallway.
That said, to strike the right balance between light and privacy, you may wish to go for frosted glass.
As with all types of front door, security is paramount. Therefore, always buy from a reputable supplier and opt for toughened safety glass, which is reinforced and harder to break.
Finally, choosing the right type of glass is important for your home's energy efficiency. Single-pane glass will allow heat transfer; double or triple-glazing with a low-emissivity coating is a better option.
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How to replace an exterior door
Replacing a door depends on the door type and complexity of the job.
How to fit a new door
To replace your door yourself, first measure the exact specifications for the door and the frame. If the door you buy is not made to measure, it might need to be trimmed to fit the frame.
Then, fit the hinges to the frame and secure locks and latches to the door.
British Standard BS3621 says external doors should have a thief-resistant lock and latch. So, remember to add them to your shopping list.
Replacing an external door is classed as a 'controlled fitting'. This involves part of a building that must comply with building regulations when installed. It's therefore best to hire a professional installer who can take care of this for you.
If you do wish to take this on as a DIY project, take a look at our guide: How to fit a new door.
How to measure for door replacement
A loose-fitting door or one that won't fit the frame is a recipe for disaster, so follow our guide for how to measure for a new door, below.
When measuring for your new door, always measure:
Height and width of your door
Jamb width (bottom of the interior trim to the bottom of the exterior trim)
Exterior opening width (opening from the exterior side of the door)
Rough opening width (opening of the interior side of the door)
Measure the width at three points - the bottom, the middle, and the top. Use the shortest number when buying a new door for a neat fit.
Can you change your front door in a flat?
Replacing your flat’s worn-out or drafty front door is a great way to smarten up the entrance and improve your home’s insulation.
But before rushing out to buy a new door, there are a few crucial pointers to consider:
Is the door replacement fire-rated?
If your flat's front door opens onto a shared or communal area (like a hallway in a multi-residency building), it must be fire-rated. This is because it can help to slow the spread of fire and smoke in an emergency.
Also known as an ‘FD30 fire door’, your flat's fire-rated door should be:
At least 45mm thick
Made from solid-core wood, composite materials, or metal with specialised fire-retardant properties
Have intumescent strips fitted into the door's top and sides. These seals expand when exposed to high temperatures, helping to block smoke and fire from passing through
Proper installation with the help of a professional is also crucial. The door must be hung with fire-rated hinges and a frame. Our comprehensive fire door installation cost guide has plenty more information about this.
However, if you're a leaseholder, you may be restricted from changing your front door. More on that next.
Are you a leaseholder, freeholder, or renting?
If you’re a leaseholder, a flat’s front door is often considered part of the building’s communal structure. Therefore, you'll need permission from the freeholder before making any changes.
You can check your lease agreement to see if it specifies which areas are your responsibility and which fall under the freeholder’s. But always get the final sign-off by your freeholder. Changing your flat's front door without permission might affect the building’s insurance coverage.
It's a lot more straightforward if you’re the freeholder. You can change the front door as you wish – as long as it is fire-rated.
Meanwhile, for anyone renting, it's your landlord’s responsibility to replace it. You may be able to make small changes to the door yourself – like adding a deadbolt for additional security. However, your landlord needs to approve this first.
Door replacement FAQs
How much does it cost to replace a door UK?
The cost for replacement doors depends on the complexity, material, location, and additional features like hardware and locking systems.
UPVC doors are generally the most cost-effective option, while timber doors are the most expensive.
Here are some average prices you can expect to pay:
Between £350 - £950 for a uPVC front door
Between £750 - £3,000 for a composite front door
Between £500 - £2,000 for a oak front door
Between £1,500 - £5,000 for a custom-made front door
Between £65 - £80 for a ply veneer FD30 fire door (suitable for apartment front doors opening onto internal communal hallways)
Check out our door installation cost guide for more detailed information.
Can I replace my front door?
An experienced DIYer can potentially replace a front door.
However, when changing the frame, adding side panels, or installing a different type of door, it is best to hire a professional. It can be a long and laborious job for the inexperienced DIYer.
It's often worth the investment to ensure the security of your home.
Find a door fitter near you.
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Do I need to replace my door frame?
If you need to switch your old door for a new model and your frame is in fully functioning order, you might not need to replace it.
But if you notice signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or warping, ask a professional to investigate. You might need to replace your door frame to prevent further damage.
A new frame may also be necessary to match a bespoke door's style, shape, and size.
Can I just replace the front door without replacing the frame?
You can replace the front door without replacing the frame. However, the new front door must be a perfect fit to keep your existing door frame.
A poorly fitted door can stick or become difficult to open and close.
If the old front door can also be removed without damaging the existing frame, then a new front door can be installed into the old frame.
Remember to take accurate measurements before installation to achieve a perfect fit.
Can you replace just a door frame?
If you have a door in perfect working order, you might be able to replace the door frame.
You will need to assess to check for any damage and measure the frame (to ensure your old door will fit). Then, get a replacement kit before removing the old trim and frame before installing the new frame.
Take extra care when lining items up, like the strike plate.
Find out how much it might cost you to replace your door frame.
Does the door frame need to be replaced at the same time as the front door?
Not necessarily.
If the door frame is in good condition and the new front door is the same size, the door frame might not need replacing.
Check for signs of damage or deterioration on your existing door frame first.
If you notice any issues, it's best to replace your frame at the same time as replacing your front door.
How difficult is it to replace a front door?
A like-to-like front door replacement is reasonably easy to complete.
Adding side lights, replacing the frame, changing the size, or using a different material will make it more difficult.
We always recommend hiring a professional tradesperson to help you achieve your vision.
Does replacing the front door add value to your house?
Yes. A high-quality front door can increase the value of your home.
It also makes it a more attractive option for any potential house buyers.
Are glass front doors safe?
Yes. Most glass doors are made using laminated safety glass.
This specialist glass is solid, making it an excellent option for front doors. However, privacy is the main concern when choosing a glass front door.
If you want the interior of your home kept private, choose a front door with frosted or decorative glass.
Do front doors need to be fire-rated?
You don't need fire doors for stand-alone residential properties with their private entrance door.
However, front doors in apartments and flats in multi-residency buildings must be fire-rated. This leads us to...
Can you change your front door in a flat?
If you're the freeholder, you can change the front door as long as it is fire-rated.
For leaseholders, you’ll need to gain approval from the freeholder first.
How long does it take to fit a new front door?
This will depend on the complexity of the job. A glazing professional can usually replace a standard door in two to four hours.
If you plan to replace your door yourself, it will probably take at least a full day to complete.
Should you paint or install doors first?
Most professionals recommend painting your door before it's hung, if possible.
Doing so will get you the most crisp and clean paint job while minimising mess and mayhem.
Learn how to paint a door before you begin.
What time of year should you install a door?
It's always best to install a new door when the weather is mild, dry and comfortable.
Should you render before or after door installation?
Removing the old and replacing the new door and frame can sometimes cause damage to the surrounding render. In terms of 'making good', most professionals will advise rendering after the new door has been installed.
How do I find help for door replacement?
If you're ready for door replacement and are looking for a professional, Checkatrade can help.
Enter your postcode into the box below to get started today.
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