Are composite doors worth the money?
While you may have heard about them, or even seen them in your neighbourhood, you might have wondered what makes composite doors so special, and more importantly - how much do they cost?
How much are they compared to other doors?
Understandably this is one of the first questions which comes to mind when one is looking to purchase a new door. Let’s see how they compare in price to other door types and what makes them differ.
Composite vs Wooden
One of the first things you’ll notice is that composite doors look like wooden ones, with the same grained effect and sturdy appearance. You can find wooden external doors for a cheaper price than composites. However, composites are more reliable in the British weather and come in a range of finishes which would only be possible with wood if painted, which can chip or fade with exposure to the elements.
Composite vs UPVC
UPVC is a cheaper option than composite, both offering good insulation and security, and a variety of styles. The striking difference is that composite look more like a traditional wooden door, while a UPVC door tends to have a smoother appearance; the former also comes in a greater range of colours.
Composite vs Aluminium
Both of these materials provide greater stability than wood and can help to make your home or property more secure. Aluminium doors cost more than composites and require more maintenance in comparison, being susceptible to scratches.
Why a composite door is a good choice in the long run
Saving money is not restricted to low price, but also as a result of sound investment. Composite doors pay off in the long run thanks to their purpose-built features, which put them above standard wooden doors.
Low Maintenance
It is straightforward to keep one of these doors clean, requiring no more than a damp soapy cloth to wipe off any dirt. The slab has a resilient GRP (or glass reinforced plastic) skin; but in the event that it should ever chip, all it takes is a touch-up pen or paint pot to fix this.
!PLEASE NOTE! that abrasive items, bleach and solvent-based cleaners (such as washing-up liquid) should NOT be used to clean this door.
Energy Efficiency
One thing that puts our composites ahead of timber doors is their insulation. Unlike a single-layered slab, the composite’s multi-layered construction, coupled with glass using warm edge spacer technology, restrict the escape of heat from indoors, thus reducing the need to ramp up the heat to compensate.
Weather Resistance
One of the main issues with wooden doors in British weather is that they deform or fade from the dampness or heat. Composite doors are designed to withstand the changing elements, with a damp-proof and UV-resistant surface greatly reducing these vulnerabilities.
High Security
While wooden doors can be just as sturdy, composites include purpose-built features to resist intruders. These consist of the GRP skin being highly-resistant to force, toughened glass, steel reinforcement within the frame, and a Yale brand multi-point locking system, all as standard.
With a composite door, what are my options?
It can easily replace a number of existing front or back doors, not only for its performance features but also due to the array of aesthetic options that are possible.
A variety of styles
Whether you’re looking for a traditional style or something modern, there are many designs to choose from. Between the slabs and the glass styles, we have composites that cater to virtually any home aesthetic.
Traditional door styles
Tried-and-true designs, these all include twin solid lower panels, with glass panels such as a top half-moon, twin verticals (straight, curved and swept), and half glazed (straight and arched).
Contemporary styles
Tried-and-true designs, these all include twin solid lower panels, with glass panels such as a top half-moon, twin verticals (straight, curved and swept), and half glazed (straight and arched).
1930s styles
As with many doors of the 1930s, this range has glass in quarter measures, such as the London with a traditional arch glazed panel in the top quarter, and three vertical solid panels below.
Cottage styles
These styles have a slab with grooved box and vertical lines within. Styles consist of a single glass panel in the upper half.
Hardware options
Go further with our selection of hardware in various finishes, including chrome and gold, the opaque black and white, pitted antique black, and the brushed graphite silver and stainless steel.
Lever handles
Classic handles including the Balmoral, the curved Swan, and the easy-access Lever Pad.
Bar handles
Perfect for modern doors, bar handles come in a range of heights and in a stainless steel or black finish, with an eschutcheon included.
Heritage lock
Perfect for 1930s and contemporary styles, this handle is set higher up than lever handles.
Pull knob
Mostly ornamental, this is suited for traditional and 1930s styles and tends to accompany a heritage lock.
Knockers and spyholes
One of our ornamental urn-shaped knockers will make it easy to visitors to get your attention, and a spyhole will help you to see who is there without first opening the door.
Top lights and side panels
Match a top light or side panel to your door, with the same profile as the frame for a seamless look.
Opening direction and hinge side
We do inward and outward opening doors, hinged left or right.
Colours to suit
Our colours can add the perfect finishing touch to your front or back entrance. These include standard colours like white, red or green, softer colours like chartwell green and duck egg blue, bold finishes such as buttercup and heather, or neutral greys like our popular anthracite or silver grey. Colours can be applied to the frame as well, and to the inside too!
What services are available with these doors?
Whether you need someone to fit your door or want to do it yourself, we’re happy to help.
Full Installation
We take care of the fitting for you. This service includes:
- A free survey – we take required measurements
- The recycling of your old door – so you don’t have to
- No full pre-payment – you pay in full after installation
Supply Only
We cater to tradespeople and to homeowners who want to do the fitting themselves. This service includes:
- Manufacture to measure – based on your sizes
- Free delivery – to most of the UK mainland
- Full payment upfront – to secure your order
How do I place my order?
Ordering your new composite front or back door is easy, and there are a few ways you can do this
Directly online
Simply select your preferred door type (e.g. composite front or back) and whether you would like to order it Fully Fitted or Supply Only. You will then see what styles are available, and the glass designs that we offer. Then it’s a simple matter of customising your door to your liking. Our Sales Team will contact you soon after you place the order.
Call us
You can reach our Sales Team on 0800 910 1122, whether you’re looking to place a Fully Fitted or Supply Only order.
Our Contact Us form
Visit the ‘Contact Us’ page. Fill out your details, and include images if you need to. Our Sales Team will be in contact soon after you submit your enquiry.