29th Apr 2019

What is the best material for a front door?

If you’ve been searching for front doors UK, no doubt you’ve come across a number of different door materials. The four most common ones that are used in the UK are uPVC, aluminium, timber and composite. However, you may not know which one is best for you. So to help you decide, we’ve created this short comparison guide.

uPVC vs composite doors

Thermal performance

uPVC is a strong insulator and uPVC door frames are fitted with multiple chambers that are specially designed to trap heat. Therefore, they will keep your home warm and cosy all year round.

Composite doors are fitted with either a polyurethane foam core or a solid timber core (ours are solid timber). This allows them to achieve energy ratings as high as ‘A’, so their heat retention qualities are simply excellent.

Cost

Composite doors are a bit more expensive than uPVC ones, however, their life expectancy is longer so they may provide better long-term value.

Appearance

The exterior of a composite door is finished in a natural woodgrain texture of your choosing. uPVC is smoother, however, woodgrain textures can be applied to it also. Both types of front door come in a multitude of colours.

Check out our composite door designer for some of the design options that are available.

Maintenance

Both uPVC and composite doors are super easy to clean. Giving them an occasional clean using soapy water and a soft cloth will keep either door looking their best.

Aluminium vs uPVC doors

Thermal performance

Aluminium doors now feature polyamide thermal breaks, significantly improving their ability to retain heat. However, doors constructed from uPVC are generally still a bit better at insulating the home.

Cost

uPVC is the most cost-effective of all the materials so a uPVC front door will almost certainly cost less than an aluminium one.

Appearance

Aluminium is an exceptionally strong material, allowing aluminium windows and doors to be constructed to more minimalist designs. This means they are great for adding a contemporary touch to a property.

uPVC doors are available in a variety of designs and colours so they can be adapted to suit modern and traditional homes.

Maintenance

Like uPVC, aluminium is very easy to clean so you needn’t worry about excessive upkeep with either door material.

Composite doors vs timber doors

Thermal performance

Composite doors insulate homes expertly well. Timber is a naturally excellent insulator too. However, timber doors are prone to warping and swelling, especially if they’re not treated periodically, which makes them less efficient insulators as time goes on.

Cost

Timber doors and composite doors are fairly similar in price, however, because timber doors require considerably more upkeep, it’s likely that a composite door will actually cost you less in the long run.

Appearance

Wood is naturally textured and comes in a variety of rich stain finishes, ensuring for plenty of visual appeal. However, the exterior of composite doors is designed to replicate the textured appearance of timber so they look just as good.

Maintenance

Timber doors require repainting every few years to prevent them from rotting. They will also need cleaning from time to time in order to look their best. But, as previously mentioned, composite doors are very easy to maintain.

Which front door is the most secure?

Security is an important consideration with any entrance door, however, most modern front doors are fitted with multipoint locks, ensuring for a secure home.

If you are particularly security conscious, we recommend one of our composite doors. Their solid timber cores are 10% thicker than other doors of the same kind, ensuring the doors are ultra-sturdy. Plus, they are fitted with Ultion lock cylinders. These will prevent entry to the home even if they’ve been snapped not once but twice!

We hope this short guide helps you in your search for front doors UK. If you require further information or are interested in purchasing a new front door from one of Bristol’s leading double glazing installers, give Associated Windows a call on 0117 9311777 or contact us online.