Last Updated on 15 July 2024 by Tia Ellahi
A front door is the main entrance to a building, commonly made from various materials such as composite, uPVC, timber and aluminium, each offering different levels of durability, security and aesthetic appeal.
Your front door is more than just a gateway to your home; it’s a statement piece that sets the tone for your entire property. It’s the first thing visitors notice when approaching, making a lasting impression on them. So, it’s no surprise that choosing the right front door is essential for creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start, especially when it comes to cost. Fear not! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the different types of materials for front doors and their respective costs, allowing you to make an informed decision for your home without breaking the bank.
| Material | Average new front door cost |
|---|---|
| uPVC door prices | £300+ for supply only |
| Composite door prices | £500+ for supply only |
| Timber door prices | £900+ for supply only |
| Aluminium door prices | £1050+ for supply only |
What are the different types of door materials?
There are several materials to choose from when it comes to a new front door. Each material has its own unique features, benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the most popular options:
Composite doors
Looking for a new front door that’s as strong as it is stylish? Why not consider a modern marvel that combines the power of PVC, the warmth of wood, and the insulating prowess of foam? This hybrid door not only boasts remarkable durability and energy efficiency, but it also offers a wide range of styles and colours to choose from, making it the perfect choice for any home looking to stand out from the crowd.
Read more: What is a composite door?
uPVC doors
Looking for a door that’s easy on the eyes and even easier to maintain? Consider uPVC, the all-plastic option that delivers low-maintenance living. While it may not be as sturdy as some other door materials, it offers cost-effective insulation that doesn’t sacrifice on style. So if you’re looking for a door that offers affordability, low maintenance, and good insulation, uPVC might be the perfect fit for you. However for the money you’re not too far from affording a Composite Door
Timber doors
There’s nothing quite like the timeless elegance of a timber door, which exudes a classic charm that never goes out of style. While it’s true that timber doors require proper maintenance to maintain their durability over time, the investment can be worth it. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this level of quality does come with a higher price tag compared to options like uPVC or composite doors. But if you’re after a door that’s truly one-of-a-kind and has the potential to last a lifetime, a timber door might just be the perfect choice for you.
Aluminium doors
Looking for a door that’s as stylish as it is efficient? Look no further than the sleek and modern appeal of aluminium doors. With their slim profile frames, they’re the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make a bold design statement without sacrificing on functionality. Plus, their thermal efficiency properties make them an excellent choice for larger openings where you want to let in as much light as possible while still maintaining a comfortable temperature. So if you’re after a door that offers both form, choice of colour and function, aluminium doors might just be the perfect choice for you.
What‘s next?
With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to choosing the perfect front door. But fear not! Each type of material offers unique advantages, whether you’re looking for style, insulation, or affordability. By knowing the differences between them before making a purchase, you’ll be able to find a front door that not only meets your needs but also aligns with your personal preferences. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect front door for you!
Composite doors
Composite doors are an excellent choice for homeowners who want the best of both worlds – durability and style. These doors are made from a combination of materials, including uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride), Timber, insulating foam, and GRP (glass reinforced plastic). The result is a door that looks just like a traditional wooden one but has all the benefits of modern materials. Be aware that different brands use a different combination of the above materials, Solidor makes use of Timber in their construction for added strength where DoorStop makes use of GRP for core strength.
One advantage of composite doors is their strength and durability. They’re highly resistant to weathering, so they won’t warp or rot over time like timber doors can. This makes them ideal for use in coastal areas or places with harsh weather conditions. Although if you’re situated in a coastal area it’s advised to upgrade your composite door to marine grade hardware.
Composite doors also come in a wide range of styles and colours so you can choose one that perfectly complements your home’s exterior design. Additionally, they require very little maintenance compared to other types of front doors such as timber ones.
Composite front doors offer great value for money due to their low-maintenance requirements and long-lasting durability. Prices start at £554
Read more: What is a composite door? | View our full range of composite doors here: Solidor | Doorstop | Comp Door
uPVC doors
uPVC doors have been around since the 80’s due to their durability and low maintenance. uPVC stands for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of plastic that doesn’t contain any added plasticizers. This makes it more resistant to damage from weather, UV rays, and other external factors than traditional PVC.
One advantage of uPVC doors over other materials is the cost, it’s a great door if you’re working on a tight budget. They get the job done but if you’re into energy efficiency then I’d look to upgrade to a composite door.
Additionally, uPVC doors come in a variety of styles and limited colours to fit your home’s aesthetic. You can choose from different finishes like wood grain or smooth textures depending on what look you’re going for.
Maintenance-wise, uPVC doors require very little upkeep as they don’t need painting or staining like wood does. A simple wipe down with soap and water should keep them looking brand new for years to come, however over time the frames/panels are prone to looking washed out.
UPVC doors offer an affordable option with long-lasting benefits such as energy efficiency and low maintenance needs. If you’re considering replacing your front door soon, a uPVC door may be worth considering!
If you’d like some more information on the difference between composite and uPVC doors, click here to read our article.
Timber doors
Timber doors are a classic option for a new front door, offering natural beauty and warmth to any home. One of the main advantages of timber doors is their versatility – they can be painted or stained in a wide range of colours to match any style.
In terms of durability, timber doors require regular maintenance such as sanding and resealing every few years to prevent warping or rotting. However, with proper care, they can last for decades.
Timber doors come in various types of wood including oak, cherry and mahogany which all have different characteristics. Oak is known for its strength and durability while mahogany has a distinct red-brown colour and fine grain pattern. Softwood should be avoided at all situation especially with more modern timber doors such as Accoya but your budget might come into play with softwood doors starting at £500 and hardwood doors such as Accoya starting at £2,500
When it comes to cost, timber doors fall somewhere between uPVC and composite doors depending on the type of wood chosen. While they may not be the cheapest option upfront, their versatility makes them a consideration. However you will have to continually invest time, money and effort to keep them looking good over its lifetime.
Aluminium doors
Back in the 1970s, aluminium windows and doors were highly popular due to their energy efficiency, surpassing that of single glazed timber windows. However, by the 1980s, a new product emerged that offered improved energy efficiency and posed a challenge to the aluminium industry. Today, modern aluminium doors and windows have evolved significantly and are known for their exceptional energy efficiency.Increasingly popular due to their sleek and modern appearance, aluminium composite doors offer a contemporary look that can complement any style of home, from traditional to minimalist. Unlike timber doors, aluminium ones require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for those who want a long-lasting solution without having to worry about upkeep.
One of the best things about aluminium doors is their durability. They are incredibly strong and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain or extreme heat. This means there is no maintenance and you’re making a one off investment, they will last for many years without needing to be replaced.
Another advantage of aluminium doors is their energy efficiency. The material used in these types of doors have excellent insulating properties, which helps keep your home warm during the winter months while also keeping it cool during the summer. Aluminium composite doors are a true hybrid of 2 thick aluminium slabs sandwiched in between foam, providing both strength and energy efficiency.
Aluminium doors also come in a range of styles and colours, allowing you to choose one that complements the design aesthetic of your home perfectly. You can select from different finishes like wood grain or metallic effects depending on your preference and above all you can choose from any colour that’s tailored to your project.
While they may be slightly more expensive than other door materials initially, investing in an aluminium door will pay off in the long run due to its longevity and low-maintenance requirements.
Brand new Aluminium lines coming soon, check out our Trade Village Partner’s social channels for more details
What is the cost of a new front door?
If you’re thinking about replacing your front door, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is how much it will cost. The truth is that there’s no simple answer to this question, as the cost can vary widely depending on a number of factors.The main factor is budget, but also be aware if you’re upgrading for a certain reason, make sure those reasons are met, this could be keeping your energy bills down, make sure you’re researching the U-Values and making an informed choice, cheapest isn’t always the best.
Another consideration when determining the cost of a new front door is whether you want any additional features such as glazing or decorative panels. These added touches can increase the overall price tag. Using an online tool found on most reputable company websites called a designer can help you decide which features you need if any. They’re a great way to get quick quotes without the hard sell. Click here to try out our designer tool
Installation costs should also be taken into account when budgeting for a new front door. While some homeowners may choose to install their own door in order to save money, hiring a professional installer can ensure that your new door is installed properly and safely.
All in all, prices can range from several hundred pounds for a basic uPVC or soft timber front door up to thousands of pounds for an ornate composite or aluminium model with custom features and professional installation included.
| Door materials | Timber | uPVC | Composite | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security | **** | *** | **** | ***** |
| Cost | ££££ | £ | ££ | £££ |
| Maintenance | High | Low | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 20 Years | 30 Years | 35 Years | 45 Years |
Composite door prices
Composite doors are a popular choice among homeowners due to their durability and strength.Their standings within the market put them as one of the most popular options due to their ability to cover most environmental and design needs, while coming in with a reasonable price tag.
The cost of a composite front door can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the door, the design and style, and any additional features or accessories, the more features you add the more expensive it will be. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £554 to £1500 for a standard composite front door.
It’s important to note that while composite doors may seem expensive at first glance, they offer excellent value in terms of longevity and energy efficiency. They require minimal maintenance over time and can help reduce your heating bills by keeping out drafts. Top Tip: Look for a door with low u-value
If you’re looking for an even more premium option, there are high-end composite doors available that feature advanced security features such as multi-point locking systems or fingerprint recognition technology. These luxury models can cost upwards of £2500 but provide unparalleled peace of mind when it comes to home security.
While composite doors may be pricier upfront than other options like uPVC, their versatility and efficiency make them a worthwhile investment in the long run.
uPVC door prices
uPVC doors are a popular choice for budget chasing homeowners. Not only are they relatively energy-efficient and low-maintenance, but they also come in various styles to suit any property.
Like all doors the price of uPVC door can vary depending on the size, style and design you choose. On average, you can expect to pay between £500 – £1,000 for a standard uPVC front door.
However, if you opt for additional features such as decorative glass panels or custom colours, the price will increase, the more you add the more you will pay. It’s important to keep in mind that while uPVC doors may be cheaper than other materials initially, they may not last as long.
It’s recommended that you get quotes from multiple suppliers and compare prices before making a decision. Don’t forget to factor in installation costs too!
uPVC doors are an affordable option that still offers durability and security without compromising on style or functionality.
Timber door prices
Perhaps the most Traditional choice for a front door is timber. It’s a classic and timeless option that never goes out of style, adding warmth and character to any home. However, when it comes to purchasing a new timber front door, the cost can vary greatly depending on various factors.
The first factor to consider is the type of timber used. Hardwood doors tend to be more expensive than softwood doors due to their durability and longevity. Oak, mahogany & Accoya are popular hardwood options that can drive up the price tag.
As with all customisation options such as size, shape, design, and finish. The more customised your door is, the higher its price will be. Although you’re able to customise a Timber door it’s worth noting that it’s u value is much higher than composite, aluminium & uPVC doors.
On average, you can expect to pay between £800 for a softwood and £2000+ for hardwoods for a standard-sized timber front door without installation costs included. However, prices may increase based on additional features or customisations.
While timber doors may come with a higher price tag compared to other materials like uPVC doors; they offer handmade options that make them worth considering as an investment in your home’s curb appeal and value. But remember the lifelong investment needed to maintain.
Aluminium door prices
Having found they’re way back into the market with their 2nd evolution of design, modern aluminium doors are again a popular choice for homeowners due to their sleek and modern design, durability, and low maintenance. When it comes to aluminium door prices, there are several factors that can affect the cost.
The style of the door can impact the price – a simple, standard design will be cheaper than a custom-made or intricate one. Be aware a lot of aluminium doors on the market range from £700 – £1500 for a basic door going up to an excess of £10,000. Also many UK companies are buying in from Europe meaning there are wait times of up to 12-16 weeks lead times, plus if anything is missing from the order it could be another 12-16 weeks till your door could be complete. Top Tip: Signature Aluminium Composite Doors are made in the UK and they offer a 10 day lead time, unlimited colour range and prices starting from £1,200
Another factor to consider is whether you want single or double glazing. Double glazing provides better insulation but will increase the cost of your aluminium door.
The quality and thickness of the glass used in your aluminium door can also affect its price. Toughened or laminated glass will be more expensive than standard glass but provide added security benefits.
Installation costs should also be factored in when considering aluminium doors prices. It’s important to choose an experienced installer who can ensure proper fitting for maximum security and energy efficiency.
While aluminium doors may have a higher upfront cost than other materials like uPVC or timber, they offer long-lasting value with their durability and low maintenance requirements.
How long does it take to fit a new front door?
The length of time it takes to fit a new front door can vary depending on several factors. This includes the type and size of the door, the complexity of the installation process, and any additional features or hardware that need to be installed.
On average, installing a new front door can take anywhere from 2-4 hours. However, this timeline could increase if there are any unforeseen issues with the installation process or if additional work needs to be done before fitting the new door.
Before starting on the actual installation process, it’s important that you’ve given correct measurements on your quote and you’re happy with the information you’ve provided the sales team via the designer on the website, via email or over the phone. This helps ensure that your new front door will fit properly and reduces the risk of damage during installation.
Once measurements have been taken and preparations have been made, your installer will begin by removing your old front door carefully. They’ll then install any necessary hardware like locks or doorknobs before finally fitting in your new front door securely.
While it may take some time to install a new front door properly, doing so is well worth it for both aesthetic purposes as well as added home security benefits.
FAQs about new front doors
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about the different types of front doors available and their respective costs. Remember, choosing the right front door material is important for both aesthetics and security.
To summarise, composite doors are a popular choice due to their durability and energy efficiency. uPVC doors are affordable and low-maintenance but may not be as durable as other materials. Timber doors offer a classic look but require more maintenance than other options. Aluminium doors are sleek and modern but can have slightly higher upfront costs.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of new front door prices, let’s answer some common questions:
How much does it cost to get a new front door installed?
The cost of installing a new front door can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of door, the materials used, the size of the door, and the complexity of the installation process. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £554 to £1500 for a new front door installation, including the cost of the door itself.
How much should you spend on a front door?
The amount you should spend on a front door depends on your budget, the style of your home, and the level of security and energy efficiency you’re looking for.
Does the door frame need to be replaced at the same time?
It’s not always necessary to replace the door frame when installing a new front door, but it’s often recommended. If your current door frame is damaged or not properly aligned, replacing it can ensure a proper fit for your new door and improve its overall performance.
What should my new front door cost quote include?
When getting a quote for a new front door installation, it should include the cost of the door itself, any hardware needed (such as handles and locks), installation labour, and any additional services required, such as removing and disposing of the old door. It’s also a good idea to ask for a breakdown of any optional upgrades, such as enhanced security features or energy-efficient glazing.
- Cost of the door itself
- Hardware needed (such as handles and locks)
- Installation labor
- Additional services required (such as removing and disposing of the old door)
- Breakdown of any optional upgrades (such as enhanced security features or energy-efficient glazing)
Find a door company that has a good door designer, one that’s upfront with costs and allows you to customise, but be careful, with everything you add, you will pay more. Check out our door designer here: Click
If you enjoyed this article, here are some others we think might be useful..
- What are the best composite front doors UK (2024)?
- What are the window and door trends in 2024?
- Can you put a cat flap in a composite door?
- What’s the most popular composite door colour?
- Do you need a sill for your composite front door?
