Are composite doors worth the money?
You may have seen them in your neighbourhood, or heard of them, but composite doors have been making their way into UK homes for the past two decades - but are they really worth the money?
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 measure up to other types of doors found in homes across Britain.
Composite vs Wooden
When you look at a composite door and wooden one side-by-side, they look very much the same, with the same grained effect and sturdy appearance. Wooden exterior entrance doors are typically cheaper than composites. However, composites offer better resistance in the face of British weather, rain or shine. Composites also come in a selection of colourful, weather-resistant finishes, with the same colours only poissible for wood when painted, which in turn can chip or peel when exposed to the elements.
Composite vs UPVC
Both types of door are good for security and thermal efficiency, and come in a good selection of styles. UPVC doors are cheaper, but do not have the same grained wood-like appearance as composites, instead having a smoother surface. The range of finishes for UPVCs is also limited in comparion to composite doors.
Composite vs Aluminium
Both types of door are sturdy and secure, and more stable materials than wood. However, aluminium doors are more prone to scratches, making them less manintenance-friendly than composites, and without thermal breaks offer poor insulation in comparison. Styles for aluminium tend to be restricted to contemporary, while composites come in an abundance of traditional and modern designs.
Why a composite door is a good choice in the long run
Saving money in the short term doesn't always equate to saving in the long run. It is not restricted to a low price, but is also the result of sound investment. Our composite doors are designed to last, deliberately built to last in areas that put them above standard wooden external doors.
Low Maintenance
Our composite doors are much easier to take care of than average wooden doors. A GRP (short of glass reinforced plastic) skin takes little to no work to keep clean - all it takes is a wipe from a damp cloth with warm soapy water for it to look like new.
NOTE: DO NOT use abrasive items (such scouring pads) or power washers, bleach or solvent-based cleaners (such as washing-up liquid) for cleaning, as these can damage the door!
Energy Efficiency
Unlike most wooden doors, our composites are multi-layered. The advantage of this is that heat does not have a clear consistant path to escape from inside your home, whereas a single-layered door makes it too easy for heat to pass through and thus waste heat, not to mention energy costs. Glass with warm edge spacer bar technology also fulfils the same purpose of decreasing heat loss. The door is also lined with-performance weatherseal gaskets to block out the cold from outside.
Weather Resistance
British weather changes quite a bit, and our composites are ready for this. They are designed to be weatherproof, with resistance to the rain and sunlight. Conversely, wooden doors without this protection are prone to deforming and fading, the former a potential issue for effective insulation and security.
High Security
Both wooden and composite door types are sturdy, but our composites are specifically built to meet the challenges faced by modern residents. With a tough GRP skin and safety glass, the composite is resistant to force, while a steel reinforced frame keeps it in place, and a renowned Yale brand multi-point locking system ensuring head-to-toe security - all of these features as standard.
With a composite door, what are my options?
There are a wide range of options available with our composites, which not only offer superior security and insulation, but can easily replace wooden doors of almost any aesthetic.
A variety of styles
No matter whether you're going for a traditional or modern look, we have composites in a diverse range of styles, with glass options for each further expanding the possibilities.
Traditional door styles
These tried-and-true designs typically consist of two lower vertical solid panels, as well as twin vertical or half (straight or arched) glazing above, or variations of two glass or solid central panels with half moon or small rectangles above. These familiar designs make them as easy replacement to older style wooden doors.
Contemporary styles
Not restricted to UPVC or aluminium, our modern style composites generally consist of flat slabs and various glass panel shapes. The Monza subset of doors breaks away from the flat slab look with a grooved slab similar in appearance to cottage doors, but with horizontal as opposed to vertical grooved lines.
1930s styles
In this group, The London has three vertical solid panels three-quarters in height, and a traditional arch glass panel above with beautiful glass designs that reflect the era. The Cleveland has a three-quarter glass panel taking up most of the space, and small twin solid panels below.
Cottage styles
These are characterised by a grooved slab, with vertical lines boxed within the majority of the space, and glass set within the upper half of the door.
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 a new door with full installation, or are happy to fit it yourself, we're happy to help you.
Fully Fitted
We do the installation. This service includes:
- A detailed survey – we measure your doorway to get the right sizes for your new door
- Removal and recycling of the old door – at no extra cost
- No full pre-payment – you pay for the door in door AFTER it has been fitted!
Supply Only
We supply the door, you fit it yourself - handy for trade customers and DIY projects. This service includes:
- Your door made to measure – specify your sizes when ordering and it will be made for an easy fit
- Free delivery – we use our own vehicles to provide free delivery to most of mianland Britain
- Full payment upfront – this secures your order
How do I place my order?
Ordering your new composite front or back door is straightforward, with a few convenient ways to do this.
Call us
Freephone our Sales Team on 0800 910 1122. They'll be happy to help you.
Our Contact Us form
Visit the ‘Contact Us’ page, fill out your details and even attach an image to give us insight into what you're looking for or to share spec for a Suppy Only order. Alternatively, send us a Quick Message via the blue tab on the right.
Directly online
Browse through our extensive range of composite door styles and see for yourself what we have to offer. You can even customise your door online from an array of options. You can still discuss your order with Sales before it is finalised.
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