It’s time to choose a new door. You want to know what’s the cheapest, or what door offers the best value for money? With different types of doors on the UK market, it may be hard for you to decide! With this guide, we’ll help you to make an informed choice, by comparing the three most common door types – composite, UPVC and wood; and by pointing out which one of these is best for a certain need, be it maintenance or budget!

Composite vs UPVC vs Wooden Front Door Pros & Cons

Our Dorset composite door, shown here in black with arched toplight

Composite

Pros	Cons
Durability: Sturdy and weather-resistant	High cost: Generally more expensive than UPVC or wooden doors
Appearance: Has a wood-like aesthetic
Options: Many styles and colours
Low-maintenance: Easy-to-clean and no repainting required
Densely multi-layered: Perfect for retaining warmth
Weather-resistant: Does not absorb moisture

Our Leeds UPVC door in white with a half glazed side panel

UPVC

Pros	Cons
More affordable: Cheaper on average than composite or wooden doors	Less natural appearance: Might not appeal to everyone
Versatility: Easy to replace panels	Less options: Fewer colour choices than composite or painted wood
Low-maintenance: Easy-to-clean and no repainting required
Densely multi-layered: Perfect for retaining warmth
Weather-resistant: Does not absorb moisture

A 1930s style wooden door in brown with a large toplight

Wood

Pros	Cons
Appearance: Natural and timeless	Regular maintenance: Needs to be painted or varnished to look like new
Diverse: Durable hardwood or lighter softwood	Not weather-resistant: Susceptible to decay from the elements and insect damage without protection

Which is the best door material UK home owners are choosing?

For range: There are more styles to choose from composite doors vs UPVC, and while wooden doors also come in a wide choice of styles, composites are favoured for their long-term benefits.
For affordability: It is generally cheaper to buy a UPVC door vs composite or wood, with prices also low as £260. It is possible to get wooden doors for cheaper, but long-term benefits such as low maintenance and weather resistance make UPVC a more attractive choice.
For endurance: Equally, a composite or UPVC door benefits UK climate conditions better than wood, which without protection can rot and deteriorate with prolonged exposure.
For thermal efficiency: Composite, UPVC and thicker wooden doors are all multi-layered, but composite and UPVC use denser cores to retain more heat, and thus save more energy.

Which lasts longer – composite doors vs UPVC vs wooden?

Composites have an average lifespan of 30 years.
UPVCs can last for up to 20 years.
Wood can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
Of course, it all comes down to quality, proper care of each door, and the trials each one faces - from daily use to changing weather.

What should I expect to pay for a composite door vs UPVC vs wood?

A composite can cost at least £600 for a solid style to around £1300 for a three-quarter glazed style. A high-end composite Rock Door can cost as much as £1900.
UPVC is the cheapest on average, starting at around £260 for a solid door, up to £800 for more elaborate designs.
Wooden doors widely vary based on what type of wood is used. It is possible to buy a solid external wooden door for as little as £180, while a more elaborate wooden door can cost as much as £1800. You should expect to pay more than a UPVC of similar style, but not quite as much as a composite.
These averages are based in doors without a fitting service or extras, such as colour finishes or side panels. Fitting can add an additional £300 to £500 onto the cost.

Tips to choosing the right style

Consider the style of home the door will be fitted into – needless to say, traditional doors work best with traditional homes, and choices are available to compliment period properties, such as 1930s style doors for homes with an Edwardian aesthetic.
Colour plays a big part in how well a door may sit within your home – dark heritage finishes for traditional styles, and greys for modern, with lighter shades inviting a calmer tone.

In summary - Composite vs uPVC vs Wooden Doors

	Composite	UPVC	Wood

Appearance	Wood-like grained GRP skin	Smooth/grained plastic surface	Natural grained surface
Colour range	Large	Small	Large (painting required)
Styles range	Traditional to modern	Traditional to modern	Traditional to modern

Average cost (excluding fitting & extras)	£600 to £1300	£260 to £800	£180 to £1800 (dependent on wood type)
Maintenance requirements	Low	Low	High
Average lifespan	30 years	20 years	15 to 30 years

Energy efficiency	Good	Good	Fair
Weather resistance	Good	Good	Fair
Security	Good	Good	Good

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Guide to Choosing Composite vs uPVC vs Wooden Doors