The differences between composite and UPVC doors
In the search for a new front or back door, you may be wondering whether to go with composite or UPVC - and even what the point is in choosing one of these materials over wood.
Why are they called “composite” and “UPVC” doors
Both are named after their respective materials, or more accurately in the case of composite a combination of materials.
“Composite” means a variety of materials
“Composite” refers to a mixture of different materials. These include a surface layer of rigid GRP (short for glass reinforced plastic), a timber subframe and a PU (polyurethane) core. These multiple layers are particularly beneficial for insulation, retaining more heat than single-layered doors.
UPVC is plastic - or 'unplasticised' plastic
PVC by itself is a lightweight and flexible material that starts life as a powdered resin. UPVC stands for “unplasticised poly-vinyl chloride” or “unplasticised PVC”, which means that no plasticiser (softener) has been added, making the material rigid. UPVC is also known as PVCU, predominantly in continental Europe, due to the nature of some languages placing the adjectives before the nouns.
Where did composite and UPVC doors come from?
Both were designed to replace wood either as a cheaper alternative or a longer lasting economical option.
UPVC Doors originated in Germany
Before its use in doors, UPVC was used for windows, which were first commercially available in Germany in 1959. The low price and durability saw UPVC as a viable alternative to wood. With time, UPVC was adapted to better withstand the stresses of modern use.. It was not long after that the versatility of this new material would be applied to doors as well, with UPVC doors first introduced into the UK market by Germany in the 1980s.
Composite doors are a more recent product
In 1996, Rock Door manufactured the first “composite doors” for the UK market as a replacement to the traditional wooden doorsstill common in householkds. These "composites" were designed and purpose-built to offer greater security and style, and the same grained wood look as their predecessors, in colours only originally possible by painting - only these colours would not chip or peel as painted wood would.
Both were designed as alternatives to wooden doors
Composites and UPVCs were intended as economical replacements to wood, bypassing the natural drawbacks of wood and offering greater resilience in the face of everyday use, particularly in the changing British climate. Composite and UPVC front and back doors come in wide variety of styles, and with colourful finishes to match.
What are the main differences between composite & UPVC external doors?
While both are good materials, they differ in a few factors which may be impacted by your proeference in design choice and budget.
Different surfaces
White UPVC doors have a smooth surface, while UPVC in other colours will have a grained effect. With composites, the surface is grained for all colours and it has a look closer to traditional wood knots. Both door types use UPVC frames, which do not clash with composites.
Different weights
UPVC doors are generally more lightweight, making them easier to install, while composites are heavy and sturdier.
Different costs
UPVC doors are generally cheaper than composites. UPVCs at base cost (white finish, no extras) range between £509 supply only to over £1000 fully fitted. For composites, the range is just under £600 supply only to over £1700 fully fitted. Stable composites generally cost an additional £400, and Rock Doors cost up to £2300 without extras.
Different ranges of finishes
UPVCs have a small selection of finishes, which are white, chartwell green, anthracite grey, black, and the woodgrains rosewood, oak (also known as golden oak) and irish oak. Composites come in this same range of finishes (except irish oak) and more, including the earth-toned olive (also known as french grey), warm buttercup and pastel-toned duck egg blue. We even offer a bespoke colour service for composites, opening up more possibilities of colours for you.
Both come in a variety of styles
Whether you like traditional or modern designs, both our ranges of composites and UPVCs offer a wide choice of designs to suit virtually any home aesthetic, with hardware and backing glass further adding to the possibilities.
How are composite and UPVC doors made?
Both types of door are constructed from layers, but they are different when it comes to glazing.
Composite doors are constructed with different parts
Composites consist of a slab, glass panels and a frame. The slab is the main body of the door. When it is glazed, the slab with have appropriately sized holes cut into it to house the glass panels. These are held into place using cassettes. This methods makes it easy for an expert to swap out and replace glass if needed.
UPVC doors are like a sandwich
A panel, sash and frame make up a UPVC door. The panel corresponds with the slab of a composite door. To create the door panel's design, the two outer layers start out as soft plastic sheets, each pressed within a heated mould, then cooled until hardened into their recogniseable design. The outer layers of the panel are sandwiched between them, including the glass. Because of this, the glass is sealed within the UPVC panel, and so the whole panel would need to be replaced along with the glass if required.
What makes composite and UPVC doors better than wooden doors?
There are many reasons why composite and UPVC are favoured over wood, not only due to the wide possibilities of design, but also because of their reliability in everyday use.
A diverse range of styles
Composites and UPVCs are available in a variety of traditional and contemporary styles, as well as colours, making them an easy replacement for any standard wooden front or back door. And what's more, ours are available fully fitted by experts, or supply only for the DIY savvy.
Energy efficiency
The multiple layers within composites and UPVCs, including the glass units with their warm edge spacer bar technology, help to reduce heat loss, whereas single layered wooden doors allow heat an easier path to escape.
Designed for security
Our composite and UPVC doors include Yale brand multi-point locking systems as standard, with hooks and bolts engaging along different sections of each door for more thorough protection than a single-point locking system. We also use toughened glass, which is resistant to square-on impact.
More weather resilient
These doors stand up to the British weather, rain or shine. Each has a weatherproof surface that won’t soak up water and deform, as the case would be with wood.
Built to last
Composites and UPVCs look like new for longer, having weather and fade resistant surfaces you won’t need to repaint, which are UV stable and easy to maintain.
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