Doors
uPVC or composite front door? How they compare
Both can be secure and efficient. The differences are feel, finish and price.
Most people replacing a front door end up choosing between uPVC and composite. Both are good doors when they are properly specified and fitted. They differ in construction, weight, finish and price.
In short
- Both can be secure and meet Building Regulations when properly specified and fitted.
- uPVC costs less, is lighter and suits back, side and utility doors.
- Composite is heavier and more solid, with a timber-grain finish and a wider colour range, at a higher price.
- On either door, check for a multipoint lock and an anti-snap cylinder rated TS 007 3-star or SS 312 Diamond.
| uPVC door | Composite door | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Steel-reinforced uPVC frame and door, with an insulated infill panel | Thick core of insulating foam or solid timber behind a GRP skin, in a uPVC or aluminium frame |
| Feel | Lighter | Heavier, with a more solid close |
| Appearance | Smooth white or woodgrain foil, flat or moulded panels | Timber-grain texture, deeper mouldings, wide colour range, often a different colour inside |
| Security | Multipoint lock and anti-snap cylinder; PAS 24 options available | Multipoint lock and anti-snap cylinder; PAS 24 and Secured by Design options available |
| Insulation | Meets Part L when correctly specified | Meets Part L; often slightly better because of the thicker core |
| Setting up | Lighter on the hinges | Hinges and frame must be set up correctly to stop the door dropping |
| Maintenance | Wash down a few times a year | Wash down a few times a year; no repainting |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Choose uPVC if…
- You want a secure, efficient door for less money
- It is a back, side or utility door
- You want it to match white uPVC windows exactly
Choose composite if…
- It is your main front door and appearance matters
- You want a heavier, more solid feel
- You want a strong colour, or a different colour inside and out
- You like the look of painted timber without the repainting
Security checks for either door
- Multipoint lock. Hooks, bolts or rollers lock into the frame along the locking edge.
- Anti-snap cylinder. Rated TS 007 3-star or SS 312 Diamond. The rating is usually marked on the face of the cylinder.
- Tested door sets. PAS 24 is a security test for the complete door set. Secured by Design is the UK police security initiative. If your insurer or lender asks for a particular standard, say so before you order.
- Glass. Laminated glass holds together when broken, which makes it harder to get through.
Energy and regulations
A replacement external door is controlled work under the Building Regulations in England. It needs a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better, or a Door Set Energy Rating (DSER) of band B or above. A door more than 60% glazed can meet DSER band C instead. Glass in a door, up to 1,500 mm above the floor, must be safety glass. Our Building Regulations guide has the detail.
Compare our uPVC doors and composite doors, or start a quote. Got a door that drops or sticks? See door alignment repairs.