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Choosing a New Door for Your Home? Here is the complete guide.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
UK house doors fall into three main categories: front entrance doors, internal doors, and patio or garden doors. Front door options include composite (800 to 2,000), timber (1,000 to 3,500), and uPVC (500 to 1,200). Key considerations are security (PAS 24 rating), thermal efficiency (U-value below 1.8), weather resistance, and aesthetic style to complement your property.
Key Takeaways
- Bi-fold doors can be an excellent investment for UK homeowners.
- Modern patio doors can be highly energy efficient when specified correctly.
- Double or triple-glazed patio doors with low-E glass, argon gas fill.
- UPVC doors typically cost £400 to £800 including installation.
- Timber entrance doors can cost from £600 to £3,000 depending on the wood species and design complexity.
Doors are more than just functional components of a home—they play a vital role in aesthetics, security, energy efficiency, and convenience.
With various door styles available, it’s crucial to choose the one that best suits your needs and complements your home's design.
In this guide, we’ll cover seven popular door types—uPVC doors,internal doors,entrance doors,patio doors,French doors,bi-fold doors, andcomposite doors—to help you make an informed decision.
Why Is Choosing the Right Door Important?
The right door can enhance the overall look and functionality of your home. Whether you’re focused on security, energy efficiency, or style, each door type has its unique advantages. Here's what to consider:
- Security: Does the door offer robust locking mechanisms?
- Energy Efficiency: How well does the door insulate your home?
- Durability: Will it withstand daily wear and weather exposure?
- Style: Does it match your home's aesthetic?
Let’s dive into the specifics of each door type.
1. uPVC Doors
uPVC doors are a popular choice for their affordability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. These doors are crafted from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, making them durable and weather-resistant.
Key Features:
- Excellent thermal efficiency for lower energy bills
- Minimal maintenance with no need for repainting
- Wide range of designs and colours
- High resistance to rot and corrosion
Explore more onuPVC doors.
2. Internal Doors
Internal doors are essential for dividing spaces within your home while enhancing privacy and sound insulation. They come in various styles to match your interior design.
Key Features:
- Available in wood, glass, and composite materials
- Customisable to fit modern or traditional aesthetics
- Improve soundproofing and privacy
- Wide range of finishes to match décor
Learn more aboutinternal doors.
3. Entrance Doors
Your entrance door is the focal point of your home’s exterior, offering both security and style. From classic designs to modern looks, there’s an option for every home.
Key Features:
- Enhanced security with multi-point locking systems
- Energy-efficient options to reduce heat loss
- Wide variety of finishes, including woodgrain and sleek modern styles
- Durable materials that withstand weathering
Find your perfectentrance door.
4. Patio Doors
Patio doors are ideal for connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces, flooding your home with natural light. These doors are sleek and functional, offering easy access to your garden or patio.
Key Features:
- Sliding or folding mechanisms for space-saving
- Large glass panels for maximum natural light
- Energy-efficient glazing options
- Low-maintenance frames
Check out our range ofpatio doors.
5. French Doors
French doors exude elegance and are perfect for homeowners looking to add a touch of sophistication. These doors swing open fully, making them ideal for garden entrances or balconies.
Key Features:
- Traditional aesthetic with a timeless design
- Full-glass panels for enhanced light flow
- Inward or outward opening options
- Multi-point locking for added security
Discover ourFrench doors.
6. Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold doors are the ultimate space-saving solution for modern homes. These versatile doors fold back to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Key Features:
- Compact folding mechanism for maximum opening space
- Durable aluminium or composite frames
- Energy-efficient glazing to maintain indoor comfort
- Customisable finishes to suit any home style
Learn more aboutbi-fold doors.
7. Composite Doors
Composite doors are crafted from a combination of materials, offering the best features of each. They are renowned for their durability, security, and energy efficiency.
Key Features:
- High resistance to weathering and warping
- Multi-layered design for superior insulation
- Available in a variety of colours and styles
- Low maintenance with a long lifespan
Explore our premiumcomposite doors.
Comparison Table:Door Types at a Glance
FAQs about Doors
What is the most energy-efficient door type?
Composite doors are considered the most energy-efficient due to their multi-layered construction and superior insulation.
Which door type offers the best security?
Entrance doors and composite doors typically offer the best security features, including multi-point locking systems and toughened materials.
Can French doors be used indoors?
Yes, French doors can be used indoors to divide rooms or as an elegant entry to a sunroom or office.
Are bi-fold doors worth the cost?
Bi-fold doors are worth the investment if you want to maximise space and create a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor areas.
What are the benefits of uPVC doors?
uPVC doors are affordable, low-maintenance, and provide excellent thermal efficiency, making them a great option for both traditional and modern homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite doors are widely considered the best choice for UK front doors, offering a combination of security, energy efficiency, durability, and low maintenance. They feature a multi-layered construction with a solid timber core, insulating foam, and a GRP (glass reinforced plastic) skin that resists weathering and fading. Composite doors are available in a wide range of colours and styles, and many achieve Secured by Design accreditation for enhanced security.
Front door prices in the UK vary by type and material. uPVC doors typically cost £400 to £800 including installation. Composite doors range from £800 to £2,000 installed. Timber entrance doors can cost from £600 to £3,000 depending on the wood species and design complexity. Aluminium doors start from around £1,500. These prices include standard installation but may vary by region and specification. Bespoke designs and high-security options will be at the premium end.
uPVC doors are made entirely from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride with a hollow or foam-filled core. They are lightweight, affordable, and low maintenance but less secure and insulating than composite doors. Composite doors feature a solid core of timber or insulating foam covered by a durable GRP skin, making them heavier, stronger, more energy efficient, and more secure. Composite doors also have a more authentic appearance that closely resembles real timber.
Bi-fold doors can be an excellent investment for UK homeowners, typically adding value to a property by creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. They flood rooms with natural light and make spaces feel larger. Prices range from £1,500 to £5,000 or more depending on the number of panels and material. They are particularly beneficial for properties with gardens or patios, though they may not suit every home's layout or budget.
When choosing internal doors, consider the style of your home, your budget, and practical requirements. Flush doors suit modern interiors, while panelled doors complement traditional properties. Glazed internal doors help distribute natural light between rooms. Key factors include the door material (solid wood, engineered timber, or hollow core), fire rating requirements for certain rooms, sound insulation needs, and the finish that best matches your interior decor.
Modern patio doors can be highly energy efficient when specified correctly. Double or triple-glazed patio doors with low-E glass, argon gas fill, and thermally broken aluminium or insulated uPVC frames can achieve A-rated energy performance. However, because patio doors have large glass areas, choosing high-performance glazing is essential to minimise heat loss. Well-fitted patio doors with proper seals and weather stripping will maintain indoor comfort and help reduce heating bills.
When choosing a new door in the UK, look for multi-point locking systems that engage at three or more points along the frame, anti-snap and anti-pick cylinder locks, reinforced frames and hinges, and toughened or laminated glazing. Doors that meet PAS 24 security standards or have Secured by Design accreditation have been independently tested against forced entry. For additional peace of mind, consider doors with chain guards, spy holes, and letter plate restricters.