TOP

New Front Door Cost

How much does a new front door cost?

There is a lot of factors to consider when buying a front door, read about what you need to know before comparing new front door prices.

How much does a new front door cost

If you're searching for new front door costs because you want to replace your front door, first you need to consider exactly what you need to compare like-for-like.


You might see other websites offering a list of front door prices but there are a lot of factors to consider that you need to know before you can start to compare quotes from suppliers.


A new front door cost is dependent on many factors ranging from material, style, size and custom made options.


Looking at industry standard prices, a new front door cost would be:

  • For supply only of a basic white uPVC door* the new front door cost is £300+*
  • For supply only of a basic composite door* the new front door cost is £500+*
  • Timber doors on average are approximately 75% more than uPVC.

MaterialAverage new front door cost
uPVC door prices£300+ for supply only
Composite door prices£500+ for supply only
Timber door prices75% more than uPVC

*Note, these are average industry prices for a supply only door and not Everest list prices.


At Everest, we do not sell supply only doors. We install a full door set including the frame, leaf, handles, hinges, locking mechanism and furniture, plus a 10 year guarantee as standard.



The cost to replace a front door (2023)

Although other websites offer lists of premade front door prices we don't provide a full list of prices because there are so many variables in size and style combinations. We don't sell off-the-shelf sizes because every door we make is custom fit to ensure a precision fit with no tolerance for gaps that cause draughts.


To achieve this perfect fit, when we supply a door it includes the full frame as standard - known as a door set. So, when you compare costs, make sure the front door price is for a door set.


We recommend that you only consider a new front door cost from a reputable supplier that has been to your property to survey your needs and produced a quote specifically for your needs.


To answer the question, how much does a new front door cost, we've provided a guide that shows you how different options affect the cost of a new front door.


Types of door material


uPVC door prices

Unplasticised PolyVinyl Chloride (uPVC) in white is the most economical choice of material for a front door.


When uPVC doors were launched in the UK in the eighties, they became vastly popular and widely adopted as the front door of choice – mainly due to the maintenance-free nature as the first real option to replace timber.


The reputation of earlier versions of cheaper uPVC doors suffered because of a flaw with their locking system (that has since been replaced) but with issues resolved they continue to be a widely popular choice of front door.


Just beware of cheaper uPVC that is inferior quality and will discolour and warp over time.


Everest uPVC door prices start at £1,500 including full installation and a 10 year guarantee. The higher cost compared to supply only basic pricing reflects not only the quality of the Everest product and accessories but also the skilled installation service and guarantees included in the price.



Composite door prices

Composite doors are constructed from a combination of materials to make a strong door that doesn't weather and needs no maintenance. They've become the most popular alternative to uPVC.


Composite doors are made from a skin of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) also known as fibreglass that is fused to a double internal frame of uPVC and hardwood. GRP is used on fishing boats so it's super resilient and hard-wearing.


One of the benefits of composite is the thermal properties that come from their polyurethane foam injected into the core that make an energy-efficient door.


Are composite doors more expensive than uPVC? Yes, composite door prices are more expensive than uPVC, but if you balance the expected lifetime of 35 years then over time, a composite door is worth it and a solid investment.


Read more: What is a composite door?


Everest Composite door prices start at £2,500 including full installation and 10 year guarantee. The higher cost compared to supply only basic pricing reflects not only the quality of the Everest product and accessories but also the skilled installation service and guarantees included in the price.



Timber door prices

Traditionally, front doors were always made from wood, before uPVC came along in the eighties.


Solid hardwood doors are strong and durable but they're also high-maintenance and need constant care to avoid warping, cracking and peeling.


Period or listed properties usually have a clause that requires you to have a timber front door and timber window frames.


Out of all the front door materials, timber is the most expensive, but if you take care of the wood you can expect a long life out of a solid hardwood door.


Timber door prices are approximately 75% more than white uPVC.



The 4 types of door material

TimberuPVCCompositeAluminium
Security⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost££££££££££
MaintenanceHighLowLowLow
Lifespan50+ years30 years35 years45 years

The most important thing to consider when searching for new front door costs is what are you actually getting for your money.


Most quotes for front door prices will only cover the door slab - that means just the basic door. It doesn't include any door furniture (letterboxes), frame or even hinges.


Everest front door prices cover a full door set - that means you get everything from the frame to a choice of furnishings and even a spare set of keys for the multi-point locking system.


What is a doorset?

What is a doorset?

Are you thinking about a new door?

Timber Doors →

The classic beauty of timber makes a natural and elegant statement

Composite Doors →

Our premium composite doors boast a robust 70mm thickness for security

uPVC Doors →

With a uPVC door you get high quality, at a reasonable price.

Aluminium Doors →

With aluminium you get high-end styling and a practical, low maintenance door.

Other options that affect new front door costs

Apart from the material the front door is made from, there are other options and extras that impact on the front door cost.

  • Frame – it's preferable to install a new frame and door at the same to get a perfect fit, for the integrity of the locks and longevity.
  • Design – there's a wide variety of options for front doors and a plain basic slab door will cost less than a stable door or a door with decorative glazed panels.
  • Furniture – prices quoted online often don't take into consideration the extras such as letterboxes, door knockers and handles.
  • Colour/finish – plain white is the basic cheapest option for a door and other colours can cost more. A woodgrain effect on a uPVC door is also an additional cost.
  • Glazing – all glazing is not the same and you should look out for the WER rating of A, A+ or even the triple glazed A+++ that measures the energy efficiency. A lot of cheap front doors might only quote on B rated glass.
  • Locking – again there's a lot of variety with locking systems. SmartLocks use keycards, key fobs or your phone app to open the door. A uPVC door should have anti-snap locks and any door should be accredited with the Secured by Design standard that means it passed a stringent 15-minute forced entry attempt.
  • Installation – most quotes for a new front door cost will only cover a supply only cost. Fitting a front door isn't straightforward and it's not always advised to DIY. To get a guaranteed precision fit you should use a specialist supplier registered with a competent person scheme.

Front door fitting cost

Most lists online for new front door costs will be a supply only price of the door and it's important to also consider the front door installation cost.


When fitting a new front door, you have several options:

  • Use a local joiner or handyman - from £25 per hour
  • Do it yourself - free
  • Use a door manufacturer who installs - can be free with a door set

A local joiner might be the first consideration for most people at a reasonable cost but they will be purchasing an off-the-shelf door and then retrofitting to the space you have.


Properties usually shift over time and door frames drop or twist and this means the space to fit the door isn't a neat opening with square corners.


Timber doors are more forgiving for fitting as they can be trimmed with a plane to get an accurate fit.


uPVC and composite doors are much less forgiving as they can't be trimmed to fit with a plane.


A company who measures and makes your door to fit will ensure your door will open and close perfectly, not rattle in the frame and not have any gaps that let in draughts.


A front door fitting cost for a local joiner would be from £25 an hour but they can take considerably longer to fit the door than a specialist company who manufacture the door and frame offsite.


DIY can seem like a cheap option, but fitting a front door isn't always the straightforward job you might think. Your door must be fitted properly to be fully secure and to ensure you don't have future problems if the door drops and won't open and close properly.


A specialist door fitting company will offer a front door cost that includes a survey, a bespoke door made to measure and installation. Often, the installation will work out free if you factor in the cost of the materials.


How long does it take to fit a new front door?

If you're having your main front door replaced, it's unacceptable to be overnight without a door for obvious reasons. And, this would be the main reason to not try and replace the door yourself.


Delays to fitting a new front door happen when problems with the sizing of the door arise and this is where enthusiastic DIY'ers can come unstuck.


A specialist supplier will survey your property, measure the space and custom build the door and frame offsite before they install. This reduces any margin for error and installation very rarely comes up against a serious issue that would leave you without a front door for more than a day.


To fit a new front door should take a few hours, between half a day up to a full day for a complicated installation. But never overnight.


Does the door frame need to be replaced at the same time?

When replacing a door into an existing frame, you can struggle to get a perfect fit. Frames drop and warp over time and this makes it a challenge to introduce a new door.


No - if the frame is in good condition and replacing a door like-for-like then fitting a door without a new frame could be an option. But, you might need to move hinges or door latches and this could leave large ugly gaps in the frame. These can be filled and painted but they might compromise the integrity of the frame.


Yes - if your door frame has become damaged (for example, after a forced entry) you must replace the frame. The frame is integral to the strength of the door and contributes to its resistance so it's essential to maintain the integrity of the door.


If you're changing a door, it's far better to have the door and frame changed at the same time for perfect fit, aesthetics, security and durability.


Yes - changing your door from timber to uPVC or composite or changing from an old uPVC door to a new one, or even a different manufacturer will always need a new frame. uPVC and composite doors are manufactured as a complete door set of door slab and frame with unique hinges, so it wouldn't be possible to fit the door without its frame.

What should my new front door cost quote include?

If you do want to consider a new front door cost then make sure you're comparing like-for-like. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, be aware of what you're actually getting - is it a full door set (like we offer) or is it just the door slab?


A complicated installation can also affect the price - for example, a door frame that has dropped. For this reason, don't accept a new front door price until the supplier has surveyed where the door is to be installed.


So that you can compare door-for-door, your front door cost quote should include:

  • A technical survey
  • Full details of the product
  • Any extras, and door furniture
  • Door handles
  • The locking system
  • The energy rating for any glass
  • Does it include painting for timber doors?
  • When will the door be fitted?
  • Guarantees of the product and installation
  • Company details and their accreditations
  • Disposal of your old door (many people forget this)

Standards to look out for when buying a new front door

In some cases, you might need building regulation compliance when changing a front door – usually for a door with glazing. To meet requirements, you can use a trusted supplier who is registered with a competent person scheme such as CERTASS or FENSA.


For a front door, you also want to make sure the locks meet security standards, you can read more about what is the best front door for security here.



Standards for door locks:

  • BS 3621 or EN 13309 for five-lever mortice locks
  • TS 007 3* or SS 312 diamond for an anti-snap euro lock

Standards for a front door:

  • BSI PAS 24 Standards
  • Secured by Design

Standards for a front door installer:

  • Competent Person Scheme (CERTASS)
  • Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme (FENSA)

New front door FAQs

  • +
    Are glass front doors safe?

    Aluminium doors have a slim frame and a large area of double glazed glass – they look like mini patio doors. Usually used for back doors or side entrance doors, some people do choose to have a glazed front door.


    uPVC and composite doors both can have the options of glazed portals, half-glazed door, double panel glazing or a full panel glaze.


    The main worry about a glazed door is how strong is the glass? A double glazed panel can withstand a considerable amount of force and triple glazed portals are even more difficult to break. Building regulations also state that any glazing in a door less than 1500mm from the floor must be toughened glass for safety reasons.


    The other area of risk is having a window adjacent to the door (or in the door) where the glass can be broken and then the lock operated from reaching round. Double cylinder locks can't be opened in this way.


    A glass front door is safe if it's double or triple glazed and has a PAS24 locking system or a Secured by Design standard.

  • +
    Do front doors need to be fire rated?

    As a rule, a front door for a house that is a direct route to the outside doesn't need to be fire rated. BUT, this can be dependent on the proximity of the boundary and the distance of adjacent buildings. We recommend reading here.


    Apartments, flats and properties accessed through a common area must have fire rated front doors to stop the spread of fire between properties. They must also have a thumb-operated lock on the inside of the door for means of escape.

  • +
    Do I need planning permission to move my front door?

    No - To replace a front door to the same size doesn't need planning permission.


    Maybe - to move a front door might need planning permission if you're moving from the side of the house to the front-facing a road or significantly changing the size of the door portal.


    No - Adding a porch to a front door doesn't need planning permission as long as it's less than three metres of floor space (including wall footprint).


    Restrictions - if you live in a listed building, within designated land, or in a leasehold property check with your local authority, or your lease, as usually, as there might be limitations on the style of the door and sometimes the colour you can paint it.


    Read more: Planning permission for doors...

  • +
    How long should a front door last?

    Composite and uPVC front doors will last a minimum of 30-35 years with little maintenance. A timber front door should also last up to 50 years but this depends on how well the door has been maintained.


    Ultimately, the lifespan of the door is dependent on how much of a battering it gets from the weather.


    If the front door is facing south, it can take a lot of heat from the sun and the constant thermal expansion/contraction ages a door more than anything else.


    If your door is in an especially exposed area, such as facing the coast this will reduce the life of the door.


    If your door is sheltered under an overhang or small roof, then this will dramatically increase the life of the door beyond the 30-year lifespan.

  • +
    Does a new front door add value to your house?

    If you're thinking of selling your house and want it to look at its best then replacing your front door can make a huge difference to its kerb appeal. And that's key when selling your home – first impressions count.


    Effectively, a new front door could increase the value of your property, if it makes it more desirable against others in the area.


    Your front door is an indication of what to expect inside the property so a scruffy front door could form a negative impression before a buyer even steps in the house.

Start Your Project Today...

Book your free quotation appointment with one of our local expert consultants who will:


  • Provide an accurate, no-obligation quote
  • Offer ideas and practical solutions
  • Show you samples of our products
  • Take all necessary measurements

Sorry, something you've entered isn't correct. Please check the form.

    GET A FREE QUOTE

     

    By providing your details above you agree to be contacted under the terms of our privacy policy.