What's the right door material for your home?
Doors were historically made out of wood, traditionally pine or oak. Boarded doors (joined lengths of wood) were common until about 1700 when panelled doors were introduced. Wooden doors are still popular to this day, but other door materials have extra benefits, often at a lower price.
Aluminium and glass entrance doors began to be used in the post-war period. Aluminium is cold to the touch; however, modern doors are much more energy-efficient and a popular choice for contemporary homes.
The introduction of uPVC doors was a leap forward in providing an energy-efficient door that was low maintenance and affordable. Composite doors were developed to create a door that had the best properties from all materials with exceptional security and a wood effect finish.
uPVC doors
uPVC is a good all-round material that will never rot, flake or rust.
uPVC is very popular in modern homes as it is a good all-round material that offers exceptional value. With a smooth and naturally weatherproof finish, there’s no danger of the doors ever degrading, and they are virtually maintenance-free. uPVC is also a naturally insulating material, and the frames and panels are designed to offer high levels of energy efficiency.
Modern uPVC doors are built to be sturdy and secure, with steel reinforced frames and panels. The hinges and locks are welded securely to the steel reinforcement within the frame, meaning that would-be intruders cannot gain entry through this previous weak spot.
Everest uPVC doors are available in a range of colours or a wood grain finish, created by bonding wood grain effect foils to the frames and panels creating a realistic texture of timber.
You also have the option of a duo colour door that looks like timber from the outside, with white on the inside to match a neutral interior colour palette.
uPVC doors are best suited to modern new build properties, suburban developments and terraced houses. We don't recommend uPVC for period properties or Georgian townhouses.
Wooden doors
Timber is a natural insulator, it absorbs and retains heat.
Solid wood doors still offer the highest levels of energy efficiency compared to other door types. Wooden doors are seen to be the most beautiful but do require more effort to keep them looking their best.
Wooden doors have been around for centuries and the manufacturing process has developed over time. Panels and frames are still made from solid wood, but timber used in construction is engineered to be stronger. Knots are removed from the wood, before layering different grain directions, and bonding. The result is a much stronger and more stable door, with no risk of warping or bowing.
Timber doors can be made from softwood or hardwood – both make great materials for doors. Hardwood grows slower than softwood so the rings are closer together, making it more dense and hardwearing. It does mean that it can be more expensive and less sustainable than softwood. Treated to resist rot and fungus, timber doors will last for years to come.
The benefit of a wooden front door is being able to change the colour of your door as much as you want. We offer timber doors in a range of stains and paint colours with a five year guarantee against peeling and flaking.
Wooden doors can last for 50 years or more, but they are high-maintenance and will require constant attention to keep them in good condition.
Wooden doors are best suited to cottages, rural properties, period properties and can suit modern builds.
Aluminium doors
Aluminium is a physically strong material that will never rust or corrode.
Think of aluminium doors and you might be thinking of cold metal frames, but thermal technology and door design has evolved considerably. The frames contain an insulating plastic section that stops the conduction of heat, for doors that are just as warm as uPVC. Aluminium is also naturally weatherproof and will need very little maintenance.
Nowadays, aluminium doors are almost indistinguishable from uPVC, with similar designs, glazing and colour options. Aluminium frames can also support large glazed panels for a fully glazed door.
Aluminium doors are best suited to modern and contemporary properties.
Composite doors (GRP)
Composite doors combine the benefits of different materials.
A composite door has a solid hardwood frame, insulated with high-density foam and covered with glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) skin. Made using polyester resins and fibreglass, this durable ‘thermoplastic’ outer coating is also used for the underside of boats, making it robust for a front or back door.
Composite doors are the only doors that can feature double rebates. A door rebate is where the door panel overlaps the frame along the edges, creating a barrier against water. Double rebates overlap twice, for increased energy efficiency and weather tightness. Dual rebated composite doors are often 50% thicker than regular front doors and feature triple glazing as standard.
As well as excellent weatherproofing, composite doors don’t require the same level of maintenance as wood and maintain a vibrant colour and finish without any need for painting.
Everest composite doors are available in a wide range of heritage and bold colours, as well as timber effect finishes.
Composite doors are best suited to modern and contemporary properties.
Door material overview
| Timber | uPVC | Composite | Aluminium |
|---|
| Security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost | ££££ | £ | ££ | £££ |
| Maintenance | High | Low | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 50+ years | 30 years | 35 years | 45 years |
How long do front doors last?
Composite and uPVC front doors will last a minimum of 30-35 years with little maintenance. A wooden front door should also last up to 50 years but this depends on how well the door has been maintained.
- uPVC – the least robust material with a lifespan of around 30 years
- Composite - a GRP door should have a lifetime of 35 years
- Timber - can last for a lifetime but needs constant maintenance every few years
- Aluminium - the most robust material with a lifespan of at least 45 years
The main factor that will impact the lifespan of your door is the weather. Although, the quality of the door and how it has been fitted will also make a difference.
3 things that will impact the lifespan of your door:
- Quality
The quality of doors varies between manufacturers and installers. Cheap uPVC can warp and discolour long before a quality uPVC door will. Wooden doors vary in thickness and the quality of the timber used will also affect the longevity of the door. - Installation
Door frames that are not fitted properly can be prone to water ingress and dampness that will speed up deterioration. If the door does not fit snugly in the frame it can wear the hinges and the edges of the door. - Environment
The factor that contributes the most to shortening the lifespan of a door is 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 significantly reduce the life of the door as it has to contend with the corrosive effects of saltwater and high winds compared to a sheltered house. 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.
It's good practice to check the hinges on a regular basis to make any minor adjustments to keep your door fitting snugly in the frame. This will help keep your doors in tip-top condition and can prolong the life of your door.