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. A uPVC door should have anti-snap locks and be accredited with the Secured by Design standard.
- 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 price lists online for new front doors will be a supply only cost 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
- 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.
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. Most importantly, a reputable company will offer a guarantee.
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.