
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.