When it comes to replacing your front door, the two most popular choices are composite doors and UPVC doors. Both offer great security and low maintenance — but they differ in construction, price, performance, and appearance. Here's a straightforward comparison to help you decide.

What Is a Composite Door?

A composite door is built from multiple materials bonded together — typically a glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) outer skin, a high-density foam core for insulation, and an LVL timber sub-frame for rigidity. The result is a door that looks and feels like solid wood, but performs far better. Composite doors are heavier, thicker, and more thermally efficient than UPVC — our DoorCo range achieves a U-value of just 0.8 W/m²K.

What Is a UPVC Door?

UPVC entrance doors use the same extruded PVCu profile system as UPVC windows, with reinforced steel inside for strength. They're lighter than composites, more cost-effective, and available in a wide range of colours through the Eurocell range. They're a reliable, practical choice — particularly for rear doors and secondary entrances.

Security

Both types are tested to PAS 24 and feature multi-point locking. However, composite doors go further — our DoorCo range includes five hook locks, a Secured by Design option, and a £2,000 security guarantee. If security is your top priority, composite wins.

Thermal Efficiency

Composite doors lead here too. The foam core provides outstanding insulation, and the triple-sealed frame minimises draughts. UPVC doors are still A-rated and well within UK building regulations — but composite edges it for thermal performance.

Style & Colour Choice

Composite doors offer 30+ standard colours (with bespoke RAL options), a huge range of panel styles, and 30+ decorative glass designs. Kubu smart hardware is available on both ranges — letting you monitor and lock your door remotely from your phone.

Price

UPVC doors are the more budget-friendly option. Composite doors cost more upfront but offer better long-term performance and a 20-year structural guarantee. For your main front door, we'd usually recommend investing in composite. For a rear or side door, UPVC is an excellent, cost-effective solution.

Want to see the options in person? Contact us and we'll bring samples to your home as part of a free, no-obligation survey.