By Shaun, Shelfbank Windows. Published .
Both composite and uPVC doors are low maintenance, secure when fitted properly, and far better than an old draughty door. The main differences are in how they are built, how they look and feel, and where they make the most sense.
As a rough rule, people tend to choose composite for the front door and uPVC for back and side doors, but there is no single right answer. Here is how they compare.
How each door is made
uPVC doors
A uPVC door is usually made from a uPVC frame with an insulated panel, often with steel reinforcement in the frame for strength. It is light, it does not rot, and it only needs an occasional wipe down.
Composite doors
A composite door is made from several materials bonded together. Typically that means a tough outer skin, often glass reinforced plastic (GRP), over an insulated or solid core, inside a reinforced frame. The skin can be moulded with a wood grain, so it looks much more like a traditional timber door.
Looks and choice
Composite doors come in a wide range of styles and colours, and the thicker slab and grained finish give a more solid, traditional look. They suit period cottages and stone houses as well as newer homes.
uPVC doors have a smoother, more modern look and are often chosen for back doors, side doors and utility rooms, where matching the existing windows matters more than a statement front door.
I can show you door styles and colours before anything is ordered, so you can see how a door will look against the brickwork or stone of your house.
Security
The security of a door depends on the whole set: the door slab, the frame, the locking mechanism, the cylinder and how well it is fitted. Both types can be supplied with multipoint locks that secure the door at several points along its edge.
Whichever you choose, look at the lock cylinder. Police advice is to use cylinders rated to TS 007 3 star or Sold Secure Diamond (SS312), which are designed to resist lock snapping.
Warmth and draughts
Both types are insulated, and both have to meet the building regulations energy standard when they replace an old door. Our post on building regulations for replacement windows and doors explains what that means.
In practice, the biggest difference to draughts is the fitting. A door that is hung out of square, or a frame that is not sealed to the wall, will let air through whatever it is made of. I take the old door and frame out completely and fit the new frame plumb and level before the door goes on.
Maintenance
Neither type needs painting, and neither will rot, warp or swell in wet weather the way an old timber door can. A wipe with warm soapy water keeps the surface clean, and a little lubricant on the locking mechanism and hinges once or twice a year keeps everything working smoothly. Avoid harsh solvents and abrasive pads, which can damage the finish.
Which should you choose?
- Choose composite if you want a front door with a solid, traditional look and a wide choice of colours.
- Choose uPVC if you want a clean, practical back or side door that matches uPVC windows.
- Choose based on the fitting as much as the product. A well-fitted door of either type will outperform a poorly fitted one.
If your windows are also showing their age, it is often worth replacing them at the same visit so everything matches. See our uPVC windows page.
Talk to Shaun
To compare styles and colours in person, see our uPVC and composite doors page. I fit doors across Shrewsbury, Welshpool and Oswestry. Call Shaun on 07815 753361 for a free site survey and a fixed written quote.
Related services: uPVC Windows, uPVC & Composite Doors.