A new composite front door is one of the best upgrades you can make to a home. It looks smart, it’s secure, and it’s warmer than most older doors. But composite door quotes are some of the hardest to compare, because two doors that look almost the same in a brochure can be very different on price.
This guide explains what you’re actually paying for on a composite door quote, what to check before you sign, and how to make sure you’re not paying over the odds for the same door.
Key points
- Many composite doors are made by a small number of door manufacturers and sold through lots of local installers.
- The door brand, design, glass and hardware drive the price, so match those exactly when you compare.
- Check the lock and cylinder security rating, not just the look.
- Make sure fitting, frame, threshold and certification are all included.
What is a composite door?
A composite door is made from several materials pressed together, rather than a single material like uPVC or timber. Most have a strong outer skin, often glass reinforced plastic (GRP), over an insulated core, set in a uPVC or composite frame. The result is a door that’s thick, solid, low maintenance and well insulated, with the look of painted timber.
Why composite door prices vary
Here’s something many homeowners don’t know: a lot of the composite doors sold in the UK come from a small number of door manufacturers. Local installers buy those doors, often already hung in their frames, then sell, survey and fit them.
So when two installers quote you for the same brand and design, you’re usually looking at the same door. The difference in price comes from the installer’s costs and margin: showrooms, adverts, salespeople and how much profit they want on the job. That’s why it pays to compare.
What’s on a composite door quote
The door itself
Look for the door brand and design name. Designs vary a lot, from solid panelled styles to doors with large glazed sections. Glass designs, bevels and decorative glass add to the price. Check the door colour on each side, as having a different colour inside costs more on some doors.
The frame, sidelights and toplight
Is it just the door, or are there glazed side panels or a glazed panel above? Each one adds cost. Check the frame colour matches what you want.
Hardware
Handles, letterbox, knocker, numerals and spyhole come in different finishes like chrome, gold, black and graphite. Some are included, some are extras. Make sure each quote lists the same items in the same finish.
Locks and security
This is the bit that really matters. Look for:
- A multipoint lock that locks the door into the frame at several points.
- An anti-snap cylinder. Look for a cylinder rated TS007 3 star, or a 1 star cylinder used with security handles rated 2 star.
- PAS 24 or Secured by Design accreditation for the whole door, if security is a priority.
Threshold and fitting
Check whether the quote includes a low level threshold if you need level access, removal and disposal of your old door, fitting, sealing, trims and making good.
Building regulations
Replacement doors should meet the energy efficiency standards in building regulations. Doors that are more than half glass also need to be registered with building control, which installers usually do through a competent person scheme such as FENSA or CERTASS. Ask whether a certificate is included.
Composite door red flags
- No brand or design named. If you don’t know which door you’re getting, you can’t compare it.
- Security not specified. “High security lock” isn’t a rating. Ask for the cylinder standard.
- Long waits with big deposits. Find out the lead time and how much you pay up front.
- Pressure to sign quickly. A fair price will still be fair next week.
Composite vs uPVC front doors
uPVC doors usually cost less and are a good choice for back and side doors. Composite doors are thicker, feel more solid and come in more colours and designs, which is why they’re popular for front doors. Whichever you choose, the same advice applies: compare the same door, the same hardware and the same fitting.
Thinking about doors to the garden too? Read our guides to sliding patio door quotes and bifold door quotes. If you’re replacing your windows at the same time, our guide on how to compare window quotes will help.
How BeatMyWindowQuote saves you money on a front door
If you already have a quote, upload it. We’ll work out the exact door brand, design, glass, colour and hardware you’ve been quoted for, then ask vetted local installers to price that same door. We also ask fabricators and suppliers further up the chain, because they often sell the same doors with less added on top.
You see the prices side by side. Companies don’t see your name, number or original price, so you won’t be chased, and only the company you choose gets your details. It’s free for you, because the company you pick pays us a fixed fee after you’ve signed and your cancellation period has passed.
No quote yet? Design your door in our online door designer. Pick the style, glass, colour, side panels and handles, and we’ll get you 3 quotes for exactly that door. You can also read more on our doors page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a composite door take to arrive?
Doors are made to measure, so there’s usually a lead time of a few weeks after the survey. Each company tells us their lead time when they price, so you can compare speed as well as cost.
Can I get the same composite door cheaper?
Often, yes. Because many installers sell the same door brands, the identical door can usually be supplied and fitted by more than one local company. That’s what we check for you.
Do I need a survey?
Yes. Whoever fits your door will measure the opening properly before it’s made. The price you see is based on the door you want, confirmed at the survey.
Is a composite door warmer than my old door?
Usually, yes, especially if your current door is old timber or early uPVC. New doors have to meet current energy standards. For more answers, see our FAQ.
