Homeowners looking to replace their existing doors should consider composite front doors. They have a stylish appearance and might offer a higher level of safety and security than other door types. The combination of materials used, including PVC, wood, insulating foam, and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), contributes to their aesthetic appeal and durability. But before purchasing a composite door, it’s important to consider the manufacturing process, different types and styles, top brands, costs, and other factors.

How composite doors are made
Typically, composite doors are made of a mix of several materials, including GRP, timber, and PU foam. These combinations are generally used to lower the percentage of cold air entering and warm air escaping from the house.

Benefits of composite front doors
An individual considering installing a composite front door could look forward to various benefits.

Types and styles of composite doors
Most of the time, top brands of composite doors have their own styles based on customised designs and construction. That said, certain factors distinguish one type of composite door from another across all brands.

• Core material
  One of the primary factors that differentiates between composite door types is the core material. Traditionally, composite doors have a foam-filled core with a GRP layer that is often coloured. Sometimes, the foam layer is surrounded by a sub-frame made of timber for additional durability and rigidity. Recently, many brands have started making composite doors with cores made of solid timber. The foam-filled composite doors and timber-core doors may look the same at first glance, but they have differences. Both types still have an outer layer made of GRP. So, the timber doors are a bit heavier than the foam-filled composite doors.
• Design
  Composite doors come in a wide range of designs, which can typically be divided into traditional and contemporary categories. Traditional designs are generally based on Victorian and Edwardian aesthetics, including popular 1930s styles of doors. Meanwhile, contemporary designs feature off-beat and highly creative styles typically inspired by the Art Deco period and modern architectural trends. Some manufacturers also produce composite doors based on stable and French door styles.
• Colours
  In the past, composite doors only came in basic colours , but over the last few years, homeowners have had a wide range of options as manufacturers have expanded their range of styles and shades. Additionally, one can choose to have colours on both sides of the door or have different colours on each side with a white central spine. Some manufacturers also provide bespoke or customised colours from the generic RAL chart, a standard colour management system widely used across Europe. That said, the finish of these doors may not be very durable, as the colour is sprayed on the surface rather than being administered into the door.

Cost of composite doors
The overall cost of composite doors varies across manufacturers and several factors.

• Quality of the door
  Since there are many manufacturers of composite doors, there is bound to be a variation in the quality of the product. As a result, the cost will increase as one increases the quality standards.
• Style
  With every manufacturer offering their own range of styles, the price range will also vary. Usually, a popular style of composite door costs much less than a customised one.
• Colours
  The price of composite doors usually does not depend on the colour. This is because most manufacturers offer a standard range of colours, which does not involve any extra manufacturing costs. But if a customer wants to order a composite door in a non-standard colour, there might be a spike in price as particular colours generally need specialised bonding techniques.
• Glazed panels
  Some manufacturers incorporate glazing panels into the design of their composite doors. The price will vary depending on the type of glazing. For example, clear-glazed windows are usually cheaper than  coloured  double-glazing ones.
• Door accessories
  Composite doors with accessories like knockers and letter plates have higher price tags.
• Locking mechanism
  Doors with simple locking mechanisms generally cost less than those with intricate and complex internal mechanics.

The total cost of a composite door includes the expenses for fitting and installation. In general, the total costs can range anywhere between £550 and £2620. Labour charges usually range from £50 to £120, while supply costs start at about £500 and can go up to £2500.

Top brands of composite doors
When buying composite front doors, it helps to review the products offered by some of the most popular companies in the market. These companies provide a wide range of styles and price points, along with several useful features, including unique locking mechanisms, energy efficiency, and enhanced security.

• Comp Door
• Hallmark Panels
• Solidor
• Rockdoor
• GRP Composite Doors
• Endurance Doors
• Everest