front doors - composite/upvc

andrewf75

We need a new front door. House is a 50's ex-council semi so not a beautiful house that needs anything fancy.
Was expecting to end up getting a composite door, but after going around a couple of showrooms and being quoted close to £2k, I'm now looking at the latest UPVC doors which are around £1200 installed. These look virtually as good and are nothing like the popular image of the hideous white plastic ones and the guys in the shops say they are as good as composite. I'm sure they will do the job for us, but part of me doesn't want to spend more than a grand on a UPVC door! Anyone have any knowledge or experience of these products?

I've read a lot of forum posts on the subject and everyone just seems to say get composite, but are often quoting much lower prices and are comparing against old-style UPVC doors. I'm in the SE so I guess those who can get a composite installed for a grand are in areas with lower labour rates.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

ashe

This is why people say get composite. Obviously nothing is infallible, but upvc doors are practically cardboard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxYLR32uNQ4

Paula_Smith

ashe wrote: »

This is why people say get composite. Obviously nothing is infallible, but upvc doors are practically cardboard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxYLR32uNQ4

Interesting video - thanks.

But, how would the glass panels fair in a similar test? i.e. if you had one of the strongest doors but with windows, presumably they would be a weak point.

Mutton_Geoff

Why not buy a hardwood door in keeping with the style of house and pay a carpenter for a day to fit it? If your old one is timber, you could resuse the lock/letterbox etc although I would use new 4" ball bearing hinges.


I have used Todd Doors a lot for my renovation projects (not connected, just a happy customer). They have a sale on and something like this for £149 plus similar amount for fitting would get you a decent hardwood/oak front door for less than £400. A lot nicer than plastic, imho.

Fosterdog

Paula_Smith wrote: »

Interesting video - thanks.

But, how would the glass panels fair in a similar test? i.e. if you had one of the strongest doors but with windows, presumably they would be a weak point.

It would depend on where the windows are situated, if they are close to the handle and you leave your key in the door then it would be easily breakable and an arm can then reach in to open the door. If you have glass just higher up to let in light but not be close enough for an arm to reach the key or if you never leave the key in the lock then it will be fine.

ashe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w97v7D5l8S4

Its usually toughened - the video above shows a full size patio door, but smaller panels will be harder to break. If you're concerned, insist on laminated.

andrewf75

Mutton_Geoff wrote: »

Why not buy a hardwood door in keeping with the style of house and pay a carpenter for a day to fit it? If your old one is timber, you could resuse the lock/letterbox etc although I would use new 4" ball bearing hinges.


I have used Todd Doors a lot for my renovation projects (not connected, just a happy customer). They have a sale on and something like this for £149 plus similar amount for fitting would get you a decent hardwood/oak front door for less than £400. A lot nicer than plastic, imho.

This is certainly what my approach would be if I had a "period property". Maybe it should be anyway. Thanks, I think I might explore this route. Didn't realise how cheap solid wood doors were!

Chloe_G

I wish we'd got a timber door again when we replaced ours, and I wish I hadn't got an electric garage door but had new timber ones made - really regret it now.

ashe

andrewf75 wrote: »

This is certainly what my approach would be if I had a "period property". Maybe it should be anyway. Thanks, I think I might explore this route. Didn't realise how cheap solid wood doors were!

Wood doors can be a great choice, just bear in mind they can often require regular maintenance, varnish/painting and in our hot/cold/dry/wet rapid weather cycles will often swell.

LandyAndy

andrewf75 wrote: »

This is certainly what my approach would be if I had a "period property". Maybe it should be anyway. Thanks, I think I might explore this route. Didn't realise how cheap solid wood doors were!

That's because they aren't solid wood doors.
From the website.

The new range of stylish and secure Period External Doors will breathe a new life into an old period property. Our beautiful Period External Doors range has a period charm and timeless appeal. This selection of signature doors is perfect to create a classic, elegant touch that will enhance the look of your house. For superior strength, stability and insulation, these doors are made using an extremely strong patented multi-layer core that features solid oak and veneered components sandwiched over a high density foam central layer. For glazed doors, solid oak beading holds the British Standard toughened double glazed units securely in place.

andrewf75

LandyAndy wrote: »

That's because they aren't solid wood doors.
From the website.

OK, not solid, but probably still a nicer door?

But yes, I can see that while I’m sure its possible to get a nice wooden door installed more cheaply than UPVC/composite, there are risks and for convenience you can see why most just go for the UPVC/composite

These are the UPVC ones I was quoted £1200 for. They do look nice

https://www.suffolkdoorcollection.co.uk/