Choosing a new front door for your home is an important decision. It’s the first thing visitors see and provides security and insulation for your property.
In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of front doors we offer at BSF Windows, how various factors influence cost, and what to consider when choosing.
Door Materials and Their Comparative Costs
The material of your front door is the most significant factor affecting its cost. Each material has its own benefits, appearance, and price range. Here’s how our door materials compare.
uPVC Doors
UPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is a durable option that requires minimal maintenance. Our uPVC doors are the most affordable option in our range, making them popular with homeowners working with a tighter budget. Despite being lower in cost, they still offer excellent performance.
Our uPVC doors can achieve an A++ energy rating, helping to keep your home warm and your energy bills down. Achieving this energy efficiency at a low initial cost can make a uPVC front door an excellent investment.
While uPVC doors used to be available only in white, modern options now come in a wide range of colours and finishes, including woodgrain effects that give the appearance of timber.
The lower price point of uPVC doors doesn’t mean compromising quality, efficiency, or security.
Composite Doors
Composite doors have become increasingly popular with UK homeowners. Our composite doors sit in the mid-range of our pricing, costing more than uPVC but typically less than solid timber or aluminium options.
Composite doors are made from a combination of a solid timber core or a foam core with glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) skins. This construction provides excellent insulation and security while being less prone to warping or fading than solid timber.
The unique structure of our composite doors makes them extremely durable and weather resistant. They offer the appearance of traditional wooden doors but without the maintenance requirements.
We offer various styles and colours for our composite front doors, allowing you to create a door that perfectly matches your home’s character or makes a bold statement. The versatility and balance of price, appearance, security and performance make composite doors an excellent option.
Aluminium Doors
Our aluminium front doors are generally more expensive than uPVC or composite options but offer distinct advantages and style that many homeowners find worth the investment.
Aluminium is exceptionally strong and durable, allowing for slimmer frames and larger glass panels than other materials. This creates a more contemporary look that suits modern homes particularly well. Despite their slim appearance, aluminium doors provide excellent security and can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
The powder-coated finish on our aluminium doors is available in virtually any bespoke RAL colour and won’t fade, peel, or require repainting.
Aluminium doors used to hold a reputation for having poor energy efficiency, but they now come with thermal break technology, which prevents heat transfer and drastically improves their performance.
Our aluminium doors are a great choice if you’re looking for a sleek, modern front door with outstanding longevity.
Timber Doors
Our timber doors typically represent the premium end of our front door range. Genuine wooden doors have a unique character and warmth that many homeowners find appealing. It’s especially important for period properties and heritage homes that may have strict design standards and need a more traditional look
The natural beauty and traditional craftsmanship of timber doors make them a timeless choice. We use high-quality, sustainably sourced timber that’s properly treated and finished to ensure durability and resistance to the British weather.
While wooden front doors require more maintenance than other materials, typically needing treatment every few years to maintain their appearance and weather resistance, many homeowners feel the classic appearance is worth the extra care and cost.
Our timber doors can be finished in a wide range of colours and stains to highlight the natural grain or complement your home’s colour scheme. The craftsmanship and natural materials involved explain their position at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Factors That Affect Front Door Costs
Beyond the type of door, several other factors influence the final cost of a new front door.
Door Size and Configuration
Standard-sized doors are more affordable than oversized or non-standard dimensions. If your doorway is an unusual size or you want to include side panels or a toplight, this will increase the cost.
Added panels add both material and installation costs, but can transform the appearance of your entrance. They allow more light into your hallway and create a grander entrance.
Glazing Options
The amount and type of glass in your front door affect both appearance and price. Plain glass is the most affordable option, while decorative, patterned, or obscured glass will cost more.
Our doors can incorporate various glazing designs – from simple clear panels to ornate decorative glass. More complex glass designs naturally come with a higher price tag.
Colour and Finish
Standard colours (like white for uPVC doors) are included in the base price, while special colours or finishes add to the cost. This is particularly true for wood-effect finishes on uPVC doors or custom RAL colours on aluminium doors.
The added cost is usually small, but it is worth considering.
Installation Complexity
The cost of installation varies depending on:
- Whether you’re replacing an existing door or creating a new opening
- Any structural work required
- The condition of the existing frame
- How accessible the installation area is
A straightforward replacement where the new door fits the existing frame will naturally cost less to install than one requiring significant structural alterations and other complications.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
When deciding on a new front door, consider these factors alongside the cost:
Energy Efficiency
Better-insulated doors can save money on heating bills. Our composite and uPVC doors offer excellent thermal efficiency, which should be factored into the overall value calculation rather than just the upfront cost.
Maintenance Requirements
Consider ongoing maintenance costs as well as the purchase price. Our uPVC, aluminium, and composite doors need minimal maintenance. Timber doors require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition, representing an ongoing cost in both time and materials.
Suitability for Your Property
The right door should complement your home’s architectural style. Period properties often suit timber or composite doors with traditional designs, while contemporary homes may look better with sleek aluminium options. Choosing a door that adds to your property’s appearance can add value beyond the door’s cost.
Finding the Right Door for Your Home
The cost of a new front door varies widely depending on the material, size, design, glazing, and installation. While uPVC doors represent our most affordable option, composite, aluminium, and timber doors offer different benefits that many homeowners find worth the additional investment.
Rather than focusing solely on the initial price, we recommend considering your new front door’s long-term value, appearance, security, and energy efficiency. The right door will add to your home’s appearance and security for many years to come and make it cheaper to run.
At BSF Windows, we offer a wide range of front doors to suit different budgets and property styles. Our experienced team can help you find the perfect balance between cost and quality for your specific needs.
The best way to do this is by visiting our Surrey showroom. We are open Monday-Friday and would be delighted to meet you and discuss your home improvement project.
For a personalised, free, no obligation quote on a new front door, contact our friendly team on 01293 408 713, email us at bsfwindows@gmail.com, or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install a new front door?
Most of our front door installations take around a day to complete. However, this can vary depending on whether structural work is required, if there are side panels to install, or if the existing frame needs to be replaced.
Will I need to repaint my door?
This depends on the material. Our uPVC, composite, and aluminium doors won’t need repainting as the colour is integral to the finish. Our timber doors will need occasional treatment to maintain their appearance and weather resistance, typically every 3-5 years, depending on their exposure to the elements.
Can I match my front door to my existing windows?
Yes, we offer a wide range of colours across our external doors, making it easy to match or complement your existing windows.