There are many different types of doors on the market, and it can be challenging to choose which one is right for your house. This article will discuss the different types of doors available: UPVC doors, composite doors, French doors, patio doors, sliding doors, bi-fold doors, and stable doors. We will include information about each door type, such as prices and benefits so that you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about which door is right for you!
UPVC doors
What are UPVC doors?
UPVC, or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, is used to make doors and windows. UPVC doors are made from this material, and they are becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits.
What is the cost of a uPVC door?
UPVC doors are incredibly durable and weatherproof. They will never rot, warp, or rust, making them an excellent choice for homes in any climate. UPVC doors also require very little maintenance; all you need to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth occasionally to keep them looking new. With them available in many different sizes and styles, there’s something for nearly every home.
What are the benefits of UPVC doors?
UPVC doors are incredibly durable and weatherproof. They will never rot, warp, or rust, making them an excellent choice for homes in any climate. UPVC doors also require very little maintenance; all you need to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth occasionally to keep them looking new. With them available in many different sizes and styles, there’s something for nearly every home.
Composite doors
What is a composite door?
Composite exterior doors are made from a composition of different materials; this is done to combine what works well with each material to create a more sturdy, secure, and better-looking door.
Composite doors are made from uPVC, solid timber, and Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).
First, the thermal efficient solid timber core acts as a base layer, then a layer of GRP is added on the front and back of the door to minimise damage and give the door some style with the many colours available. The frame and any side panels are constructed from uPVC.
A diagram of the construction of a composite door below
How much does it cost to supply and fit a composite front door?
It’s pretty hard to give an exact figure on how much a composite door for your property would cost, with nearly every composite exterior door being different. Still, you could expect to pay up to £1000 for a composite door, sometimes even more. Composite doors are expensive, but they do have a lot of reasons why they’re that expensive.
Why are composite doors better than UPVC doors?
Shortly, because of the material they are composed of and how they’re built instead of UPVC doors.
- Composite doors offer strength and resilience over doors made from uPVC, so they’re always used on homes more conscious of security.
- They last a lot longer too, they can last as long as 30 years, so although they may cost a little more, you’d certainly get more of your monies worth.
- They look great as they come in hundreds of different styles, colours, sizes and types; you wouldn’t struggle to find your perfect door.
What composite door colours are available?
Most composite doors come in a range of white, black and woodgrain finishes. However, special order finishes are available in any colour you desire.
Some styles of composite doors that are available
What are the disadvantages of a composite door?
Price is the most significant disadvantage of a new composite door. Composite doors can be as much as 60% more expensive than doors made from uPVC; although it’s easy to see where your money is going with the more expensive materials and with all the benefits, you’ve got to expect a higher cost.
French doors
What makes it a French door?
French doors, as the name suggests, were traditionally used in France. They are a type of door that is hinged in the middle so that it opens outwards like a standard door and opens inwards to create a large opening. This makes them perfect for use as patio doors, as they can be left open to let in the breeze and create one large opening.
What are the benefits of French doors?
French doors are also very secure, with multi-point locking systems that make it difficult for anyone to force their way into your home. They’re also weatherproof and will never rot, warp, or rust.
Are French doors outdated?
No, French doors are not outdated. They offer many benefits, such as being very secure and weatherproof, and they come in many different styles and sizes.
How secure are French doors against burglars?
New French doors often come with a multi-point locking system around the frame, making it harder for people to force their way into your home. However, burglars can easily smash glazed panels, but typically, these are back doors at the rear of the property, where it may be harder for a burglar to gain access to or even know that it’s there.
Here are some of the french door styles
Patio doors
How much should it cost to install a UPVC patio door?
It isn’t easy to estimate how much it would cost to install a UPVC patio door, as many different factors can affect the price. However, you could expect to pay around £600-£700 for a standard patio door installation.
How much does it cost to install an aluminium patio door?
It can cost anywhere from £1500 to £2,000 to have an aluminium patio door installed, depending on the size and style of the door.
Is it easy to maintain a patio door?
Yes, patio doors are easy to maintain. All you need to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth every so often to remove any dirt or dust.
Here are some styles of patio doors you could have installed
Sliding doors
How much is a uPVC sliding patio door?
It isn’t easy to estimate how much it would cost to install a UPVC sliding patio door, as many different factors can affect the price. However, you could expect to pay around £800-£2,000 for a standard sliding patio door installation.
How much do aluminium sliding patio doors cost?
Aluminium sliding patio doors, similarly to regular aluminium patio doors, can cost around £1,500 – £2,000. This fluctuates with the different sizes or styles you may desire.
Where can you install a sliding door?
Sliding doors are usually installed on the rear or the side of a property or in a conservatory. They can complement a garden, patio area, deck or porch rather beautifully.
Here’s some styles of sliding doors you could have installed
Bi-fold doors
What are the problems with bi-fold doors?
The main problem with bi-fold doors is that they can be difficult to close properly. They can also be awkward to use in small spaces.
How much is a set of bi-fold doors?
It can cost between £2,500 to £3,500 to have a set of bi-fold doors installed, depending on the size and style of the door.
Are bi-folding doors a good idea?
Bi-folding doors are a great way to add extra space to your home. They are also very stylish and can be used to create an open-plan feel in your home. However, there can be awkward to use in small spaces.
Take a look at some bi-folding doors you could have installed
Stable doors
What are stable doors?
A stable door is a type of door with two separate doors that you can open independently of each other. It is often used as an entrance to a barn or a stable.
Do stable doors come in different colours?
Yes, stable doors come in many colours, including black, white, green, and brown.
How secure are stable doors?
Stable doors are not as secure as other types of doors, such as French doors or patio doors. They can be quickly forced open if they are not locked properly.
Here’s some examples of stable doors
What is the best front door to buy?
It all depends on what you’re looking for in a front door; with the current uPVC and composite door range available, there are many options available to you. If price isn’t a factor, composite doors do tick most of the boxes for front doors; paired with the right door furniture, these doors look a lot better than their uPVC counterpart.
When buying a new front door, be sure to pick the right installer for the job; the best ones are all regulated by the glass and glazing federation.
