Composite door installations

We recommend composite doors mainly because they offer better security than basic uPVC or older timber doors. They have a solid core and a tough outer layer, and when fitted with the right locking system, they resist forced entry at several points. Our composite doors can include multi-point locks, and the systems we offer meet PAS 24 security standards. It's best to look at the whole door and locking system, not just its thickness or appearance. The frame, lock cylinder, hinges, keeps, and the way the door is installed all play a part in its security.

From our experience, proper installation is just as important as picking a secure door. Even the best door won't work well if it's not fitted correctly. That's why we carefully check the opening before choosing and installing the door. The auto-fire multi-point systems we recommend have been tested over 50,000 times and meet PAS 24 standards.

Yes, a good composite door can really help with draughts and keeping your home comfortable, especially if you're replacing an old or poorly sealed door. Its layers, insulated core, weather seals, and glazing all help improve how well it keeps in heat. However, we suggest looking past just the label 'energy efficient.' What really matters is how the whole door setup works, including the frame, threshold, seals, and glass. Even a well-insulated door can let in drafts if it's not installed properly.

In our experience, most homeowners first notice their hallway feels warmer, and there are fewer cold drafts, rather than seeing a big drop in energy bills right away. That's why we see thermal efficiency as just one part of the bigger picture, alongside weather resistance, security, and proper installation. Our composite doors are made from a mix of materials like timber, uPVC, and GRP. This design helps the doors retain heat and withstand the weather.

There isn't one set price for a composite door because the cost depends on many factors. The size, style, glazing, colour, frame, hardware, and the condition of your current doorway all affect the price. Installation costs may also change if the frame needs to be replaced.

We don't recommend picking the cheapest composite door just because of the low price. It's better to compare the full details and installation service, including the door core, security features, glazing, frame, and removal of your old door. Spending a bit more at first can pay off with better security, durability, and energy savings over time.

Installing a standard composite front door usually takes about two to four hours. Some installations may take four to six hours, depending on the job. The exact time depends on your doorway and the new door's details. Basic replacements are much faster than jobs that need changes to the structure, frame, or extra side panels. We ask clients to allow enough time to adjust the door properly rather than focusing only on speed.

Composite doors are quite heavy and need to be positioned carefully so the locks, seals, and threshold all work. The door should close smoothly, engage its locking mechanism correctly and maintain an even compression against the weather seals. Rushing the installation stage can create problems later, including draughts, difficult locking or premature wear.

If you want security, durability, and good insulation for your front or back door, we usually suggest a composite door instead of a basic uPVC one. Composite doors are sturdier and often have an insulated or hardwood core with a strong GRP outer layer. This makes them feel solid and helps them resist weather, warping, and rot. That doesn't mean uPVC doors are a bad choice. They can be a good, affordable option, especially if you're on a budget or want a lighter door.

The main trade-off is between the upfront cost and what you get. Composite doors usually cost more, but many customers like their solid build, look, and the variety of finishes. For example, our Comp Door range has a 48mm solid hardwood core and comes in many colours, glazing, and panel styles. We suggest choosing the door material that best fits your property's needs, rather than assuming one type is always the best choice.

A well-made and professionally installed composite door should last up to 35 years. Of course, how long it actually lasts depends on the door's quality, how it's installed, the weather, and how you look after the hardware. One big advantage of composite doors is that you don't need to paint, stain, or varnish them as you do with timber doors. The GRP outer layer is made to handle normal weather, and just cleaning it now and then and oiling the moving parts is usually enough.

Still, we wouldn't call composite doors totally maintenance-free. Hinges, locks, handles, and seals can wear out, so it's good to check them now and then. Keeping the lock oiled and the seals clean helps everything work smoothly. We recommend you think about the long-term value, not just the upfront cost. Paying a bit more for a quality composite door can be worth it if it means less maintenance or having to replace it less often.

Yes, you can customise your composite door in many ways. Modern composite doors offer much more than just a few standard colours. We can help you choose different colours, finishes, glazing styles, hardware, panel designs, and frame options to match your home. We recommend that clients consider the entire entrance, not just the door itself. The frame colour, glass, handle, and other hardware can match your windows or stand out as a feature.

We've found this is especially important for older Cheshire homes. A very modern door can look out of place unless its size and details fit the house. On the other hand, a woodgrain composite door can give you the look of timber with all the benefits of modern materials. Select Window Systems offers over 250 colour choices and a range of glazing, grooved, and panelled options. You can also use our online door designer to try out different colours, glass, hardware, and frame setups before asking for a quote.