Quick Answer
A new front door in the UK costs £500–£1,500 for uPVC, £800–£2,500 for composite, £1,000–£4,000 for timber, and £1,200–£3,500 for aluminium — all including supply and fitting in 2026.
Your front door is the first thing visitors see and the last line of defence against intruders, draughts, and weather. In 2026, the front door market has never offered more variety — from budget uPVC through to thermally-broken aluminium — but the range of prices is equally wide. Understanding what you're paying for at each price point is essential before getting quotes.
This guide covers the four main front door materials, what each costs fully installed, the security ratings that matter, and the factors that move prices up or down. All prices include supply and fitting unless otherwise stated.
In this guide
Front Door Materials: Costs and Comparison
The four main front door materials available in the UK each have different cost profiles, thermal performance, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic characteristics. Here is a full comparison:
| Material | Supply & Fit Cost | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £500 – £1,500 | 20–35 years | Very low — wipe clean |
| Composite | £800 – £2,500 | 25–40 years | Low — occasional cleaning |
| Timber (softwood) | £800 – £2,000 | 20–30 years (if maintained) | High — annual paint/stain |
| Timber (hardwood) | £1,500 – £4,000 | 30–50 years | Medium — re-oil every 3–5 years |
| Aluminium (thermally broken) | £1,200 – £3,500 | 35–50 years | Very low — wipe clean |
uPVC Front Doors
uPVC is the most popular front door material in the UK, offering good thermal performance, low maintenance, and competitive pricing. Modern uPVC doors are a significant upgrade on 1990s versions — multi-point locking systems, reinforced steel cores, and energy-efficient double or triple glazing are standard at most price points. The main criticism is aesthetic: uPVC doors have a plastic appearance that can look out of place on period properties.
Composite Front Doors
Composite doors combine a timber core with glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) or uPVC outer skins, offering the visual appeal of wood with much better performance and lower maintenance. They are thicker and heavier than uPVC doors, which contributes to a more premium feel and better thermal and acoustic performance. Composite is now the most popular upgrade choice for UK homeowners replacing older doors, and the mid-point price range of £1,200–£1,800 supply and fit represents excellent value.
Timber Front Doors
Timber doors remain the choice for period and listed properties where visual authenticity is important. They can be repaired, repainted, and modified indefinitely — unlike plastic or composite alternatives. The significant downside is maintenance: softwood front doors require repainting or resealing every 1–2 years in exposed locations. Hardwood (oak, iroko, sapele) lasts significantly longer between maintenance cycles. For listed buildings, always check whether uPVC or composite replacements require planning consent — timber may be the only permitted option.
Aluminium Front Doors
Thermally-broken aluminium doors are the premium product, popular in contemporary new builds and architect-led refurbishments. Slim sight lines, RAL colour matching, and exceptional thermal performance make them attractive for modern properties. "Thermally broken" refers to an insulating barrier within the aluminium frame that prevents heat loss — without this, aluminium is a very poor thermal insulator. Always specify thermally broken for any heated building.
Supply Only vs Supply and Fit
Most front door prices quoted online are for supply only — the door itself, without fitting. Fitting a front door in an existing frame typically costs £150–£350 in additional labour; fitting into a new opening (including lintel, reveal, and making good) can add £400–£800+. Here is a guide to the split:
| Scenario | Supply Cost (door only) | Fitting Cost (labour) |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC — like-for-like replacement | £300 – £900 | £150 – £300 |
| Composite — like-for-like replacement | £500 – £1,800 | £150 – £350 |
| Timber — like-for-like replacement | £600 – £3,000 | £200 – £400 |
| Aluminium — like-for-like replacement | £900 – £2,800 | £200 – £400 |
| New opening (any material) | As above | £400 – £800+ |
Security Ratings: PAS 24 and Secured by Design
Front door security is regulated in the UK primarily through two standards:
- PAS 24:2022 — the current British standard for enhanced security performance. Doors meeting PAS 24 have been tested against manual attacks (drills, crowbars, striking) for a defined period. Building Regulations Part Q requires PAS 24-compliant doors in new builds and extensions. For replacements, PAS 24 is strongly recommended.
- Secured by Design (SBD) — a police-endorsed scheme that certifies products meeting higher security standards. SBD-certified doors typically also meet PAS 24 plus additional criteria. Look for the SBD logo when buying.
- Cylinder locks: The vast majority of front door break-ins in the UK exploit weak cylinder locks through lock snapping. Always specify an anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-drill cylinder (look for TS007 3-star rating). These cost £20–£60 more than basic cylinders and are absolutely worth it.
Before hiring anyone for this work, read our guide on questions to ask before hiring a tradesperson and our advice on how to get multiple quotes for home work.
What Affects the Cost of a New Front Door?
- Glazing: A solid door with no glass is cheaper than one with sidelights or an upper glass panel. Triple glazing, decorative glass, and obscure or stained glass all add to the price.
- Door size: Non-standard sizes (very wide, tall, or arched openings) require bespoke manufacturing and cost significantly more than standard widths (usually 838mm or 914mm).
- Frame and surround: A door frame in good condition reduces cost; a rotten or damaged frame must be replaced (add £200–£500 for a new frame). Stone surrounds or original masonry requires careful treatment.
- Hardware: Handles, letterboxes, and knockers range from £20 for basic chrome to £200+ for premium brass or stainless. Specify what is and isn't included in any quote.
- Planning and listed buildings: Properties in conservation areas or on the statutory listed buildings register may require planning permission or listed building consent for door replacements. Check with your local planning authority before ordering.
- Installer vs direct manufacturer: Buying direct from a door manufacturer (supply only) and hiring a separate installer can save 10–20% on the package price — but you lose the single-contractor guarantee and responsibility if problems arise.
For general guidance on hiring a tradesperson for this type of work, see our guide on how to hire a builder or specialist in the UK, and watch for the home improvement scams to avoid when getting door quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fit a new front door?+
A like-for-like front door replacement in an existing frame takes 2–4 hours for an experienced installer. If the frame also needs replacing, allow half a day to a full day. New openings in a wall take longer — typically 1–2 days including lintel installation.
Do I need planning permission to replace a front door?+
In most cases, no. Replacing a front door with a similar design in a standard property does not require planning permission under Permitted Development Rights. However, properties in conservation areas, Article 4 Direction areas, or listed buildings may require consent. Always check with your local planning authority if you are unsure.
Is composite or uPVC better for a front door?+
Composite doors offer better thermal performance (higher U-values), a more premium feel and appearance, greater security through thicker construction, and better acoustic insulation. They cost £200–£1,000 more than equivalent uPVC. For a house's main entrance, composite is worth the investment if budget allows — particularly as it adds more kerb appeal and potentially more resale value.
What U-value should a front door have in 2026?+
Under Part L of the Building Regulations (for new builds and extensions), replacement external doors should achieve a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better. Many modern composite and aluminium doors achieve 1.0 W/m²K or lower. A lower U-value means better thermal insulation.
How do I stop my front door being draughty?+
The most common causes of a draughty front door are worn weatherstripping seals (replace for £10–£30 DIY), a warped or sagging door that no longer sits flush in the frame (may require a new door or frame adjustment), and an inadequate letterbox without an internal flap. A full door replacement with modern multi-point locking and compression seals eliminates draughts entirely.
Can I get grants for a new front door in the UK?+
External doors with a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better may qualify for funding under the Great British Insulation Scheme or the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, particularly for households in receipt of qualifying benefits. Contact your energy supplier or local council for current eligibility. Funding typically covers a proportion of the cost rather than the full amount.
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