What Is a Composite Door?
A composite door is made from a combination of materials — typically a solid polyurethane foam core sandwiched between a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) skin, with a timber or uPVC inner frame. The GRP skin is textured and coloured to imitate the appearance of wood grain. Composite doors were developed as a low-maintenance alternative to both timber and uPVC doors.
What Is a Timber Door?
A timber door is made from real wood — either solid hardwood, engineered hardwood (laminated sections for stability), or a combination. Our French doors, bifold doors, sliding doors, and patio doors are all manufactured from engineered hardwood with factory-applied Sikkens coatings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Timber | Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Real wood grain, depth, warmth. Unique character. Ages beautifully. | Imitation wood grain in GRP plastic. Uniform, repeatable. Can look artificial up close. |
| Lifespan | 30–60+ years with maintenance | 15–25 years |
| Maintenance | Re-coat every 3–5 years. See our maintenance guide. | Wipe clean. No painting. Low effort. |
| Cost | Higher (from £680/m² for doors) | Medium (£400–£800 per door) |
| Security | PAS24 multi-point locking | PAS24 available on most brands |
| Thermal | Excellent — wood is a natural insulator | Good — foam core provides insulation |
| Customisation | Any size, any shape, any colour. Bespoke to your opening. | Limited to manufacturer's catalogue. Standard sizes only. |
| Conservation areas | Usually accepted by planning officers | Often rejected — not authentic material |
| Sustainability | Renewable, carbon-negative (especially Accoya). Repairable. | Plastic-based. Not repairable. Landfill at end of life. |
| Warranty | Our 10-year warranty | Typically 10 years (varies by brand) |
Price a Timber Door for Your Property
French doors, bifolds, sliding doors — design in 3D, get an instant price.
Open the 3D Configurator Book a SurveyWhen Composite Makes Sense
Composite doors are a reasonable choice for standard front doors on modern properties where appearance at a distance is more important than close-up quality, and where zero maintenance is the priority. They suit buy-to-let properties, new-build spec houses, and situations where budget is the primary concern.
When Timber Is the Better Choice
- Period properties — if your house was built before 1960, timber doors are historically correct. Composite will look out of place on a Victorian or Edwardian home.
- Conservation areas and listed buildings — planning officers routinely reject composite doors as inappropriate materials. Timber is almost always required.
- Non-standard openings — composite doors come in fixed sizes from a catalogue. If your opening is 50mm wider or taller than standard, you need bespoke. Timber is made to measure.
- Bifolds, sliding doors, French doors — composite is primarily a front door product. For bifold, sliding, and French doors, timber or aluminium are the real options.
- Long-term value — if you plan to stay in your home for 15+ years, timber outlasts composite and adds more to property value.
The Verdict
Composite doors are a good budget option for standard front doors on modern houses. Timber doors are the right choice for period homes, conservation areas, non-standard openings, and anyone who values authenticity and longevity over zero maintenance. They are different products for different situations — not direct competitors.
Explore Our Timber Doors
French doors, bifolds, sliding doors, and patio doors — all bespoke, all timber.
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