Choosing the right front door for your home is an important decision that affects not only your property’s appearance but also its security, energy efficiency, and long-term value. At Tyneside Home Improvements, we understand that homeowners across the North East need clear information to make informed choices between two of the most popular door options: uPVC and composite doors.
As a family-run business with 17+ years of experience serving Newcastle and the wider North East region, we’ve installed thousands of doors and have gained valuable insights into what works best for different homes and requirements. This guide will help you understand the key differences between uPVC and composite doors, allowing you to determine which type best suits your needs.
uPVC vs composite doors: which is better?
Neither uPVC nor composite doors are inherently “better” – it depends on your priorities. uPVC doors offer excellent value and good performance, while composite doors provide superior security, durability and thermal efficiency at a higher cost. Your choice should reflect your budget, security needs and the requirements of your property.
The benefits of uPVC doors: durable, affordable, stylish
uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) doors have been popular in the UK since the 1980s, and for good reason. These doors offer a range of advantages that make them an attractive choice for many homeowners:
Affordability
uPVC doors typically represent excellent value for money, with a lower initial outlay compared to composite alternatives. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners working within a tighter budget without compromising on quality.
Energy efficiency
Our uPVC doors are A-rated for energy efficiency, helping to trap heat within your home during colder months while keeping unwanted heat out during summer. The insulated frame significantly reduces heat transfer, potentially lowering your energy bills.
Low maintenance requirements
One of the most appealing aspects of uPVC doors is their minimal maintenance needs. Unlike timber doors that require regular painting or staining, uPVC doors need only an occasional wipe with soapy water to keep them looking their best.
Versatility in design
uPVC doors are available in a wide range of styles and colour combinations to suit both contemporary and heritage homes. From classic white to distinctive shades like Steel Blue or Chartwell Green, our uPVC doors can be customised to complement any property.
Durability
While not as robust as composite doors, quality uPVC doors still offer impressive durability with a lifespan of approximately 20-30 years when properly maintained. They’re resistant to moisture, won’t rot or warp, and maintain their appearance over time.
The benefits of composite doors: secure, efficient, long-lasting
Composite doors, which emerged in the late 1990s, represent a significant advancement in door technology. These doors combine multiple materials to create a superior product with exceptional qualities:
Superior security
Composite doors are renowned for their high level of security. With a solid timber core or high-density foam interior protected by a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) skin, these doors are extremely difficult to breach. When fitted with our multi-point locking systems, they provide outstanding protection for your home.
Exceptional thermal efficiency
Our composite doors are A+-rated for energy efficiency, offering superior insulation compared to most other door types. The combination of materials and greater thickness (typically 44-48mm compared to 28mm for uPVC) creates excellent thermal properties that can significantly reduce energy bills.
Outstanding durability
Composite doors are extremely durable with a typical lifespan of 30+ years. The GRP outer layer resists scratching, denting, and fading, while the internal structure withstands the harshest weather conditions without warping or twisting.
Authentic aesthetic appeal
For homeowners who appreciate the traditional look of timber doors without the associated maintenance, composite doors offer an authentic woodgrain appearance. Available in numerous colour options, they can be customised to create a truly distinctive entrance for your home.
Weather resistance
The manufacturing process of composite doors makes them particularly resistant to extreme weather conditions. They won’t swell, crack or warp due to temperature changes, making them ideal for properties exposed to challenging weather.
Cost comparison: which is more expensive?
When comparing costs, uPVC doors are generally more affordable than composite doors. The price difference reflects the manufacturing process, materials used, and overall longevity.
While the specific cost of your door will depend on the size, style and customisation options you choose (get in touch with our team for a free quote if you are looking for an idea of price!), uPVC is typically the most cost-effective option.
Composite doors can cost up to twice as much as a uPVC door, with variations based on design complexity, core type, and security features. However, while composite doors involve a higher upfront cost, many homeowners consider them a worthwhile investment due to their extended lifespan, superior insulation, and enhanced security features. When calculated over the long run, the cost difference may be less significant than it initially appears.
Tyneside’s range of uPVC and composite doors
At Tyneside Home Improvements, we’re proud to offer an extensive selection of both uPVC and composite doors to suit every taste and budget:
Our uPVC door range
Our uPVC door range includes various panel designs and glazing options to suit different architectural styles. We offer multiple colour choices including white, woodgrain effects, and contemporary colours to complement any façade.
All our uPVC doors are A-rated for energy efficiency, helping homeowners reduce their energy consumption. Our doors come fitted with multi-point locking systems as standard for enhanced security. We provide cost-effective solutions suitable for front, rear, or side entrances to meet different requirements.
Our composite door range
Our composite door collection features options with solid timber core or high-density foam construction for maximum strength. Each door achieves A+-rated energy efficiency to keep homes warm and energy bills low. We offer both traditional and contemporary styles to suit different property types across the North East.
Our doors feature authentic woodgrain appearance that mimics the look of timber without the maintenance issues. An extensive colour palette allows for personalisation to suit individual tastes. Advanced security features come as standard on all our composite doors. The weather-resistant construction ensures they maintain their appearance and functionality in all conditions.
Both our uPVC and composite doors can be fully customised with various hardware options, glazing styles, and colour finishes to create your perfect entrance door.
Pros and cons: how to decide
When making your decision between uPVC and composite doors, consider these key factors:
Choose uPVC if:
You should consider uPVC if you’re working with a more limited budget and need to balance performance with value. uPVC is an excellent choice if your property doesn’t face extreme weather conditions or particularly challenging security concerns.
Many homeowners prefer uPVC for its clean, modern aesthetic that suits contemporary properties. uPVC offers a variety of design options at a lower price point, making it accessible for most budgets.
Choose Composite if:
Composite doors are the ideal choice if security is your top priority, as their construction offers superior resistance to forced entry. They are recommended for homeowners wanting maximum thermal efficiency to reduce heating costs in the long term.
Composite doors are particularly suitable for homes exposed to harsh weather conditions due to their exceptional durability. Those who prefer the look of traditional timber doors without the maintenance requirements will appreciate composite options. Composite represents the best option if you’re focused on long-term value and durability over initial cost. The greater thickness and robustness of composite doors provide additional benefits for noise reduction and structural integrity.
How we can help you choose
At Tyneside Home Improvements, we understand that every home and homeowner has unique requirements. Our experienced team can guide you through the decision-making process:
We offer free, no-obligation consultations where we discuss your specific needs and preferences in detail. Our showroom displays both uPVC and composite door options for you to see and feel in person, helping you make an informed choice.
We provide detailed information about security features, energy ratings, and guarantee options to help you compare different door types effectively. Our experts can advise on the best type of door for your property’s style and exposure based on our 16 years of experience in the North East. We offer transparent pricing and financing options to suit different budgets, ensuring you find a solution that works for you.
Customisation options for your new door
Whichever material you choose, we offer extensive customisation options:
- Both our uPVC and composite doors are available in a wide range of colours, from traditional whites and woodgrain effects to bold statement colours like Racing Green or Ruby Red.
- Select from clear, obscured, patterned, or decorative glass options to complement your door design and provide the right balance of light and privacy.
- Personalise your door with a selection of handles, letterboxes, knockers, and hinges in various finishes including chrome, brass, black, and white.
Transform your home’s entrance with uPVC or composite doors from Tyneside
Whether you decide on a uPVC or composite door, Tyneside Home Improvements is ready to help you enhance your home with a beautiful, secure, and energy-efficient entrance. As a trusted North East company with 16 years of experience, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional products with professional installation.
For a free, no-obligation quote or to discuss your requirements with our friendly team, you can complete our online contact form on our website or call us directly on 0191 489 5063.
Our experts are ready to help you make the right choice for your home, budget, and personal preferences. Contact Tyneside Home Improvements today and take the first step toward your perfect new front door.
