27 January 2025
Composite and UPVC door differences
In the search for a new front or back door, you may be wondering whether to go for composite or UPVC, and why these materials in particular. In this blog, we'll highlight the origins of composite and UPVC doors, as well as the advantages and differences of each.
We offer a huge selection of composite and UPVC door designs for your home
Why are they called “composite” and “UPVC” doors
- “Composite” means a variety of materials - These materials include a rigid GRP skin (short for glass reinforced plastic), a timber subframe, and a PU (polyurethane) core.
- UPVC is 'unplasticised' plastic - PVC (poly-vinyl chloride) starts off as a resin, which is then polymerised. UPVC literally means "unplasticised" PVC, where no plasticiser (softener) has been added, making the material rigid instead. It is also known as PVCU in continental Europe.
Where did composite and UPVC doors come from?
- UPVC Doors originated in Germany - UPVC was first commericaly available for windows the Germany in 1959. In time, UPVC was adapted to better withstand everyday use, and was eventually applied to doors as well. UPVC doors were first introduced into the UK market by Germany in the 1980s.
- Composite doors are more recent - The first "composite doors" were manufactured by Rock Door in 1996. Not only were they designed to offer superior security to timber doors, but they also shared the same wooden look, and came in colours that would only be originally possible with painting, which could chip and peel.
- Both were designed as alternatives to wooden doors - UPVC and composite were purpose-built to replace wooden doors, not only due to their performance in the face of changing British weather, but also thanks to their ranges of style and colour.
What are the main differences between composite & UPVC external doors?
- Different surfaces - White UPVC doors have a smooth surface, while coloured UPVC has a slight grained effect. Composite doors look closer to wood, having a GRP skin with a knotted wood effect.
- Different weights - UPVC doors are lighter weight, while composites are heavier.
- Different costs - UPVC doors are cheaper in general than composite ones, where a UPVC can cost as little as £500 Supply Only and over £1000 Fully Fitted. Composites range from £600 Supply Only to over £1700 Fully Fitted. Note that composite stable doors and Rock Doors will cost more, with the latter costing up to £2300 Fully Fitted. Note that these prices do not include extras or colours.
- Different ranges of finishes - UPVC doors have a limited number of finishes, including some wood grains. Composite doors come in many finishes, and these also include a selection of wood grains, while bespoke colours are also possible for composites, adding even more variety.
- Both come in a variety of styles - To cater to different homes, both UPVC and composite door ranges include traditional and modern styles, making it easy to have either type as a replacement to a wooden door.
How are composite and UPVC doors made?
- Composite doors are constructed with different parts - They consist of a slab, glass and a frame. The slab is the body of the door, and any glazing is placed within this and fitted between cassettes. This makes it relatively easy to replace the glass without having to replace the whole door.
- UPVC doors are like a sandwich - These consist of a panel, which sits within a sash, and which is hung within a frame. The panel is created by sandwiching two outer layers with an inner layer, with the glass fitted within this inner layer. As a result, should you need to swap the glass, the whole panel would need to be replaced.
Composite door glass can be switched and replaced; UPVC door glass cannot without switching the entire panel
What makes composite and UPVC doors better than wooden doors?
- A diverse range of styles - The wide choice of traditional and modern styles available for composite and UPVC doors makes it easy to replace an old wooden door of similar style.
- Energy efficiency - The multiple layers of both UPVC and composite doors make them more energy efficient, as heat cannot easily escape through multiple layers comared to a single-layered door. Additional features, such as glass with warm edge spacer bar technology also aid in reducing heat loss.
- Designed for security - Both of these door types include reinforced frames, and use toughened glass. They are also pre-fitted with high-security multi-point locks, which make them far less vulnerable than single-point locking doors.
- More weather resilient - Purpose-built for the British weather, composite and UPVC stand against rain and will not absorb water as easily as a wooden door might. Water absorption can lead to deformation and degradation, impacting a door's performance.
- Built to last - Thanks to their weather resistance and UV stability, composite and UPVC doors will look new for longer, never needing to be repainted.
Now I want to order a door
Great! You can do so online or by getting in touch with our door experts:
- By phone - Call us free on 0800 910 1122 and our door experts will gladly discuss your needs.
- By send us a message - Either send a message via the blue tab on the right, or by visiting the Contact Us page.
- By ordering online - See for yourself what styles we offer!
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