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Composite Doors vs. uPVC Doors: The Definitive Comparison Guide
Composite Doors vs. uPVC Doors: The Definitive Comparison Guide
Category: Buying Guide / Door Comparison
Reading Time: 7 Minutes
- 🛡️ Composite is King: For security and looks, Composite wins. It is 44mm thick with a solid core.
- 💷 uPVC for Budget: uPVC is approx. 40% cheaper. Ideal for back doors where function beats style.
- ⏳ Lifespan: Composite doors last 30-35 years; uPVC doors typically last 20-25 years.
When replacing a front door, there is one question that comes up more than any other: “Is a composite door really worth the extra money over uPVC?”
Both options have replaced traditional timber, offering low maintenance and better insulation. But beneath the surface, they are very different products. We break down the construction, cost, and security differences below.
1. Where is this door going?
2. What is your top priority?
🏆 Recommendation: Composite Door
For a main entrance, the extra investment is worth it. You get superior security (44mm thick), better thermal efficiency, and a woodgrain look that adds value to your home.
View Composite Range →💡 Recommendation: uPVC Door
If budget is your main concern, or the door is hidden at the back of the house, a uPVC door is a practical, low-maintenance choice that is significantly cheaper.
View uPVC Range →The Big Comparison Table
See the technical differences at a glance.
| Feature | Composite Door | uPVC Door |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher (££) | Lower (£) |
| Thickness | 44mm (Solid feel) | 28mm (Panel depth) |
| Core Material | Solid Timber / High Density | Styrofoam (lightweight) |
| Finish | Realistic Woodgrain Effect | Smooth Plastic Sheen |
| Security | Excellent (PAS 24) | Good (if reinforced) |
| Lifespan | ~30-35 Years | ~20-25 Years |
The Structural Difference
The main difference lies in the construction. A “Composite” door is called that because it is made from a composition of materials, designed to cherry-pick the best properties of each.
The Core: Usually solid timber or high-density polyurethane foam. This gives the door a heavy, “thud” sound when it closes.
The Skin: A Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) skin. This is the same material used on boat hulls—tough, waterproof, and woodgrain-textured.
The Core: The central infill panel typically has a lightweight Styrofoam core sandwiched between two thin layers of uPVC skin.
The Feel: Because of the lighter core, uPVC doors feel lighter to open and lack the solid acoustic dampening of composite.
2. The Thickness Test (44mm vs 28mm)
This is the most significant physical difference. A composite door slab is 44mm thick. A standard uPVC door panel is only 28mm thick.
That extra 16mm of high-density material makes a composite door significantly better at blocking noise from the street and retaining heat inside your hallway.
Which Door Insulates Better?
While both perform well, the density of a composite door gives it a clear advantage in retaining heat.
3. The 40% Price Commitment
Let’s talk frankly about cost. A composite door typically costs around 40% more than a standard uPVC equivalent.
💡 Is the 40% extra worth it?
We believe this isn’t just an extra cost—it’s a commitment to security. That 40% difference buys you:
- Brute Force Protection: A 44mm solid slab is virtually impossible to kick through (unlike a styrofoam panel).
- Longevity: An extra 10-15 years of life, meaning you won’t need to pay for a replacement again anytime soon.
- Resale Value: A premium entrance adds instant kerb appeal, often recovering its cost when you sell.
4. Security Comparison
While modern uPVC doors are secure (thanks to multi-point locks and reinforced frames), the central panel remains a potential weak point compared to a solid slab.
A Composite door offers PAS 24 security standards as the norm. The GRP skin won’t crack under impact, and the solid core prevents the door from being kicked through. When paired with our 3-Star ABS Cylinders, a composite door is a fortress.
Summary Table
| Feature | Composite Door | uPVC Door |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 44mm (Solid Slab) | 28mm (Panel) |
| Material | GRP + Timber/Foam Core | Plastic + Styrofoam |
| Finish | Authentic Woodgrain | Smooth Plastic |
| Lifespan | ~35 Years | ~20-25 Years |
| Cost Difference | +40% Investment | Base Price |
🏡 Local Advice: Hampshire Homes
For Period Properties (Winchester/Villages): We strongly recommend Composite Doors. The woodgrain effect mimics the original timber doors perfectly, preserving the character of older cottages.
For Modern Estates (Andover/Basingstoke): If you are replacing a back door or a garage side door, a clean white uPVC Door matches existing windows perfectly and offers excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions
High-quality GRP skins (like those used by KJM) are UV-stable and highly resistant to fading. Cheaper composite doors with ABS skins can fade over time, but we only supply premium-grade GRP composites designed to hold their colour.
Technically yes, with specialist plastic paints, but we do not recommend it. The finish rarely lasts and often peels. If you want a specific colour, a factory-finished Composite door is a much better long-term investment.
Both are good, but Composite doors generally have the edge due to their thickness (44mm vs 28mm) and density. A composite door can be up to 17% more thermally efficient than a standard timber door.
📚 Explore Our Door Hub
You’ve compared the materials, now dive deeper into the details:
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
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