Quick Takeaways of the post:
Composite doors are a great option for external doors
There are different styles of composite doors
Cheap is not always cost-effective
Manchester Window Factory provides and installs the best quality composite doors
Contents (Updated for 2025)
Composite doors offer enhanced durability and security with the aesthetic you want.
Built to last and difficult to break, they are an excellent option for an external door.
But with different makes and models on the market, how do you know which to choose?
In this blog, we will explain what qualities the best composite doors have and the pros and cons of each style, to help you make the right decision for your home and family.
Why Choose a Composite External Door?
When choosing an external door, you need maximum security, durability, and weather resistance.
Insecure front and back doors are the favourite entrances for burglars, so you want to be sure they are hard to break, not vulnerable to attack, and have strong locks.
Since you do not want to have to replace your doors in the next few years, you need a classic style that can withstand any weather.
Composite doors are among the strongest external doors available, with a lifespan upwards of 35 years, with very little maintenance.
They have an inner core of either timber, aluminium, or high-density foam, which has been encased in GRP (glass-reinforced plastic, known as fibreglass), for weather and force resistance.
They are also highly customisable to complement your home.
Who Are the Top Brands?
Brand | Features |
Solidor | Most thermally efficient timber core, unmatched security, wide selection of colours |
Rockdoor | S-Glaze technology makes them 35% stronger than some other brands |
GRP Composite Doors | Versatile and affordable, tailored fit, strong locks |
Hallmark Panels | Fast delivery, variety of styles |
Everest | Specialist natural wood grain finishes, minimal maintenance but brand recognition makes them expensive |
Endurance Doors | Sustainably-sourced timber core, 10% thicker than standard |
Cheap vs Expensive Composite Doors
You can get a composite door fairly cheaply, but the price will be reflected in the quality. For example, an inexpensive composite door may have a basic lock, a low energy rating, or a less solid core.
Since it likely won’t last as long, it can be a false economy.
Investing in a top-of-the-line composite door has a higher upfront cost, but it may save you money on your heating bills. It will almost certainly last longer, with less maintenance, and it may help your insurance premiums. You will also enjoy a wider choice of styles and colours.
Finally, a high-end composite door may add value to your property.
The Pros & Cons of Composite Doors
Feature | Pros | Cons |
Durability & Longevity | GRP skin resists fading; robust core materials | Some brands may warp in extreme heat |
Security & Locking | Multi-point locking, anti-snap, Secured by Design accreditation | Premium brands carry a higher upfront cost |
Energy Efficiency | Solid cores, triple-glazing, low U-values | ROI slower in milder UK climates |
Style & Customisation | Wide range of finishes, glass inserts, hardware choices | Limited bespoke builds in low-cost ranges |
Low Maintenance | Factory finishes require minimal upkeep | Repairs ma require manufacturer parts or service |
How to Choose Your Composite Door
To choose the best composite door for your home:
- Allocate a budget
- Look at the style of your architecture and decor
- Compare the U-value – 1.4W/m²K or less is the legal UK minimum requirement
- Look for the ‘Secured by Design’ (SBD) mark
- Check that they are PAS-24 certified for British security standards
Type of Glazing | Pros | Cons |
Double-Glazing | Significantly better insulation, acoustic performance and energy efficiency than single-glazing | Requires professional installation, more expensive than secondary-glazing |
Triple-Glazing | Slightly better insulation, acoustic performance and energy efficiency than double-glazing | Most costly, benefits over double glazing may not equal price disparity |
Secondary-Glazing | Affordable, easy and quick to install, suitable for rented properties | Short-term solution, less effective, can look ugly if improperly applied |
Design Collections & Styles (Showcase the doors)
Styles
With our bespoke service, you can choose the size, style, and configuration of your composite door. You can have timber panels with no glass, such as in the Tenby and Thornbury, or glass inserts, such as the large glazed panel of the Beeston or the attractive half-sun feature of the Conway.
Colours and Finishes
Even better, we have 18 stunning shades for you to choose from. For an authentic timber appearance, we recommend Golden Oak, Walnut, Irish Oak, or Rosewood. Classic tastes will love the subtle elegance of French Grey. Or you can opt for a pop of colour with Zesty Tangerine, Ruby Red, or Peacock Blue.
Accessories
The details make all the difference. You can pull the whole look together with a wide selection of hinges, handles, and door knockers ranging from ornate ironmongery to sleek modern chrome. Whether you want bold and chunky or slim and sophisticated, brushed, black, white, or gold, we have something to suit.
Security Features
Solidor doors are equipped with the Avantis multipoint locking system, but you can further enhance security by opting for laminated glass (if applicable to your design) and Ultion door barrels.
Conclusion
There are many composite doors available in the UK, with different materials, strengths, and drawbacks. To decide which is best for you, you need to weigh up the initial cost versus the return on investment and decide which door best meets your needs.
We believe Solidor doors are the best composite doors available on the UK market, which is why they are the only brand we stock.
Can Manchester Window Factory Help with Composite Doors?
Absolutely. At Manchester Window Factory, you will find the best quality composite doors. Sustainably manufactured in the UK by Solidor using lead-free materials, these doors are the ideal combination of secure, stylish, and energy efficient.
Our CERTASS-accredited installation experts can fit your door to ensure no gaps and issue a building regulation compliance certificate. Our composite doors also come with a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee as standard.
How to Get in Touch
To request a free brochure, you can call us on 0161 976 4739, use our contact form or chat with us via the chat button at the bottom right of this website. If you live locally, you can also visit our Altrincham showroom, and check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
Rockdoor has a high-density foam core strengthened with aluminium, while Solidor has a 48 mm solid hardwood core. Both are leading brands.
Studies consistently show that Rockdoor is the most secure composite door on the market, 35% stronger than a typical GRP composite door. However, they are also the most expensive
Endurance Doors is one of the most trusted manufacturers of composite doors and among the thickest on the market at 48mm. More expensive than Solidor but cheaper than Rockdoor, they are usually viewed as the best value for money.
Composite doors are typically made from a timber core, surrounded by fibreglass, UPVC, and high-density foam.
Yes, some composite doors can be used on listed properties. Depending on the grading of the listed building, there may be some stipulations as to the appearance of the door and the materials used. The most important thing is that it closely matches the period the property was built, with materials that are appropriate to the period or at least look authentic. For example, a modern composite door would look strange on an Edwardian or Georgian property, but some are purposely styled to integrate into a period home. For example, a composite stable door wouldn’t look out of place in most period properties.
Remember, you can commission a bespoke composite door from Manchester Window Factory to ensure it meets all your specifications.
A well-made composite door should last 35 years or more, assuming it is correctly installed.