Composite vs Timber Front Doors

The maintenance and heritage trade-off at the heart of this choice, explained without the sales pitch.

Timber and composite front doors can look remarkably similar from the pavement. They behave very differently over ten years, and they suit different properties.

This guide compares them on the criteria that decide whether you'll still be happy with the door well after the installation.

Composite doors

The dominant choice for a reason:

No repainting — the colour is part of the skin, not a coating you maintain.
Strong thermal performance from an insulated core.
Dimensionally stable — it doesn't swell and stick in wet weather.
Wide range of colours and glazing designs.

Timber doors

Still the right answer in specific cases:

Authenticity on period properties, and often the only acceptable option where consent is required.
Repairable and refinishable rather than replaceable.
Bespoke sizes and mouldings that composite ranges don't cover.
Requires periodic repainting or re-oiling to stay sound.

Security is about the lock, not the leaf

Whichever you choose, the cylinder, the multipoint lock, the hinge bolts and the glazing method decide how secure the door is. Ask for those specifications in writing — a premium door slab with a weak cylinder is a weak door.

See the door options in person

We'll bring samples and show you the lock and cylinder specification, not just the colour chart.

Frequently asked questions

Do composite doors fade?

Quality composite skins are designed to resist UV fading, and darker colours are the ones to ask about specifically. Ask what the guarantee covers on colour.

Are timber doors less secure?

Not inherently. Security is determined by the lock, cylinder, hinges and frame fixing rather than the material of the leaf.

Which suits a conservation area?

Timber, or a composite designed to replicate a traditional profile, depending on what your local authority accepts. Confirm before ordering.

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