Aluminium vs Composite Front Doors

Composite doors have a solid polymer core with a moulded GRP skin — the emphasis is on traditional aesthetics and mainstream security. Aluminium front doors have a thermally broken aluminium frame with an insulated panel — the emphasis is on contemporary lines, larger glazed apertures and premium finishes.

Composite doors suit period, traditional and mainstream properties — cottage, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, 1930s and standard modern builds. Aluminium doors read contemporary — best on flat-roofed extensions, architect-designed new-builds and modernist properties. On a Victorian terrace, an aluminium slab looks self-conscious.

Both meet PAS 24. Composite doors typically rely on solid-core resistance to physical attack. Aluminium doors rely on the frame's rigidity and multi-point locking. Both are secure when specified with a 3-star cylinder — the material choice is not the security factor, the specification is.

Composite doors typically achieve U-values of 1.0–1.4 W/m²K. Aluminium front doors sit around 1.0–1.3 with modern thermal breaks. Real-world difference is negligible; both are Building Regs compliant with headroom.

Composite front doors (fully installed): £1,200–£2,500. Aluminium front doors (fully installed): £2,500–£5,000+. The aluminium premium is 1.8–2.5×. That's justified for a contemporary architectural statement; not justified if you're primarily looking for security and thermal performance.