Composite vs uPVC Doors

If you’re upgrading your front door in St Albans, you’ve likely come across two of the most popular options: composite doors and uPVC doors. While both offer excellent energy efficiency and security, they’re built differently – and knowing which one suits your property best can make all the difference in appearance, performance, and value.

In this guide, we compare composite vs uPVC doors to help you make the right choice for your St Albans home.

What Is a Composite Door?

Composite doors are made from a combination of materials — typically a solid timber core wrapped in layers of uPVC, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), and other high-performance materials. This layered design gives them superior strength, insulation, and a premium finish.

Benefits of Composite Doors:

High security: Solid core and advanced locking systems
Excellent insulation: Keeps your home warm and energy bills low
Premium look and feel: Often indistinguishable from real timber
Low maintenance: Won’t warp, crack or fade
Long lifespan: Typically 25+ years

Downsides:

Higher cost upfront: But often pays off in durability and energy savings
Heavier: Requires professional installation

What Is a uPVC Door?

uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) doors are made from lightweight plastic, usually with a steel-reinforced frame. They’re one of the most budget-friendly door options in the UK and have improved significantly in both quality and security over the years.

Benefits of uPVC Doors:

Affordable: Ideal for homeowners on a budget
Low maintenance: Easy to clean and resistant to weathering
Good thermal performance: Helps with energy efficiency
Variety of styles: Modern uPVC can look surprisingly sleek

Downsides:

Less robust than composite: May not offer the same level of strength
Basic appearance: Doesn’t have the premium aesthetic of a composite
Shorter lifespan: Typically 15–20 years with proper care

Which Door Is Right for Your St Albans Home?

Choose a Composite Door if you want a stylish, secure, and long-lasting front door that adds kerb appeal to your St Albans property. Ideal for traditional homes and those looking for a solid investment.

Choose a uPVC Door if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution that still offers decent performance and security – perfect for rental properties, side entrances, or budget upgrades.

Why Choose Us for Doors in St Albans?

At Abbey Doors & Windows, we supply and install both composite and uPVC doors across St Albans and the surrounding Hertfordshire area. Our doors are thermally efficient, insurance-approved, and come in a wide range of styles and colours to suit any home.