Your front door has a lot to live up to. Not only does it serve as the first impression of your home, but it's also a key part of your home's security and efficiency. But if you're looking to change things up, you'll need to know how much a front door costs so you can see what fits your budget.
There's a lot to think about when replacing a front door, from the material you choose, how secure it is as well as its thermal efficiency. And all of those factors will affect the price you pay.
You might already have some front door ideas in mind, based on the impression you want to make. But don't let looks be your only deciding factor. We've broken down average front door costs for various materials and fixtures to help you decide which is best for your budget.
How much does a front door cost?
The price you pay for your front door will depend on the materials you choose and the door hardware you opt for. But with each material, there are budget and premium options to be considered.
Thomas Oldham, Co-Founder of UK Construction Blog, says: 'As for the cost, quality doors can range anywhere from £400 to £3,200, depending on the type.' He adds: 'While it might seem like a big investment, a good front door can actually lower your energy bills and even increase the value of your home.'
We've broken down the average costs of the various door materials below.
How much does a hardwood front door cost?
Budget: £1,000 – £6,000 (but can rise to £10,000+ for bespoke designs)
Wood is a popular option for front doors thanks to its natural and highly durable character. There is a timber door to suit most styles and budgets but prices do vary dramatically.
The species of timber will impact on costs. Most come factory-treated to protect them from the elements, but you may also need to budget for staining or painting on site. If you want something particularly bespoke, like and oversized pivot door, you can expect to pay upwards of £10,000.
How much does an aluminium front door cost?
Budget: £1,000 – £3,000
Aluminium is a popular metal for front doors, as it offers strength, durability and low-maintenance. These doors have an insulating core, giving them good energy efficiency and U-values (a measure of heat loss). As such, they are more expensive than uPVC front doors initially, but their long lifespan means they offer good value for money.
How much does a composite front door cost?
Budget: £400 – £2,500
Composite is a mid-price option – not as cheap as PVCu and not as costly as hardwood or aluminium. Composite front doors have a thick core comprising a reinforced frame and thermally efficient fill, creating a strong and energy efficient product.
Make sure you check exactly what's included when you buy as some prices will only apply to the door itself, and you'll need to pay extra to replace the frame and fittings.
How much does a uPVC front door cost?
Budget: £350 – £900
If you're after a budget-friendly front door, then look no further than uPVC. If you are worried about a plastic front door looking dated or cheap, you can choose from various styles, colours and wood effects. These doors are easy to source online and in DIY stores.
While plastic doors are low-maintenance and easy to clean, these doors tend to have a limited lifespan (typically up to 35 years). ‘Although uPVC doors tend to be cheaper to buy, they don’t offer a robust and long-lasting option. So, they will need replacing more frequently than other systems and will end up in landfill when they come to the end of their life,’ says Victoria Brocklesby, COO at Origin.
What factors affect the cost of a front door?
‘Style has an impact on cost,’ says Victoria. ‘Generally, higher quality products have a more stylish finish. They hey are made to a higher standard, using good quality materials, with a keen eye for detail. When it comes to value, I would recommend considering the long-term return on investment, not just the initial outlay.’
There’s also security and thermal efficiency to factor in. Could a budget door compromise these important elements? ‘Price differs depending on level of security and insulation,’ says Elizabeth Assaf, Designer and Co-Founder at Urban Front. ‘High security doors that are also Secured by Design accredited cost more. The thickness of the door and how well it will perform over time are what’s important.’
You'll also need to consider what's included in the price, as this may vary depending on where you buy your door from. This is what you should check:
- Is the frame included?
- Does the price include door furniture, like handles, letter boxes and knockers?
- Are installation costs included? If not, you will need to get quotes from a local tradesperson to fit your door correctly. More complex configurations, like a door with sidelites (windows that sit to the side of the door) will cost more to install.
Will a new front door add value to your home?
Boosting kerb appeal can add value to your home, and upgrading a tired front door can contribute to that. Opting for a more secure door, or one with better thermal efficiency can be a good investment, and make your home more desirable to potential buyers.
If you're not planning on selling up, the improved security can give you peace of mind (which can be worth it's weight in gold), and better efficiency can make your home feel more comfortable and lower your energy bills at the same time.
If you want to ramp up kerb appeal of a new or existing entrance, try these tips to make your front door look more attractive.
