New Front Door Cost Guide UK
New Front Door Cost Guide UK
In the UK, a new front door costs anything from £840 to £5,000 fully fitted. This varies based on a few factors. The four main variables are material, frame, glazing, and hardware. The cost of your front door will depend on these factors, as some materials are far more expensive than others.
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Key takeaways
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Types of front door: There are four main types of front door – uPVC, composite, timber, and aluminium. Some are cheaper, but others offer a more premium look.
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Supply vs fully fitted: Supply-only costs are far cheaper, as they forgo the cost of installation, making them great for DIYers. Fully fitted costs include installation and are better for those with less experience.
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Other factors: The price of a new front door can rise with factors like the type of glazing, upgrading door hardware like knockers, letterboxes, and locks, and if any repairs are needed, too.
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Considerations: Installing a new front door can raise the value of your property, but be sure to consider energy efficiency ratings, security levels, ongoing maintenance costs, and whether you need planning permission before moving forward.
Front door cost by material
The cost of your new front door depends largely on what it’s made of. There are four common materials used to make front doors. These are uPVC, composite, timber, and aluminium.
|
Door Material |
Total Installed Cost |
Best For |
Tradeoffs |
|
uPVC |
£840 – £1,500 |
Budget builds, often found in rental properties |
It has a plastic appearance and can warp in extreme heat |
|
Composite |
£1,250 – £3,500 |
More secure and with less need for maintenance |
Higher upfront cost and thicker frame profiles |
|
Timber |
£1,500 – £4,000 |
Offers traditional charm |
Requires regular upkeep and painting, and can swell in changing temperatures |
|
Aluminium |
£1,400 – £5,000 |
Contemporary-style doorways |
Vulnerable to scratches and gives an industrial look |
uPVC doors are the cheapest material for your door but lack the premium look. Composite doors, however, are the most popular material for doors in the UK because of how they balance security, insulation, and aesthetics.
Timber doors may be the most aesthetically pleasing but require consistent maintenance, and aluminium doors suit modern builds, but their expensive look might clash with a more subtle, traditional home.
Front door installation and replacement costs
When purchasing a new front door, you’ll need to consider whether you want to buy a supply-only or a fully fitted one. These have various advantages and shortfalls, with the cheaper option potentially forfeiting added convenience and the more convenient option costing considerably more.
Supply-only vs fully fitted costs
Supply-only prices will always be considerably lower than fully fitted prices, as the price includes only the cost of the item. The fully fitted cost for a front door replacement would be factoring in the installation of the door, too.
Supply-only is great for large-scale renovations and having someone to handle the installations, or if you’re a competent DIYer yourself who knows how to hang a door and doesn’t want to pay installation costs.
Fully fitted is better for those with less DIY experience, who require someone to fit their new front door for them.
How much does front door installation cost?
The cost of installing a new front door depends on the material used, but other factors, like the location of the door and whether the frame needs replacing too, can considerably add to the price.
The fully fitted cost of a front door can range from £840 all the way up to £5,000. The actual labour costs of installation are typically between £200 and £600.
For more complex projects, it might be worth considering hiring a professional.
What affects the cost of a new front door?
The main factors that push the cost of a new front door up or down are frame replacement, glazing type, hardware upgrades, door size, and disposal.
If your door frame shows severe signs of warping, rot, or structural damage, it will need to be replaced. Depending on the type of door frame you have, i.e., an internal softwood frame or an external uPVC frame, the price can range from around £150–£650+.
Doors with basic double glazing will cost significantly less than those with frosted glass, decorative patterns, or even triple glazing. The type of glazing you want will affect how much your new front door will cost.
Upgrading door locks, knockers, letterboxes, and door handles and hardware to achieve your desired look can also incur additional costs.
Finally, many installers who charge to replace your front door will also offer to dispose of your old one. This service is not free and will mean a small additional charge is added onto your final bill.
Things to consider when replacing a front door
If you’re looking to renew your home’s look or want an inviting first impression, it’s important to know how much it costs to replace a front door and what makes the cost of a front door go up or down.
Before deciding how much to spend on a new front door, it’s worth considering how long you plan to live in the property, as while it can raise the value of your property, a new front door can also be expensive if you don’t plan to use it for very long.
Once you do decide to install a new front door, you should make sure to look out for a PAS 24 security rating or Secured by Design certification, as these indicate how safe and secure the door is. You should also look at the energy efficiency level of the doors, as a higher efficiency mark will mean minimising heat loss during the winter.
Also consider planning permission if you live in a conservation area or listed building that comes with restrictions, as it may be the case that you can only make certain changes to the property, which may or may not include replacing the front doors.
The costs of a new front door fitting can add up, so it’s important to be realistic about how much you might be spending, including maintenance costs and the price of hiring a professional, if you need one.
New Front Door Cost Guide - FAQs
If you’re considering buying a new front door for your home, knowing how much the door will cost, what materials are better for what, and what can affect the price is very important.