Composite Doors vs Wood Doors - Which Is Better?
Doors can be made from a variety of materials including PVC, wood, and composite. Composite doors are fast becoming one of the popular options, with their perfect balance of style and substance. But how do composite doors compare to traditional timber doors? This blog will look at the advantages and disadvantages of both options, to hopefully help you make an informed decision and choose the best door for you and your home.
Understanding the Difference Between Composite and Wooden Doors
So what are the differences between wood doors and composite doors?
Wood doors
A solid wood door is exactly that – a door which is completely made from timber. Wooden doors are beautifully styled and are the perfect choice for more traditional homes. However, timber doors do need a lot of care, particularly when compared to composite doors. Wood is prone to splintering and splitting when exposed to the elements so needs regular treatments to protect it and prevent damage. Wood can also fade if in constant sunlight. So whilst they look beautiful to begin with, they do need a lot of work to keep them this way.
Composite doors
A composite door is constructed from a combination of different materials, which when combined create a stronger, more durable, and longer lasting material. The external section of the door is made from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) which is hard wearing and weatherproof, ensuring that the door is resistant to denting, peeling, flaking and fading. This GRP layer is fused to a frame which is usually made from uPVC and hardwood, creating a solid and rigid frame. Internally, composite doors have a high insulation foam core, which offers outstanding thermal performance, helping to keep the warmth in and the cold out. The composition of composite doors mean they do not need any treatments or paints to protect them from the weather. A simple wipe with a damp cloth will keep them looking lovely, keeping maintenance to a minimum.
Why Are More Homeowners Choosing Composite Doors?
More of us demanding stylish, secure, long lasting, and low maintenance options when it comes to choosing a new door. Composite doors fulfil all these requirements and as such have become a popular choice for many homeowners. But what are the benefits of a composite door? And how does this compare to a timber door?
Benefits of Choosing a Composite Door
Ease of installation
Composite doors are extremely easy and quick to install. In most cases, no building work is required enabling your chosen trades person to be in and out within a day. This means you can truly transform your home within a matter of hours.
Safe and secure
Security is paramount to all homeowners, and the first line of defence for your home is its doors. This is where composite doors shine. Most will feature a full multipoint locking system ensuring you and your family are safe.
Energy efficiency
Composite doors have been specifically designed to provide high levels of thermal efficiency, helping to keep the cold out and the warm in. This not only keeps your home comfortable and inviting, whilst also helping to reduce your energy bills.
Style and character
Composite doors allow you to stamp your own personality on to your home. The wide array of styles and colours available means you can personalise your new composite door to your own style.
Low maintenance
Composite doors do not need any treatments or paints to protect them and require only a wipe with a clean cloth to keep them looking like new. This means that you can spend more time enjoying your door and less time working on it.
Benefits of Choosing a Wooden Door
Wooden doors are a beautifully charming door option and are particularly suited to traditional or historic homes. If the wood is sourced responsibly, they can also be a sustainable choice for the environmentally conscious homeowner.
Wood vs Composite Door: Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Security - Composite doors offer a greater sense of security due to their multi-lock system. Their strength also makes them harder to break into than wooden doors.
- Maintenance - Composite doors require far less maintenance than wooden doors, which need regular treatments to keep them safe and aesthetically attractive.
- Longevity - Both composite and wooden doors are designed to last. However, timber doors will only do so with regular maintenance.
- Style - Both wooden and composite doors come in a variety of different designs and colours, offering you variety and an opportunity to add your personality to your home.
- Energy efficiency - Composite doors are more energy efficient than wooden doors due to their composition and durability.
- Cost - Composite doors can be more expensive than wooden doors, but the cost over their lifetime is significantly less than that of a wooden door.
Are Composite Doors Better Than Wood for Your Home?
The answer to this question will depend on your personal preferences, the style of your home, and your budget. Composite doors offer a longer lasting, more durable and secure option. Although they are slightly more expensive than wood, the lifetime costs are significantly lower.
How Long Do Composite and Wooden Doors Last?
Composite doors are built to last. Unlike their timber counterpart, composite doors can withstand the elements without swelling, peeling, or splintering. For example, our composite doors come with a minimum 10-year guarantee, providing you with the peace of mind that you've bought a door to last and we're confident that it will last far longer!
Discover Our Range of Composite Doors
If you think a composite door will be perfect for your home, why not take a look at our composite door range. If you have any queries about composite doors or would like further information, you can call our expert friendly team today on 0800 22 77 77.
