A new front door typically costs between £800 and £2,500 fully installed, compared to a standard internal door which averages £120.
If you are replacing a front door in 2026, the first number you will see is the total installed cost. That figure is far higher than a basic internal door because a front door must provide security, insulation, and weather resistance. A fully fitted front door from a reputable supplier typically lands between £800 and £2,500 for the most common types. The range covers materials, labour, and basic hardware for composite and uPVC doors, which together account for the majority of UK front door replacements (Checkatrade, 2026 Cost Guide).
A new front door costs £800–£2,500 fully installed in 2026. The material you choose is the biggest factor, with uPVC at £500–£1,200 and timber up to £4,000.
- uPVC front doors cost £500–£1,200 installed and need no maintenance.
- Composite doors are the most popular at £800–£2,500 fully fitted.
- Timber doors range from £1,500 to £4,000 but need regular painting.
- Steel doors cost £1,200–£3,000 and offer high security with lower insulation.
- Labour adds £200–£600 to your total front door installation bill.
- A new front door typically costs between £800 and £2,500 fully installed, compared to a standard internal door which averages £120.
- Material choice is the largest single factor in your final front door bill
- Labour and installation costs add £200–£600 to the total price
- Glazing, hardware, and security upgrades can add £100–£500 to the base price
- Quick numbers a cost breakdown table for five common door types
- The direct answer to "how much does a front door cost?" is £800–£2,500 for a typical composite door fully installed in 2026
- You must use a certified installer to maintain your warranty and building regulations compliance
Material choice is the largest single factor in your final front door bill
The material you choose determines the look and feel of your door and the bulk of the cost. Here is how the main options break down for 2026.
uPVC doors are the most affordable at £500 to £1,200 fully installed. They need almost no maintenance and resist rot and warping, but the colour and finish options are limited compared to timber or composite (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Composite doors are the most popular choice in 2026, costing £800 to £2,500 fully installed. They combine a timber core with a glass-reinforced plastic skin, offering better security and insulation than uPVC without the maintenance burden of timber (Checkatrade, 2026).
Timber doors (oak, mahogany, or engineered wood) cost £1,500 to £4,000 or more fully installed. They offer the highest kerb appeal and natural insulation but require regular painting or varnishing. Without maintenance, timber can warp and rot within a few years (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Steel doors range from £1,200 to £3,000 fully installed. They are very secure and durable but can dent, and their thermal performance is generally lower than composite or timber alternatives unless they have a thermal break core.
Labour and installation costs add £200–£600 to the total price
The installer’s fee is a separate line item that depends on the complexity of the job. For a standard replacement where the frame size matches the opening and no structural work is needed, fitting costs £200 to £400. This includes removing the old door, fitting the new one, basic sealing, and disposal of the old door (Checkatrade, 2026 labour cost tables).
For a non-standard frame size, a structural change such as lintel replacement, or removal of old brickwork, the labour cost rises to £400 to £600 or more. The installer must also comply with building regulations, and FENSA-registered fitters typically include this compliance in their quote (FENSA, 2026).
Glazing, hardware, and security upgrades can add £100–£500 to the base price
Once you have chosen your door material, the glazing and hardware options will push the final bill higher. Double or triple glazing adds £100 to £300 to the door cost. Triple glazing is increasingly common for new-build standards in 2026 and offers better insulation, though the payback period can be long (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Multi-point locking systems are standard on most composite and timber doors. Upgrading to a higher security cylinder that meets TS 007 3-star standard costs £50 to £150. This upgrade is worth considering because it directly affects your home insurance premiums and break-in resistance (PAS 24 security standard, 2026).
Letterbox, spyhole, and door knocker upgrades add £30 to £100. If you need side panels (glazed or solid), each panel adds £300 to £800 depending on size and finish.
Quick numbers a cost breakdown table for five common door types
| Door Material | Typical Fully-Installed Cost Range (2026) | Typical U-value (W/m²K) | Typical Lead Time (weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC (standard) | £500 – £1,200 | 1.4 – 1.8 | 2 – 4 |
| Composite (standard) | £800 – £2,500 | 1.2 – 1.6 | 4 – 8 |
| Timber (oak, engineered) | £1,500 – £4,000+ | 1.6 – 2.2 | 6 – 12 |
| Steel (standard) | £1,200 – £3,000 | 1.8 – 2.5 | 4 – 8 |
| Aluminium (standard) | £1,200 – £3,500 | 1.2 – 1.6 | 4 – 8 |
U-values measure how well a door prevents heat loss. Lower numbers mean better insulation. The figures above are typical ranges for standard doors without special glazing upgrades (Energy Saving Trust, 2026; MCS, 2026). Lead times vary by manufacturer and order volume, so check with your installer before committing to a completion date.
The direct answer to “how much does a front door cost?” is £800–£2,500 for a typical composite door fully installed in 2026
If you want a single number, £800 to £2,500 covers the most common front door replacement in the UK: a composite door supplied, fitted, and including basic hardware, VAT, and disposal of the old door. This is the all-in cost for a standard single door with a standard frame size. Costs outside this range are for premium materials such as timber or steel, or for complex installation that requires structural work. For the vast majority of homeowners in 2026, the final bill will sit somewhere in this band.
You must use a certified installer to maintain your warranty and building regulations compliance
In England and Wales, any new or replacement front door must comply with Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part Q (security) of the Building Regulations (GOV.UK, 2026). If your door is part of a renewable energy system such as a heat pump, the installer must be MCS-certified to ensure the door meets the energy performance requirements of the system (MCS, 2026).
For general uPVC and composite doors, look for an installer registered with FENSA, CERTASS, or BFRC. These schemes confirm the installer is competent and that the work is self-certified, meaning you do not need to notify your local authority building control separately (FENSA, 2026). If the door is positioned near a boiler flue, a Gas Safe Register engineer may also be required to check combustion safety. Using an uncertified installer can void your product warranty and leave you liable for any building regulation breaches.
how much does a composite door cost uPVC vs composite front door comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
A composite front door costs £800–£2,500 fully installed in 2026, according to Checkatrade's Cost Guide. The price includes the door, frame, and basic hardware.
A uPVC front door costs £500–£1,200 fully installed. That makes it the most affordable option. The Energy Saving Trust notes it requires almost no maintenance.
A timber front door costs £1,500–£4,000 or more fully installed. The Energy Saving Trust advises that regular painting or varnishing is needed to prevent warping.
A steel front door costs £1,200–£3,000 fully installed. It offers high security but lower thermal performance unless it has a thermal break core.
Labour and installation for a front door typically add £200–£600 to the total price, according to Checkatrade. This covers fitting, sealing, and basic hardware adjustments.
