The average cost of a standard front door replacement in the UK is between £1,200 and £2,500 for supply and installation, according to the Energy Saving Trust (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
- Standard front door replacement costs £1,200–£2,500 including installation.
- uPVC doors are cheapest at £600–£1,200; timber exceeds £3,000.
- Professional fitting by a TrustMark tradesperson adds £200–£500.
The final price depends heavily on the door material, glazing, security features, and whether you need new frames or structural alterations. A basic uPVC door is the cheapest option, while solid timber or composite doors sit at the higher end. Labour costs vary by region, and listed-building consent may add survey fees. These figures exclude any grant top-ups, which are rare for standard replacements unless improving energy efficiency.
Material choice is the main cost driver
uPVC doors are the most budget-friendly, typically costing £600–£1,200 supplied and fitted, says the Energy Saving Trust (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Composite doors, which combine a timber core with a GRP skin, range from £1,200 to £2,500. Solid timber doors (oak or mahogany) start at £1,500 and can exceed £3,000 for handmade units. Aluminium doors sit between composite and timber, at £1,500–£2,800. Each material affects thermal performance: composite doors typically achieve a U-value of 1.0–1.4 W/m²K, while timber may be 1.4–2.0 W/m²K unless upgraded with insulation cores.
Labour and fitting costs add £200–£500
Professional installation by a TrustMark-registered tradesperson adds £200–£500 to the total, according to TrustMark (TrustMark, 2026). This includes removing the old door, adjusting the frame, and ensuring airtight seals. If the frame needs replacing, common in older homes, costs rise by £300–£600. For listed buildings or conservation areas, you may need a specialist joiner, pushing labour to £600–£900. Always get at least three itemised quotes; the cheapest may omit frame work or disposal fees.
Grants rarely cover front door replacement
Standard front door replacement is not typically grant-eligible unless part of a broader energy-efficiency scheme. The Great British Insulation Scheme does not cover doors (Ofgem, Ofgem, 2026). The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) may fund a door upgrade only if your home has an EPC rating of E, F, or G and the door is the primary heat-loss route, rare in practice. Most homeowners pay outright. VAT is charged at 20% unless the installer is registered for the reduced rate (5%) on energy-saving materials, check before signing a contract.
A worked example
A typical replacement of a single composite front door on a 1930s semi-detached house in the Midlands costs £1,850 supplied and fitted by a TrustMark-registered installer after the 0% VAT saving until March 2027. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that upgrading from a single-glazed timber door to a composite door with a U-value of 1.0 W/m²K saves a typical household around £85 per year on heating bills. The new door also eliminates draughts and improves security with a multi-point locking system. Over 25 years, including the initial outlay and annual savings, the net benefit reaches £275. The payback period is just under 22 years on energy savings alone, but the improved comfort, reduced noise, and added property value make the investment worthwhile much sooner. This example assumes no structural alterations and that the existing frame is sound, avoiding additional joinery costs.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £1,850 |
| Yearly savings | £85 |
| Payback period | 22 years |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £275 |
What homeowners often get wrong
Many homeowners underestimate the cost of fitting a new front door because they focus only on the door price and ignore frame replacement and labour. Here are the three most common missteps.
- Assuming the old frame can be reused Most replacement doors require a new frame to guarantee proper sealing and security. Reusing a warped or ill-fitting frame voids the warranty and can cost you an extra £200–£400 later to fix draughts and water ingress.
- Choosing the cheapest door material without checking U-values A budget uPVC door might cost £600 but achieves a U-value of 1.6 W/m²K, while a composite door at £1,200 achieves 1.0 W/m²K. The cheaper door loses more heat, adding roughly £30 to your annual energy bill compared to the composite option.
- Ignoring the 0% VAT deadline The 0% VAT rate on energy-saving materials, including new front doors with a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or lower, ends in March 2027. Delaying your replacement past that date adds 20% VAT, which on a £2,000 door means an extra £400 you could have avoided.
Quick reference
- A standard composite front door with a U-value of 1.0 W/m²K costs between £1,200 and £2,500 supplied and fitted by a TrustMark installer.
- uPVC doors are the cheapest option at £600–£1,200 but typically have a higher U-value of 1.4–1.6 W/m²K, meaning more heat loss.
- You qualify for 0% VAT on a new front door only if it meets a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or lower, as confirmed by your installer’s certificate.
- The Energy Saving Trust estimates that replacing an old single-glazed door with a composite door saves a typical semi-detached home £85 per year.
- Always check that your installer is registered with TrustMark or FENSA to ensure the work meets building regulations and warranty requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Between £1,200 and £2,500 for supply and installation, according to the Energy Saving Trust (2026). The price varies by material, glazing, and labour.
uPVC, costing £600–£1,200 supplied and fitted, per the Energy Saving Trust (2026). It offers basic security and thermal performance.
Yes, a new front door can improve kerb appeal and energy efficiency, potentially adding value. The Energy Saving Trust notes it may reduce heat loss by up to 30%.
