A new composite front door costs roughly 40% more than a new uPVC front door, with an average supply-and-fit price difference of £600.
Choosing between a uPVC and a composite front door is the most common cost decision UK homeowners face in 2026. The average supply-and-fit price for a standard uPVC front door is £1,200 to £1,600, while a composite door of the same size averages £1,800 to £2,200 fitted (Checkatrade 2026 Cost Guide). This means the typical homeowner pays roughly £600 more for a composite door, a 40% premium over uPVC.
A new front door costs £1,200 to £3,000 supply and fit in 2026. The average uPVC door is £1,400, while composite costs £2,000 and timber £2,500. Material choice affects upfront cost and long-term savings. Compare options to find the best fit for your budget.
- Average uPVC front door costs £1,400 supply and fit in 2026.
- Composite front door averages £2,000, a 40% premium over uPVC.
- Timber doors are most expensive at £2,500 average supply and fit.
- Composite doors offer better energy efficiency with U-values of 1.0–1.2.
- Timber lasts 30–50 years, outlasting uPVC's 20–25 year lifespan.
- A new composite front door costs roughly 40% more than a new uPVC front door, with an average supply-and-fit price difference of £600.
- What the average new front door costs in 2026
- Quick numbers key cost differences between door materials
- How installation and door type split the total cost
- The direct answer a new front door costs between £1,200 and £3,000 installed in 2026
- How to verify your front door installer is certified and compliant
- What energy-efficiency numbers mean for your front door costs
This 40% gap is the central comparison that drives the rest of this guide. The choice between the two materials affects not just the upfront cost but also long-term energy savings, lifespan, and resale value.
What the average new front door costs in 2026
The average supply-and-fit cost for a standard-sized uPVC front door (1980mm x 838mm) in 2026 is £1,400, with a typical range of £1,200 to £1,600 (Checkatrade 2026 Cost Guide). For a composite front door, the average is £2,000, with a typical range of £1,800 to £2,200. A timber front door (hardwood) is the most expensive option, averaging £2,500, with a typical range of £2,200 to £3,000.
These figures assume a standard door size and a straightforward installation. Non-standard sizes, additional glazing, or complex fitting conditions can increase costs significantly, often by 20–30%.
Quick numbers key cost differences between door materials
| Material | Average supply-and-fit cost | Typical range | Energy-efficiency rating (U-value) | Average lifespan (years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £1,400 | £1,200 – £1,600 | 1.4 – 1.6 W/m²K | 20 – 25 |
| Composite | £2,000 | £1,800 – £2,200 | 1.0 – 1.2 W/m²K | 25 – 35 |
| Timber (hardwood) | £2,500 | £2,200 – £3,000 | 1.2 – 1.5 W/m²K | 30 – 50 |
| Aluminium | £2,200 | £1,900 – £2,600 | 1.2 – 1.4 W/m²K | 30 – 40 |
Data sources: Costs from Checkatrade 2026 Cost Guide; U-values from British Fenestration Rating Council 2026 ratings database; lifespan from Glass and Glazing Federation 2026 lifespan data.
How installation and door type split the total cost
The supply cost (the door itself) typically accounts for 60–70% of the total, while installation labour accounts for 30–40% (Checkatrade 2026 labour rates). A standard door (1980mm x 838mm) in uPVC costs less than a non-standard size, which can add 20–30% to the supply cost.
Adding a glazed panel, such as a full-length side panel, adds £300–£600 to the total cost (Glass and Glazing Federation 2026 guide on door sizes). If your existing door frame is damaged or requires structural repairs, expect an additional £150–£300 for frame replacement.
The direct answer a new front door costs between £1,200 and £3,000 installed in 2026
The most common range for a standard-sized door (uPVC or composite) fully fitted by a registered installer is £1,200 to £3,000 in 2026. The lower end (£1,200) buys a basic white uPVC door with a simple lock and no glazing. The upper end (£3,000) buys a hardwood door with decorative glazing, a multi-point locking system, and a premium finish (Checkatrade 2026 Cost Guide; FENSA 2026 installation cost data).
If you choose a composite door with an A-rated energy performance, expect to pay near the top of the uPVC range or the lower end of the composite range. The exact price depends on your chosen material, size, glazing, and installer.
How to verify your front door installer is certified and compliant
For uPVC, composite, and aluminium doors, the installer must be FENSA-registered (or a member of CERTASS) to self-certify compliance with Building Regulations Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part Q (security) (GOV.UK: Building regulations approval for doors, 2026 update). For timber doors, the installer should be a member of the Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) or hold a relevant joinery certification.
Always check the installer holds public liability insurance and a current FENSA or CERTASS certificate for door installations. Without this certification, you may need to apply separately for building regulations approval, which adds £200–£400 to your total cost (FENSA website).
What energy-efficiency numbers mean for your front door costs
The Building Regulations Approved Document L (2026) requires a new external door to have a U-value of 1.6 W/m²K or lower (DESNZ 2026 SAP 10.2 data). A uPVC door typically achieves a U-value of 1.4–1.6 W/m²K, a composite door typically achieves 1.0–1.2 W/m²K, and a timber door (hardwood) typically achieves 1.2–1.5 W/m²K (British Fenestration Rating Council 2026 energy ratings).
A door with a higher energy rating (A-rated or better) can cost 10–15% more upfront but may save £30–£50 per year on heating bills. Over a 25-year lifespan, that adds up to £750–£1,250 in savings, which can offset the higher initial cost of a composite or timber door. How to compare front door U-values Best front door materials for energy efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
A new front door costs £1,200 to £3,000 on average in 2026, depending on the material. According to the Checkatrade 2026 Cost Guide, uPVC doors average £1,400, composite doors £2,000, and timber doors £2,500 supply and fit.
Yes, a composite front door costs roughly £600 more than uPVC but offers better energy efficiency and a longer lifespan. The British Fenestration Rating Council rates composite doors with U-values of 1.0–1.2 W/m²K, compared to uPVC's 1.4–1.6, saving on heating bills.
uPVC is the cheapest front door material, averaging £1,400 supply and fit in 2026. The Checkatrade 2026 Cost Guide shows a typical range of £1,200 to £1,600 for a standard-sized uPVC door.
A composite front door lasts 25 to 35 years on average. The Glass and Glazing Federation 2026 lifespan data confirms this is longer than uPVC (20–25 years) but shorter than timber (30–50 years).
Yes, a new front door can add value by improving kerb appeal and energy efficiency. Energy Saving Trust data shows a well-fitted composite door can reduce heat loss by up to 30% compared to an old door, making the property more attractive to buyers.
