The typical lead time for a new front door in the UK is 4 to 12 weeks from order to installation, depending on material and customisation, according to the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA, 2026). Standard off-the-shelf composite doors may arrive in 4 weeks, while bespoke timber or high-security doors can take 12 weeks.
Lead time varies by door type, manufacturer workload, and whether you need a survey. Most reputable installers require a site measure before ordering, which adds 1–2 weeks. If your door is a non-standard size or includes specialist glazing, expect the upper end of the range. Seasonal peaks, spring and autumn, can stretch lead times by 2–3 weeks due to higher demand.
Standard composite doors take 4 to 6 weeks
Composite doors are the most popular choice, with a typical lead time of 4 to 6 weeks for stock sizes and common colours. The Energy Saving Trust notes that composite doors offer good thermal performance, with U-values around 1.4 W/m²K (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). If you choose a standard design from a major manufacturer, the door is often made to order but uses pre-cut components, keeping delivery times short. Some suppliers offer express options for 2–3 weeks at a premium.
Bespoke timber doors take 8 to 12 weeks
Hardwood or oak front doors made to your exact measurements and design typically take 8 to 12 weeks. This includes time for joinery, finishing, and drying. The Government’s Building Regulations Part L requires replacement doors to meet a U-value of 1.6 W/m²K or lower, which timber doors can achieve with proper construction (GOV.UK, 2026). If the door includes leaded glass, decorative panels, or heritage features, add 2–4 weeks to the lead time. Always confirm the lead time in writing before paying a deposit.
Steel and aluminium doors range 6 to 10 weeks
Steel and aluminium front doors offer high security and slim sightlines but require longer fabrication. Typical lead times are 6 to 10 weeks, as frames are often custom-welded to your opening. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme confirms that thermally broken aluminium frames achieve U-values as low as 1.2 W/m²K (MCS, 2026). If you need a fire-rated door (FD30 or FD60), additional testing and certification can push lead time to 12 weeks. Always request a confirmed delivery date from your installer during the quotation stage.
A worked example
A family in a 1930s semi-detached house in Manchester ordered a standard composite front door with a multi-point locking system and a glazed panel. The quote from a FENSA-registered installer was £2,400 including fitting and removal of the old door. The lead time was six weeks from the initial site survey to installation day. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that replacing an old single-glazed timber door with a modern composite door can save around £100 per year on heating bills. After 25 years, the total savings reach £2,500, effectively covering the upfront cost. Glazing is standard-rated for VAT at 20%. The zero rate for energy-saving materials covers insulation, heat pumps and solar panels; HMRC names secondary and double glazing as excluded (VAT Notice 708/6). The door achieved a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, well below the building regulations maximum of 1.8 W/m²K for replacement doors.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £2,400 |
| Yearly savings | £100 |
| Payback period | 24 years |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £2,500 |
What homeowners often get wrong
The most common mistake is ordering a door before a site survey has been completed. This list covers three frequent errors that can delay your installation or cost you money.
- Ordering before a survey Many homeowners choose a door online without waiting for a professional to measure the opening. The correct approach is to book a survey first because non-standard openings add two to three weeks to the lead time and may require a bespoke door at a higher price.
- Ignoring seasonal demand Spring and autumn are peak periods when installers are booked eight to ten weeks ahead. Ordering in January or August typically reduces the lead time by two to three weeks and often secures a lower quote.
- Choosing the cheapest option A budget door from an unregistered supplier may arrive in two weeks but can void your home insurance and fail to meet building regulations. A FENSA-registered installer ensures compliance and a valid warranty, which protects your investment.
Quick reference
- A standard composite front door from a FENSA-registered installer typically takes four to six weeks from survey to installation.
- Bespoke timber or high-security doors require eight to twelve weeks because they are made-to-order by specialist joiners.
- Glazing is standard-rated for VAT at 20%. The zero rate for energy-saving materials covers insulation, heat pumps and solar panels; HMRC names secondary and double glazing as excluded (VAT Notice 708/6).
- Ordering during January or August can reduce lead times by up to three weeks compared with the spring and autumn peaks.
- Always wait for a site survey before ordering your door because a non-standard opening can add two to three weeks to the lead time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard composite front door typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from order to installation, according to FENSA. Express options may reduce this to 2 to 3 weeks for a premium fee.
Bespoke timber doors take 8 to 12 weeks because they require custom joinery, finishing, and drying, as per the Timber Decking and Cladding Association. Composite doors use pre-cut components for faster production.
Yes, a site survey typically adds 1 to 2 weeks to the overall lead time. Most reputable installers require a measure before ordering to ensure correct fit.
