Composite or uPVC door: which is better for a Cornish home?

The short answer

For a front door, composite is usually worth the extra money. It’s thicker, stronger, warmer and looks much more like a real timber door. uPVC still has its place, mainly for back doors on a tight budget.

What’s the difference?

A uPVC door is made from plastic panels set into a plastic frame. A composite door is a solid slab: a strong insulated core with a tough glass-reinforced skin on the outside, usually with a realistic woodgrain finish. Composite door slabs are typically around 44mm thick or more, noticeably chunkier than most uPVC panel doors.

Side by side

• Security: both can have multi-point locking, but a solid composite slab is far harder to force than a uPVC panel. Every door I fit is Secured by Design.
• Warmth: the insulated core of a composite door keeps heat in well. You’ll notice the difference in a draughty hallway.
• Weather: composite doors are rigid and stable, and the outer skin stands up well to wind, rain and salt air. Older white uPVC can discolour over the years.
• Looks: composite comes in dozens of colours with a woodgrain texture, and can be a different colour inside. uPVC choice is more limited.
• Cost: uPVC is cheaper up front. Composite costs more, but tends to last and look good for longer.
• Maintenance: both are low maintenance. Neither needs painting.

When uPVC makes sense

If it’s a back door that rarely gets used and the budget is tight, a good uPVC door can be perfectly sensible. For the front of the house, where looks, security and warmth matter most, I’d almost always point you to composite.

Not sure?

I’ll bring samples of both when I come out to measure, so you can see and feel the difference for yourself. No pressure either way.