How Much Does a New Front Door Cost in 2026?
A new front door costs £500 to £2,500 installed, depending on the material. A uPVC front door costs from £400, a composite front door sits around £800 to £1,500, and premium timber or aluminium options go up to £3,500. How much should a new front door cost installed? Here is the full breakdown.
£400
uPVC from
£800
Composite from
Composite
Most popular
Half day
Typical install
Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.
Building Regulations.Replacement doors with glazing must be installed by a FENSA or Certass registered installer, or you will need separate Building Control approval. The door must meet Part L energy efficiency requirements. Always check your installer's registration before committing.
New Front Door Cost by Material
What does each type of front door cost, supply and fit? Prices include the door, frame, standard hardware, and installation.
uPVC panel door
Solid panel, no glazing, supply and fit
£600
£400 – £800
uPVC door with glazing
Panel door with double-glazed insert
£750
£500 – £1,000
Composite door
GRP skin, foam/timber core, supply and fit
£1,150
£800 – £1,500
Composite door (premium)
Solidor, Endurance, or equivalent brand
£1,850
£1,200 – £2,500
Timber door (softwood)
Engineered softwood, supply and fit
£750
£500 – £1,000
Timber door (hardwood)
Oak or iroko, supply and fit
£2,250
£1,500 – £3,000
Aluminium contemporary door
Slim profile, thermally broken, supply and fit
£2,500
£1,500 – £3,500
Prices based on industry data. Actual costs depend on door specification, colour, hardware, and your location.
uPVC Front Door vs Composite Front Door vs Timber vs Aluminium
Material choice is the biggest decision. Here is how the four main options compare on cost, durability, and performance.
| Feature | uPVC | Composite | Timber | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price range (supply + fit) | £400 – £1,000 | £800 – £2,500 | £500 – £3,000 | £1,500 – £3,500 |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years | 25–35 years | 30+ years | 30–40 years |
| Maintenance | Wipe clean | Wipe clean | Paint/oil every 3–5 yrs | Wipe clean |
| Security (PAS 24) | Available | Standard | Available | Standard |
| Insulation | Good | Excellent | Good–Excellent | Very good |
| Best for | Budget-friendly | Best all-rounder | Period properties | Contemporary homes |
For most UK homes, a composite door hits the sweet spot between price, performance, and appearance. uPVC is the budget choice. Timber suits period properties. Aluminium is the premium option for contemporary builds.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the door itself, here are the extras that can affect your final bill.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Installation only (supply own door) | £150 – £350 |
| New frame (if needed) | £100 – £300 |
| Sidelight / side panel | £200 – £500 each |
| Letterbox, knocker, handle set | £50 – £200 |
| Additional locks / security | £50 – £150 |
| FENSA certificate | Included |
Front Door Costs by Region
Front door prices vary by region, mainly driven by installation labour costs. These are average prices for a composite door (supply and fit) by area.
| Region | Average Cost | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,550 | +22% |
| South East | £1,400 | +10% |
| East of England | £1,350 | +6% |
| South West | £1,300 | +2% |
| Midlands | £1,270 | Average |
| Yorkshire | £1,150 | -9% |
| North West | £1,180 | -7% |
| North East | £1,100 | -13% |
| Scotland | £1,150 | -9% |
| Wales | £1,120 | -12% |
Based on industry data. Standard composite door, supply and fit including frame, hardware, and FENSA certificate.
How to Get Your Front Door for Less
A front door is a one-off purchase, but there are still ways to get better value.
Get a supply-and-fit quote rather than buying separately
Buying a door yourself and hiring someone to fit it sounds cheaper, but it rarely is. Door companies buy at trade prices and include the frame, hardware, and fitting in one package. If something goes wrong with a door you supplied, the installer is not responsible - you lose the single point of accountability.
Order during quieter months for better deals
Door companies are busiest in spring and summer. If you order in autumn or winter, you are more likely to get a competitive price and shorter lead times. The fitting itself takes a few hours, so a cold day is not a major inconvenience.
A mid-range composite beats a premium uPVC every time
If you are torn between a top-end uPVC door and a standard composite, the composite is almost always the better buy. For a similar price (around £800–£1,000), you get better security, better insulation, a more solid feel, and a door that will last 10+ years longer.
Check the quote includes everything
A front door quote should include the door, frame, threshold, all hardware (handles, locks, letterbox, knocker), draught seals, fitting, removal of the old door, and the FENSA certificate. If any of these are listed as extras, factor them in before comparing.
Skip the sidelights if budget is tight
Sidelights (glazed panels beside the door) add £200–£500 each. If the existing door does not have them, adding them means widening the opening - which adds brickwork costs too. A well-chosen door on its own can look just as good and save you a significant chunk.
What to Expect: The Door Replacement Process
From first quote to finished front door, here is how a typical replacement works.
- 1
Choose material and style
Decide on the material, colour, and glazing options. Visit a showroom if you can - photos do not give you the weight and feel of a door. Take your time with this step, because made-to-order doors take 4–8 weeks.
- 2
Get quotes
Get at least three written quotes. Each should specify the door, frame, hardware, colour, FENSA certificate, and fitting. Compare like with like - a cheap quote may exclude the frame or use basic hardware.
- 3
Survey and order
The installer surveys your door opening, takes precise measurements, and orders the door. Composite and timber doors are made to measure. uPVC and some aluminium doors are available in standard sizes with faster delivery.
- 4
Installation day
The old door and frame come out, the new frame is fitted, sealed, and the door is hung. A good installer will adjust the hinges, check the locks engage, and make sure the draught seals are tight all round. Expect 2–4 hours for a standard swap.
- 5
Handover and certification
The installer walks you through the locking system, hands over the keys, and issues your FENSA or Certass certificate. Keep this safe - you will need it when you sell the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a composite front door cost?
A standard composite front door costs £800–£1,500 supply and fit. Premium brands such as Solidor and Endurance cost £1,200–£2,500 installed. These prices include the door, new frame, handles, letterbox, and installation. Composite doors are the most popular upgrade choice because they look like timber but need no maintenance and offer excellent security and insulation.
How much does it cost to fit a front door?
If you supply the door yourself, installation costs £150–£350 depending on whether the existing frame can be reused or needs replacing. A like-for-like swap in an existing frame is at the lower end. If the frame needs replacing or the opening needs resizing, the cost rises. Most door companies include fitting in their supply-and-fit price, which is usually better value.
Is a composite door worth the extra cost over uPVC?
For most homeowners, yes. A composite door typically costs £300–£700 more than uPVC but offers noticeably better security, insulation, and appearance. Composite doors are thicker, heavier, and more rigid - they do not flex like uPVC. They are also more secure against forced entry, meeting PAS 24 as standard. If you plan to stay in the property for more than a few years, the upgrade pays for itself in lower energy bills and kerb appeal.
Do I need a FENSA certificate for a new front door?
If the door includes glazing, the installer should be FENSA or Certass registered to self-certify compliance with Building Regulations. If the installer is not registered, you will need to apply separately for Building Control approval. Either way, the new door must meet Part L thermal performance requirements. A FENSA certificate is important documentation when you come to sell.
How long does a front door last?
uPVC doors last 15–25 years. Composite doors last 25–35 years with minimal maintenance. Timber doors can last 30 years or more with regular painting or oiling every 3–5 years. Aluminium doors last 30–40 years. The hardware (locks, handles, hinges) may need replacing sooner - typically every 10–15 years.
Will a new front door add value to my house?
A new front door will not transform your property value, but it significantly improves kerb appeal - which influences a buyer's first impression. Estate agents regularly say a smart front door is one of the cheapest ways to make a home look well-maintained. If your current door is visibly tired, replacing it before selling is a worthwhile investment.
Written by Sarah Mitchell, Less.co.uk home improvement specialist
Last updated: · Pricing based on industry data and verified contractor submissions · Methodology
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