Choosing the best front door for your home
Your front door is more than just an entryway – it’s also an opportunity to make a style statement, and it’s key to your home’s security. Your choice of a front door not only affects your home’s style but also its security and energy efficiency.
There are a huge range of options when it comes to front doors, from sleek composite to high-quality aluminium doors. And each material offers unique benefits. Whether you favour a traditional design or a modern look, your front door is an opportunity to showcase your style while meeting your home’s practical needs.
With so much to consider, here’s everything you need to know about how to choose a front door, to enhance your home’s curb appeal, improve energy efficiency and keep your home secure.
What are the factors to consider while buying front doors?
There are multiple factors that you should consider when choosing a front door, including the materials, colour, type of glazing and size:
Materials: There’s a wide range of materials to choose from when it comes to front doors, such as uPVC, composite and aluminium. Your choice of materials will have an impact on how durable, secure and energy efficient your door is, as well as affecting the style and maintenance needs.
Colour: Do you prefer to make a statement with your front door, or do you want a more muted style? Whether you opt for bold shades or classic tones, consider how the colour complements your property’s overall appearance and curb appeal.
Glazing: Glass panels can enhance the amount of natural light coming into your home – so if you want to include glass panels in your door, consider what type of glazing best suits your needs.
Size: Ensure your door fits perfectly by considering its dimensions. Custom sizes may be necessary for unique entryways.
Energy efficiency: Some materials are more energy efficient than others. Choosing a well-insulated door can reduce your energy costs by preventing heat loss.
Security: Robust materials and secure locks are essential for protecting your home – it’s wise to choose a front door that’s made with security in mind.
Materials
The material of your front door is one of the most important decisions when upgrading your home’s entrance. At Safestyle, we offer a variety of materials, each with unique features that cater to different needs.
Whether you prioritise affordability, durability, or energy efficiency, understanding the key differences between materials will help you make the right choice for your needs. Three of the most common options are uPVC, composite and aluminium.
Read our blog on What Is The Difference Between Composite and uPVC?
uPVC front doors
If you’re looking for a durable and hard-wearing material, uPVC is a great choice. uPVC doors are robust and low maintenance, offering protection against rust, rot and weather so they’ll continue to look great and offer resistance to warping, rotting, and peeling with minimal upkeep.
uPVC also offers excellent sound insulation and they’re manufactured to reduce draughts and improve thermal performance, offering high levels of heat retention for your comfort at home, even in cold weather.
Because uPVC doors are mostly made from plastic, they’re an affordable option compared to composite doors, which are made from several materials to offer enhanced security.
Composite front doors
Composite doors are made from a blend of materials including timber, uPVC and glass-reinforced plastic, offering the best features of each material. They’re a highly durable option for front doors, with a high density thermally insulating core that helps to keep the heat in and the cold out of your home. That means that they’re also extremely energy efficient, helping to reduce your energy bills.
They’re also built to withstand harsh weather conditions, meaning they’ll stay looking as good as news and performing at the highest level for years to come. Their solid construction also makes them highly secure – plus all of our composite doors here at Safestyle include the very best security features, including high performance security hinges, security handles, and multipoint locking Ultion hinges which are anti-extraction, anti-drill, anti-pick and anti-bump.
Aluminium front doors
Aluminium doors are a modern, stylish option that are renowned for their strength and durability, aluminium doors are built to withstand the test of time. Built with a slim profile, aluminum front doors look stylish – without any compromise on their durability.
As one of the strongest materials available, doors made from aluminium doors are incredibly strong and secure, with robust frames and advanced locking mechanisms providing excellent protection. Here at Safestyle, we also reinforce our aluminium doors with corner ties and cleats for added security and strength.
Aluminium doors are also resistant to warping, rust and weather damage, and we seal all the door’s joints against water entry, preventing leaks and draughts into your home.
Colour Options
The colour of your front door plays a big part in your home’s curb appeal. But how to choose a front door colour? It’s a difficult decision when there are so many options out there!
At Safestyle, we offer a wide range of colour choices to suit both traditional and contemporary homes, from timeless classics like white and black to modern shades like grey, green and blue.
If you’re looking for a front door that’s on-trend this year, consider going for a bold and bright option such as deep blue or dark green – anything that really makes a statement. Natural and earthy tones, such as sage green and oak finishes, are also popular for this season, providing a warm and inviting look for any home.
Glazing
If you want to let lots of natural light into your home, then a front door with a glass panel is the way to go. At Safestyle, we offer a variety of glazing options to suit different needs and styles, ensuring your door provides the perfect balance of light, privacy, and security.
For homeowners looking to brighten their entrance, clear or decorative glazed panels allow natural light to filter in. Alternatively, opt for frosted or textured glass if you want to maintain privacy without compromising on style. Either way, our reinforced glass protects your property, offering an extra layer of protection against break-ins.
Size
Most front doors come in standard sizes, which cater to the majority of homes and make installation straightforward. However, if your doorway is larger or unusually shaped, a custom-sized door may be necessary to ensure a seamless fit. If you’re unsure, it’s best to speak with a professional installer, who can guide you through the process of choosing a door that fits your home. All of our doors are made to measure, meaning you’ll get the perfect fit.
Thermal efficiency
A well-insulated door prevents heat loss, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, which can significantly reduce energy bills. Our composite doors are particularly thermally efficient, thanks to their multi-layered construction and insulting foam.
uPVC doors are also energy efficient, with all Safestyle composite doors featuring a high density thermal insulation core, as well as a 70mm multi-chamber frame that provides excellent insulation – as well as strength and security.
Security
Security should be a top priority when it comes to choosing a new front door – and indeed, all of Safestyle’s doors are designed and built with your home’s security in mind.
One of the most important security features you should prioritise is a multi-point locking system. This type of lock secures the door at multiple points along the frame, which makes it harder for intruders to force entry.
The materials used also impact how secure the door is. Composite doors have a slight edge over uPVC doors when it comes to robustness and security, thanks to their multi-layered construction. Reinforced with materials like glass-reinforced plastic and wood, composite doors are thick and durable, making them very difficult to break into.
That’s not to say other types of doors aren’t secure, though – far from it. Our uPVC doors all come with multipoint locks and shoot bolts to anchor the doors securely.
What are the longest lasting front doors?
The lifespan of your front door will typically come down to the material used, as some are more durable than others.
- Composite doors have a long lifespan, of 30 years – or even longer when properly cared for. Their blend of materials including wood and glass-reinforced plastic means they’re very strong and durable, withstanding the weather as well as daily wear and tear.
- uPVC doors are also durable, although not quite as long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect a uPVC door to last for upwards of 20 years.
- Aluminium doors are the longest lasting of all, with a lifespan of up to 45 years if properly maintained, especially when coated with protective finishes to guard against weathering.
Whatever material you choose, your front door will last longer if you properly look after it. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to keep your door free from dust and grime: simply wipe clean with a damp cloth and gentle, non-abrasive soap. Then wipe gently with another soft cloth to dry the door.
In addition to routine cleaning, make sure to check for any signs of wear, such as cracks, chips, or fading, and address them promptly to avoid further damage. Regularly inspect the hinges and locking mechanisms, ensuring they remain free of rust and fully functional. These simple steps will ensure that no matter which type of door you choose, it’ll last for many years to come.
Should a front door match the interior of a house?
Whether your front door matches the inside of your home is entirely down to personal choice. Some people like the cohesive look and feel of matching the front door to the interior, which can create a polished aesthetic.
Other people prefer to make a statement with their front door without feeling the need to tie it in with their interior.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your taste and the atmosphere you want to create in your home. Whether you prefer a cohesive look or a striking contrast, you’ll find a great range of colour options here at Safestyle.
Get A Quote For Your New Composite Door
Now you know how to choose a front door style, are you ready to upgrade your home? Here at Safestyle, we offer a wide range of materials, styles and colours to suit every home – and every budget. Our expert team is on hand to help you find the perfect door, combining security, energy efficiency and curb appeal.
Get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation quote – it only takes 30 seconds.