Understanding the Different Types of Front Doors

Looking for a new front door? You may find yourself confused by the many types of front doors out there. Which is the best type of front door for you? Use these criteria when making your choice:

• Durability
• Maintenance
• Security
• Insulation
• Aesthetics

In this article, we’ll look at how the different types of front doors perform when measured against these important factors, helping you to choose your ideal front door with ease.

1. Premium Security Doors

Let’s begin with the best front door option of them all: premium security doors. They really do check all the boxes, and you can even have them custom-made to suit your home’s design.

Durability: As premium products that are designed to keep homes secure, premium security doors are the most durable of them all. Reinforced galvanised steel forms part of the structure of the doors we manufacture.

Maintenance: With durability comes a reduced need for maintenance. It doesn’t have to be up to you to get it done - we offer maintenance services that keep your door looking as good and operating as well as it did on the day it was installed. Worried about corrosion? Our ten-year guarantee against corrosion on the steel frame should satisfy your concerns.

Security: The premium security doors we manufacture can handle impacts from heavy tools and even most standard power tools. Of course, highly secure locks and tamper-proof hinges form part of this.

Insulation: Apart from the doors themselves (ours are even fire-rated), look for important details like drop-down seals that keep outside air where it belongs. Without a doubt, our premium security doors are the best front doors for insulation.

Aesthetics: Natural wood-look finishes, high gloss finishes, matt finishes, colour options - and designs ranging from the classic to the ultra-modern ensure that your premium security door is a perfect match for your home.

2. Wooden Front Doors

Of all the types of front doors, wooden ones are the first that spring into most people’s minds. Here’s what you need to know about them.

Durability: A good wooden door can be quite durable if well-maintained.

Maintenance: Wood is susceptible to dampness and sun exposure. It will need frequent maintenance to keep it weatherproof and in good working order.

Security: Variable. Choose sturdy, solid wooden doors and pay special attention to door locks and hinges. More locking points, good locks, and tamper-proof hinges mean better security. Additional reinforcements can reduce the chance of wood splintering, cracking, or tearing if subjected to force.

Insulation: Can be good if wooden doors are well-installed and sealed.

Aesthetics: If well-maintained, there’s no denying that wooden doors can look very good.

3. Standard Composite Front Doors

Composite front doors are made in various ways, but they usually have a wooden core with outer layers of uPVC or glass-reinforced plastic.

Durability: Composite front doors can be quite durable, but they’re also subject to a range of unique problems. Common issues include cracking of the outer shell from weather exposure or impacts, warping or “bubbling” and internal rot if the built-in drainage system fails and moisture penetrates the door.

Maintenance: They’re lower-maintenance than wooden doors, but if you pick up issues, full replacement may be needed.

Security: Depending on the type of composite and the associated hardware that goes with the door, composite doors can be secure. However, don’t opt for the cheapest! Foam-filled composite doors are very weak! That’s why our doors feature a galvanised steel core.

Insulation: Provided they are fitted well, composite doors can be more energy efficient than wooden ones.

Aesthetics: Variable. The most common complaint is colour fading after a promising start that looked good. However, higher-quality composite doors are less prone to fading.

4. uPVC Front Doors

If your budget is limited, uPVC doors could be the ideal choice for you. Simply put, they’re made of a weather resistant type of plastic and come in a range of colours and finishes.

Durability: A good quality uPVC door can outlast a poorly-maintained wooden door since it isn’t subject to rotting, warping, or swelling. However, the plastic does break down over time.

Maintenance: uPVC is a very low maintenance option - however, once the PVC grows brittle, you will need to replace the entire door.

Security: uPVC is weaker than a good composite or solid wood. However, if you focus on the locking system and hinges, you can overcome this drawback to a certain extent.

Insulation: uPVC has low thermal conductivity, making it more energy-efficient than, for example, standard aluminium and glass.

Aesthetics: As noted, various door styles are available, but many people see the thicker frames uPVC doors require as less than attractive, others complain of limited options, and many feel that the plastic texture and light weight feel “cheap.”

5. Aluminium Front Doors

Aluminium has several advantages - but it can have its share of drawbacks too. If this option appeals to you, bear the possible drawbacks in mind and ask about how they’ve been addressed.

Durability: With the right coating, aluminium front doors can be very corrosion resistant - but without the proper coating, they can corrode surprisingly quickly.

Maintenance: If you install a high-quality aluminium door, it should require very little maintenance.

Security: Aluminium can even be bullet-proof! However, do check on associated materials, for example, glass, and insist on a multi-point locking system and tamper-proof door.

Insulation: Aluminium and glass conduct heat very easily. This can be countered with the door’s design and construction. For example, Schüco aluminium doors are, to us, the gold-standard when it comes to energy-efficient aluminium and glass options.

Aesthetics: Without a doubt, aluminium doors present a sleek, modern look - among the reasons why they’re so popular. However, we would recommend Schüco doors as patio doors, entrances to multi-unit dwellings, or for commercial buildings rather than using them as domestic front door options.

Custom Made Front Doors From Stronghold Security Doors

Just because we live in the modern age doesn’t mean you should compromise your vision for the sake of fitting in with mass-production. Our factory gives you all the choices you need to get the best type of front door for your home. And, as you can tell from the name, our doors don’t just look good - they help to keep your home safe too. View examples of our premium security front doors and chat to us about what you envision. Handmade in the UK, our doors will suit you - because they’re made for you!