Composite door recommendation

J

johnsmithsno2

Well-known member
Sorry if this has been asked before. I've looked but can't find any threads on this.

How much should I pay for the door and fitting? Anyone recommend any local companies or companies who work in this area?

Any factors I should be looking for?

Thanks
 
We had a new door fitted last month. Initially went for a composite door but upgraded to a Solidor door which has a solid timber core.
Cost £1640 including all the locks etc, fitting and old door removal.
Really pleased with the door and the fitting.

We used a company local to us in the NW but Solidor have their own website with local fitters to the Middlesbrough area.
 
Way_Out_West said:
£1640 for a door! Blimey. Is that a reasonable price?
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you can get cheaper doors but they're expensive because they're pretty solid. theres youtube videos showing how easy upvc doors are to break into for example.

they look pretty nice too.

we used these;

Solidor, Timber Composite Doors, Front Doors, Design & Fit | Timber Composite Doors

Solidor Composite Doors by Timber Composite Doors the largest range of Timber Core Composite Doors, Stable Doors fitted Nationwide. Design your new door today.
www.timbercompositedoors.com

based in stockton

we went with a thumb-turn internal lock with auto lock in close, love it. we have a concealed key safe if we ever locked ourselves out but it's never happened.
 
Personally I'd get a good timber door as I wouldn't get a composite door again, they have a design flaw making mine (which opens directly into my livingroom from the street) draughtier than the old timber door it replaced and I don't like the kind of lock they come with, I prefer a traditional 5 lever mortice lock.. I haven't got anything worth nicking and don't have any fear where I live (in a mid-terrace on a main road) of people drilling or battering through my front door but I was conned into believing I needed that much security. I was quoted for 2 different types but the cost varies according to the glazing type and door furniture. This was in late 2024:

Quote 1: front door Rockdoor - Jacobean with Apollo glass design - clear backing glass & clear top fan light. Anthracite grey outer door sash - white inner door sash - white UPVC frame - lever handle - letterplate - urn knocker. The total cost for this job comes to £2,415.00 inc Vat @20%

Quote 2: Homeframe composite front door - Rome 2 with horizon glass design - clear top fan light. Anthracite grey outer door sash - white inner door sash - white UPVC frame - lever handle - letterplate - urn knocker. The total cost for this job comes to £1,938.00 inc Vat @20%

As The Tiler said, these composite door manufacturers have local approved fitters but I'd go for a traditional timber door and good joiner to fit it.
 
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kuepper said:
Personally I'd get a good timber door as I wouldn't get a composite door again, they have a design flaw making mine (which opens directly into my livingroom from the street) draughtier than the old timber door it replaced and I don't like the kind of lock they come with, I prefer a traditional 5 lever mortice lock.. I haven't got anything worth nicking and don't have any fear where I live (in a mid-terrace on a main road) of people drilling or battering through my front door but I was conned into believing I needed that much security. I was quoted for 2 different types but the cost varies according to the glazing type and door furniture. This was in late 2024:

Quote 1: front door Rockdoor - Jacobean with Apollo glass design - clear backing glass & clear top fan light. Anthracite grey outer door sash - white inner door sash - white UPVC frame - lever handle - letterplate - urn knocker. The total cost for this job comes to £2,415.00 inc Vat @20%

Quote 2: Homeframe composite front door - Rome 2 with horizon glass design - clear top fan light. Anthracite grey outer door sash - white inner door sash - white UPVC frame - lever handle - letterplate - urn knocker. The total cost for this job comes to £1,938.00 inc Vat @20%

As The Tiler said, these composite door manufacturers have local approved fitters but I'd go for a traditional timber door and good joiner to fit it.
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surely every composite door doesn't have a design flaw? it sounds like yours is just badly fitted which should be sorted under warranty?
 
I can fully recommend Marton Windows. Had 2 composite doors fitted by them and both have made a huge difference when it cones to draught insulation and noise reduction from outside traffic. Triple glazed windows and very solid secure doors. Last one fitted 2 years ago and cost about £1100, fully fitted with guarantee for door and furniture and included taking away old door.
 
ThatFragranceGuy said:
surely every composite door doesn't have a design flaw? it sounds like yours is just badly fitted which should be sorted under warranty?
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The problem is around the lock/latch (see pic) and the hinges, the 'inner' brush pile draught proofing strip can't go over the metal or the door won't shut so these are weak spots especially when it's windy.
 

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kuepper said:
The problem is around the lock/latch (see pic) and the hinges, the 'inner' brush pile draught proofing strip can't go over the metal or the door won't shut so these are weak spots especially when it's windy.
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our door has exactly that and we get zero draughts, so your door is not installed correctly - there should be no way that fluffy strip is your last line of defence against any draught, the door should be tight against a seal against the outer frame on all sides. you should be able to adjust it using the adjustment points around the door

when we moved in we had draughts on every window so went through each room and replaced windows and doors and keep an eye on them, the only issue we've ever had with draughts is french door keyholes, and for that we just put a 3d printed key cap over them
 
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What TFG is saying quite right. The brush seal is to work alongside the seal on the stop.

When closed the door’s outer face should be lightly pressing on the stop seal along all of the stile and head. There should be a threshold seal too, which prevents drafts passing underneath.

It sounds like your door isn’t positioned correctly and either the latch strike pocket isn’t close enough to the stop to hold the door in the correct position or the hinges are set too far back.

Have a look, for gaps, from the outside with the door latched shut.

Definitely fixable 🙂
 
I have a great local recommendation

Been friends with the guy for 30 years

He’s fitted windows and doors to all property I’ve had over the years and I guarantee he will be great price

Pm me for details
 
LowLaneSheriff said:
I have a great local recommendation

Been friends with the guy for 30 years

He’s fitted windows and doors to all property I’ve had over the years and I guarantee he will be great price

Pm me for details
Click to expand...
We can’t PM any longer unless you guys PM’d before the settings were changed.
 
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