Are premium composite doors worth the extra cost?

Premium composite doors are a cut above regular composite doors. But are they worth the extra investment? Let's compare features and value.



Compared to cheaper options like uPVC front doors, composite doors are an all-round upgrade.

They're stronger. They're more secure. They're longer-lasting. And their realistic wood-grain texture makes them – for many – a more attractive option.

They're also more expensive. While prices vary from supplier to supplier and from door to door, composite doors typically cost 40% to 60% more than their uPVC cousins.

With that in mind, you might argue that composite doors are already a premium option. So, why would you invest even more in a premium composite door?

And, more to the point, what makes them so "premium", anyway?

That's what we explore in today's article. We look at what makes premium composite doors better than standard composite doors and ask, "Are they worth the upgrade?"

(Spoiler: if you value strength, security and kerb appeal, the answer is a big, fat yes.)

What, exactly, is a premium composite door?

"Premium" means different things to different people. And in the home improvement industry, it's often used very loosely. A "premium" label could point to something as simple as a deluxe colour option or as comprehensive as a complete product upgrade.

So, let's nip any confusion in the bud right away. Our premium composite doors are very much a complete upgrade. From their thickness to their glass panels – everything is bigger, better, stronger or more visually appealing.

This is not just a run-of-the-mill composite door with a new coat of paint. It's a completely different product with a completely different set of specifications.



How are premium composite doors better than standard composite doors?

They're thicker

On average, a composite door measures around 44mm (1¾ inches) thick. That's already an upgrade on uPVC, which usually runs to around 28mm (1 inch).

Our premium composite doors are even thicker than the average – and for good measure, we've upgraded the internal reinforcement, too.

The obvious benefit of all this is strength. You'd probably need a battering ram and a spare afternoon to have any hope of bashing one down.

But the extra thickness and denser interiors also improve thermal performance. That means they're better at keeping heat in and keeping energy bills down.

They're more secure

Naturally, a stronger door is a more secure door.

But for security-conscious homeowners, our premium composite doors offer more than strength alone. We've also upgraded nearly every piece of door hardware to help keep would-be burglars at bay.

Our premium doors have Chubb locks with anti-snap cylinders, anti-bump mechanisms and concealed strengtheners. Even if a burglar knows every trick in the book, they'd have a very hard time outsmarting these doors.

On top of that, the doors come fitted with reinforced hinge plates. Once they're screwed in, they're not going anywhere.

There are even more ways to make them your own

Our standard composite doors come in a wide range of colours and styles, with a choice of traditional and contemporary glass panel designs for good measure.

When you go premium, however, you unlock even more variety:

• More than 40 standard colours
• Colour-matching to any RAL shade, on request
• Dual colour combinations (inside/out)
• Dozens of slab styles, including minimalist, Victorian, Art Deco and rustic options
• More than 100 glass panel designs, including traditional, contemporary, leaded, frosted and stained glass options
  
  

This customisability is a real boon if you live in a character property and need a door to match. Or, of course, if you simply care about your home's appearance and want to make a great first impression.



uPVC vs standard composite vs premium composite

Are premium composite doors worth the extra cost?

That all depends on where it's going and what you want from your door.

If it's a back door or side door and you're not too concerned about security, then the honest answer is "Maybe not". You won't be missing out much by installing a standard composite door or a budget-friendly uPVC option.

If, however, you want a robust, secure front door that looks and feels that little bit extra, we reckon it's well worth the investment. The same goes for back and side doors that need enhanced security.

Ask yourself:

• ⏳ How long am I planning to stay in my home? If you want a door that goes the distance, premium composite is a solid option.
  
  
• 👮 How important is security to me? For total peace of mind, you can't go wrong with a premium composite door.
  
  
• 👀 Do I need a specific look? Perhaps you live in a period property or a modern, minimalist home. With more design flexibility, premium composite doors make it easier to nail the look.
  
  
• 🏡 Do I care about kerb appeal? A premium composite door says, "I care about my home and want it to look good." Whether you're planning to sell in future or just want to make a great first impression, you'll boost your kerb appeal with a premium door.
  
  

We've installed premium doors in Yorkshire for 30+ years

Calder Windows is a trusted home improvement company based in Normanton, West Yorkshire. We've helped local homeowners create safer, happier homes for more than 30 years.

All our products are professionally installed and come with generous warranties. So, you can trust that you're not just getting a great product – you're getting a robust, problem-free installation, too.

Do you live in Yorkshire and want the best composite door for your home? We'd love to help. To contact our team, simply drop us a message online or call 01924 897 040.