Types of External Doors

External doors have a vital function, but we also want them to look beautiful. In fact, a lot of people will pay more for a certain design or material instead of going for the cheapest option. And, while paying more for external doors usually comes with added security benefits, the main reason people invest more into their external door is to boost their kerb appeal.

For passers-by, the exterior of your property is the only thing they see. So, why not give it a bit of character? Reflect the beauty that is inside your home and jazz up your exterior.

There are many types of front doors to choose from; uPVC, timber and aluminium are the main 3 materials to use. However, composite is another type of external door material that is just as popular.

If you want to invest in a fancy new front or back door, but are trying to keep to a budget, uPVC is the cheapest material to use. You can always jazz it up with a bit of paint. In fact, uPVC doors use RAL paint selection, meaning you can have this type of exterior door in absolutely any colour.

The different types of external doors can become a bit mind-boggling. Ideally you have a list of all the features that you want your external door to have; do you want glass panes? Perhaps, a double locking system? You must decide upon this before taking the plunge and purchasing a new external door.

When it comes to exterior doors, “which exterior door is best” isn’t a great question to ask. You may get ideas through your research, but it all comes down to personal preference. An external door that is perfect for your neighbour isn’t necessarily the right door for you.

So, what are the types of doors? Below, we’ll discuss the different types of exterior doors, as well as giving you a list of their benefits and disadvantages. This allows you to make informed decisions for you, your family and your home.

Wood External Doors

Wood is one of the most popular materials to use for external doors. It sits in the middle of the price range, but you can find multiple wooden doors within every pricing category; it makes them the perfect all-rounder.

External wooden doors require very little maintenance, although uPVC and aluminium beat it in this category. Wood can expand, contract, crack and fade if left untreated. By treating your door before installation, upkeep is minimal.

Wooden doors can be painted in any colour, and with ease. They look great on modern and dated properties due to their natural finish.

Using wood for your external doors is a great choice when it comes to safety. They aren’t as strong as aluminium, however, they’re a lot more durable when compared to uPVC. For more information on home security, please take a look at our External Door Security guide.

Composite External Doors

When compared to uPVC and wood, a composite door is by far the most expensive. But, this is due to it compromising of both of those materials. 

A composite door is usually made from wood, uPVC, plastic that has been reinforced with glass and insulating foam. This gives the door all the benefits that you’d get from each material if used singularly. It’s a great insulator, mainly because of the insulating foam. It looks somewhat like a wooden door, but with the added flexibility of a uPVC door. The wood creates a very strong and durable body but won’t fade in colour like a standard wooden door would.

The only downside of a composite door is the hefty cost. But, if you think about how much money you’ll save on energy bills, you may favour a composite door over the others. 

Can you put a price tag on security?

uPVC External Doors

uPVC external doors are the most inexpensive. If you’re on a budget, uPVC is for you.

Many people are put off by the look and feel of uPVC. But, what you may not know is that uPVC is a versatile product. It can be fully customised in shape, style, and colour to suit your needs.

Although uPVC isn’t as strong and wood and aluminium, it has a long lifespan and requires very little maintenance. uPVC won’t rot or warp in harsh weather conditions. It rarely gets damaged by the elements too. Unlike wood, you don’t need to treat uPVC. All that a uPVC door needs is a wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove any dirt from its surface.

Aluminium External Doors

Aluminium is an expensive material for a front door; it sits up near the top with composite doors. However, aluminium is a high-quality material. It rarely gets damaged from harsh weather conditions, doesn’t need treating, and is incredibly robust, like our Climadoor Aluminium Bifold doors.

For maintenance, aluminium only requires a wipe clean like uPVC. However, you must ensure that you use a soft clean sponge as aluminium can scratch easily.

Aluminium is a beautiful material. Your kerb appeal is instantly boosted by using this for your external door. If you don’t like the standard metal colour of this material. You can paint aluminium to suit your style. For more information, please have a read of our How to Paint an Exterior Door guide.

External Bifold Doors

External bifold doors are a great addition to your home. They open up your space by creating a larger feel to the room. They allow nature to come into your home; you can take pride in your garden without having to go outside. 

Bifold doors also bring natural light into the home. On sunnier days, you won’t need to use any internal lighting resulting in lower energy bills.

Decorate your external bifolds with long and flowing curtains to draw the eye to the area. Dressing your bifold doors creates a statement piece in the room, whilst giving it a beautiful backdrop of your garden.

You can use bifold doors to separate rooms internally, too. If you take out a wall and replace it with a set of bifolds you can open up your space or close off your space with a simple pull of the door. It’s a great alternative to concrete walls - especially as bifolds come either double or triple glazed as you can reduce noise too.

External Patio Doors / External French Doors

External French doors are a great way to bring the outdoors in if you have limited wall space. Bifold doors are great, however they can be quite large. If you have limited space available, French doors are a great option.

Like bifold doors, they come either double or triple glazed to improve your thermal efficiency and reduce noise pollution. They’re also great to dress with sheer curtains.

Victorian External Doors

Victorian doors can come in a range of different types and styles. They can a grand wooden front door or a set of French doors to your garden. Victorian doors are all about their style and colour. They look great on an old-fashioned home, minimalistic home, or a home with a country-cottage vibe.

Conclusion

External doors come in a range of styles, materials, and colours. There is a variety for you to choose from, from a wide price range.

When picking your external doors you need to think about:

• Space

• Usage

• Budget

• Colour

• Size