If you're considering purchasing a new door, you might be comparing options such as steel doors, composite doors, wooden doors, or uPVC doors.
Steel doors were once criticized for their industrial appearance, but with modern design improvements, there are now plenty of stylish and home-friendly options available. Take a look at our residential steel door gallery — they're anything but bulky!
Keep reading as we compare steel doors vs. uPVC, composite, and wooden doors, evaluating their price, durability, strength, insulation, and security to help you choose the best option for your needs.
A steel front door typically consists of a steel frame filled with mineral wool, polyurethane, or polystyrene foam between two layers of double steel sheets. The steel frame and outer panels ensure excellent security and prevent warping over time, while the insulated core provides additional thermal protection.
It's worth noting that completely solid steel doors are rare since they would be excessively heavy and difficult to hinge properly.
Steel doors come in various thicknesses and weights. Generally, the thicker and heavier the steel, the greater the strength.
The accompanying door frame is also made of steel, reducing the risk of the frame cracking or splitting under force — a common issue with uPVC or wooden door frames.
The core can be filled with insulating materials such as mineral wool or foam, enhancing thermal efficiency and soundproofing. Some models can reduce noise by up to 38 dB.
Galvanized steel (steel dipped in molten zinc) provides resistance against rust and weather, requiring minimal maintenance.
A high-quality powder-coated finish ensures the door never needs repainting — unlike wooden doors, which often require regular refinishing.
Steel doors are also dimensionally stable, resisting moisture and temperature changes. They are fire-resistant by design and, when fire-rated, can effectively delay the spread of flames.
In addition, steel doors are available in a wide range of styles and colors to match any architectural design.
uPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) doors are made from rigid, unplasticized plastic — meaning no additives are used during production.
They are commonly found in residential buildings as front, back, or patio doors, offering low-cost and low-maintenance performance. However, they are generally less secure than steel or composite doors.
Easy to clean — simply wipe or rinse with water.
No painting required — maintenance-free surface.
Rust-proof and weather-resistant, though can heat up under extreme sunlight.
Good wind resistance when properly installed.
Available in multiple colors and styles.
While steel doors are typically more expensive than uPVC doors, they offer superior strength, longevity, and security. A galvanized and powder-coated steel door built to proper specifications can last for decades with minimal upkeep. In terms of overall value, steel doors are a better long-term investment — more durable, heat-resistant, and secure than uPVC alternatives.
Composite doors are built using multiple materials — often uPVC, wood, and insulating foam — each chosen for its specific performance benefits. These materials are bonded to create a strong, thermally efficient structure. Typically, composite doors feature a solid timber core encased in a permanent uPVC skin, styled and colored to your preference. They are generally thicker, stronger, and more energy-efficient than uPVC doors, though also more expensive.
High thermal efficiency and insulation.
Solid timber core provides strong resistance to forced entry.
Longer lifespan than wood or uPVC.
Low maintenance — no repainting needed.
Available in multiple colors and designs.
Excellent sound insulation thanks to their multi-layer design.
Fire-rated options available.
Both steel and composite doors are attractive and highly secure options. However, steel doors tend to be stronger by design and can be upgraded with reinforced panels for added protection.
Standard steel doors also withstand higher temperatures, making them a safer option in fire emergencies, especially when fire-rated. While composite doors offer a premium aesthetic and customization, they are typically more expensive since they are often made to order.
Wooden doors can be made from a variety of hardwoods such as oak, elm, beech, mahogany, walnut, or sycamore. They are perfect for homeowners seeking a traditional, natural appearance.
Wide range of designs and finishes.
Can be repainted or refinished for a new look.
Can be trimmed or modified to fit unique openings.
From a design standpoint, standard steel doors generally offer greater security than wooden ones.
Galvanized and powder-coated steel doors require far less maintenance, while wooden doors may warp or rot over time unless regularly painted. Steel doors also support a wider range of locking systems — we recommend multi-point locking mechanisms for maximum protection.
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