The best exterior doors provide security, insulation and instant kerb appeal. But what is the best exterior door to buy? And what type of door is best for an exterior door? We’ve put together this useful guide; to help you focus on the right factors and ensure your new door makes a grand entrance.

What is the Best Material for External Doors?

Wooden Entrance Doors

Classic and beautiful, wood offers natural texture and excellent insulation.

It can also be stained or painted to match your style. Hello, bright and bold front door colours. However, wooden entrance doors do require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best (especially during harsh weather).

Hardwood front doors are ideal for achieving a more traditional look (with double hardwood doors providing additional grandeur). Oak front doors introduce character and warmth while offering a lighter toned option to match with your home exterior.

Metal and Aluminium Entrance Doors

A durable and on-trend option, steel-look doors are strong and weather-resistant.

They come in various styles and can be “prehung” for rapid installation. Typically featuring large glass panels, this type of front door makes a proper design statement. It can help to boost natural light in your entrance hallway too.

These designs are great for achieving a clean and modern, industrial style look. Ideal for adding contrast to a period property and personality to a new build. They’re super-secure and look great when paired with with lush greenery and vibrant landscaping

Aluminium external doors are also easy to maintain with no need for additional painting or varnishing. All you need to do is wipe with a damp cloth and touch up occasionally as required.

Composite Entrance Doors

What is the most secure front door in the UK? A composite entrance door is a modern marvel that combines the best of multiple materials. This type of door is often voted as the most weatherproof external door and the most secure external door.

At its heart lies a strong timber core for stability and insulation. This core is then enveloped in layers of weatherproof materials, typically uPVC for durability and a GRP (glass reinforced plastic) outer skin for a beautiful, low-maintenance finish.

What is the best material for a front door in the UK? A composite blend gives composite doors unmatched strength, weather resistance, and a timeless aesthetic. Overall, composite front doors are a popular choice for homeowners seeking that key balance of beauty and functionality. Grey composite doors are especially popular right now.

Learn more about the benefits of composite doors and how to fix any potential issues with our dedicated article.

How to Choose a New Front Door in the UK?

Insulation

Look for a door with a high insulation rating to improve energy efficiency and regulate indoor temperature.

Glazing
Glass panels infuse elegance and increase natural light. Choose clear glass for maximum visibility and frosted glass for privacy. Opt for designs that feature toughened safety glass and double glazing for thermal efficiency and peace of mind.

Style

Your door should complement your home’s architectural style. Wood front doors offer a timeless look, while black steel-look doors are a contemporary, edgier alternative.

Security

A sturdy door with a deadbolt lock and reinforced hinges is crucial. Consider additional security features like peepholes or multi-point locking systems.

Discover how to improve front door security by taking a look at our recommendations and find out why front doors with glazed panels could bring additional and unexpected wellness benefits to your daily lifestyle.

What is the trend in front doors for 2024?

Front door trends for 2024 are all about creating a stylish and secure entrance that reflects your personality and offers the best value for money in terms of durability and longevity.

Bold and Beautiful
Take a breather from neutral tones and embrace individuality with a pop of colour inspired by the natural wold. Deep blues, rich greens, or even bright yellows and oranges are becoming increasingly popular.

Eco-Conscious Materials
Sustainability remains a major trend. Look for doors made from recycled materials such as our FSC® Certified Mix Doors which are responsibly sourced and kinder to our planet. Get the facts on FSC Certified doors to see why this matters.

Statement-Making Glass
Glass panels add visual interest. They allow natural light to flow in which makes it easier to see what’s happening (and where things are) in your entrance way, as well as creating a warm welcome.

Durable and Long-Lasting
High-quality materials are becoming more popular as homeowners seek more value for money. Composite doors especially, offer a balance of contemporary style, weather resistance, and low maintenance.

Learn more about current home design trends including Japandi interior design, Scandinavian interior design , minimalist interior design and the neutral home trend to help you choose a front door that’s in style.

Don’t Forget The Details

Door swing and access
Left or right-hand swing? Single front door or double front doors? Consider space, accessibility (for pushchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs) and traffic flow when deciding.

Consistent style
Think about matching your front door to your patio doors or other key entrance points such as your utility room doors, boot room doors and garden gates for cohesive and elevated feel.

Installation and accessories
Pre-hung door sets come with the frame already attached, making installation easier and faster. Slab doors require a separate frame purchase. And don’t forget to buy external door hardware if it’s not included with the door itself.

Quality and warranty
Our front doors come with a 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee as standard and our aftercare team are always on hand to answer any questions you may have following your purchase.

Buy Front Doors Online from Climadoor

By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect exterior door that enhances your home’s security, beauty, and energy efficiency. Follow us on Instagram, buy exterior doors online with confidence or contact our friendly team for more advice on how to choose external doors.