Comparing timber entrance doors to PVC and composite
February 16, 2024 | Homeowner | Written by Nicola Harrison
When it comes to a home’s entrance door there are three primary materials used throughout the UK. PVC, composite and timber are the most popular options and each material has a different set of qualities. Let’s explore what defines them and the benefits they offer to homeowners across the nation.
Understanding different door materials
What is PVC?
PVC doors are manufactured from a synthetic material commonly used for external doors. They were first introduced to the UK in the 1980s and have been an incredibly popular option among homeowners because of their affordability.
What is composite?
Composite doors have a multi-layered structure combining materials like timber, PVC and glass-reinforced plastic. They were originally designed to mimic the look of a traditional wooden door and promised to deliver modern performance.
What is timber?
Made from hardwood or redwood, timber doors have been a popular choice in homes for centuries thanks to their traditional designs, natural beauty and incredible longevity.
Comparing PVC and composite doors to timber front doors
With a better understanding of the different materials, we’ll move on to compare PVC and composite entrance doors with timber front doors in terms of durability, aesthetic appeal and performance to showcase why timber is a fantastic option.
Durability of PVC and composite doors
Both PVC and composite doors offer homeowners a sturdy and reliable entrance door but so do modern timbers doors. In fact, when manufactured and finished to a high standard wooden doors are resistant to warping, rotting, and peeling meaning they can endure any extreme weather conditions just as well as these other alternatives.
Longevity of PVC and composite
Although PVC and composite doors are set to last between 20 and 30 years, the longevity of a top-quality timber entrance door can’t be matched. At Bereco, our wooden doors are truly built to last a lifetime and boast a 60-year lifespan.
Aesthetic appeal of PVC and composite doors
In terms of the final finish of PVC and composite doors, homeowners often get a limited selection of options so could struggle to find the style of door that perfectly suits their home. Timber, however, can be heavily customised so that people can create an exceptionally finished front door which makes a real statement at the entrance of their property.
At Bereco, we take pride in giving our customers the ability to design a beautifully bespoke wooden door. In fact, our doors can be fully customised with thousands of paint and stain options from multiple colour charts, and options for different internal, external, frame and leaf finishes.
From browsing a wide selection of colour options, glazing and ironmongery options, every door we supply is completely unique to every home.
Sustainable qualities of PVC and composite
While modern day PVC and composite front doors have no doubt evolved to become more sustainable compared to when they were first introduced in the UK, this is one area where timber can’t be matched.
In addition to being made from a renewable material, we have specially designed our products to ensure they deliver optimum energy efficiency. As a result, our timber doors can achieve incredible thermal insulation and actually perform much better than what is currently stipulated in the Part L Building Regulations.
Are timber entrance doors the right choice for your home?
After exploring the unique qualities and styles of timber doors, you may be wondering if they are the right choice for your home. Unfortunately, there are still a range of misconceptions surrounding the performance of timber entrance doors, but in reality, the product offers a unique set of benefits and makes an incredible addition to any property.
Timber doors offer natural and beautiful, timeless designs and a warm and inviting aesthetic, greatly enhancing the exterior appeal of any home. What’s more quality timber doors, manufactured and supplied by a reputable company, deliver incredible performance and last a lifetime.
Factory finished doors manufactured from engineered laminated timber make warping, rotting and peeling a thing of the past for timber doors. In reality, quality timber doors are incredibly durable making them a worth opponent when considering upgrading your home’s entrance.
Factors to consider when choosing the timber entrance door for your home
As a focal point of your property, the style and colour of your external door will have a significant impact on the overall aesthetics of your home.
Before selecting a final design we’d recommend considering the architectural style of your home to make sure it complements any existing features. Whether you prefer a traditional or more contemporary look we offer an extensive range of colour choices and ironmongery options so that you can find the best match for your home.
Stylish, secure and stunning our entrance doors are functional and beautiful. Get in touch with a member of our team today to discuss how you can make a real statement with a brand new front door for your property.
If you’re looking to upgrade and replace any other existing exterior doors within your home, with a high quality timber alternative, browse our full external door range today which includes everything from premium French doors to seamless sliding patio doors and luxury bi-folding doors.