Composite vs uPVC Doors: Which Offers Better Security and Style?
- 3 August 2025
- News
Key Findings
- Composite doors offer the market’s highest level of security, thermal efficiency, and durability.
- uPVC doors are a more affordable option while still providing excellent energy efficiency and security.
- Both options are highly customisable, despite uPVC’s unwelcome association with plain white finishes.
- Maintenance is minimal for both types, requiring just an occasional wipe.
- Choosing between them depends on your budget, style preferences, and priorities for security and insulation.
Choosing a new front door is an important decision.
Front doors are the first and last thing to greet you whenever you pass through your home, forming the basis of your guests’ initial impression while also playing a vital role in the performance of your property.
You rely on the entrance of your home to protect against storms, regulate internal temperatures, and match your home’s existing aesthetic, emphasising the significance in making the right purchase.
Composite and uPVC front doors are two of the market’s most popular entrance doors, and for good reason. In this guide we’ll walk you through the differences between these options, so that you can choose the ideal option for your home.
What is a Composite Door?
A composite door is made from a combination of materials. They typically consist of a solid timber or foam core encased in layers of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and uPVC. This clever manufacturing process results in a door that’s not only incredibly strong but also highly thermally efficient, stylish, and resistant to moisture.
Composite doors first emerged in the late 1990s as a modern alternative to traditional timber doors, and they’ve been a popular choice ever since. Known for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and high level of security, composite doors are considered the industry’s finest option for homeowners who want long-term peace of mind.
At Crown, we offer an impressive selection of quality composite doors from trusted brands like Universal, Apeer, and Solidor. You’ll find a wide range of styles, bespoke colours (from Anthracite Grey to Chartwell Green and everything in between), and premium door furniture options to truly personalise your entrance.
Composite doors consist of multiple materials, creating the perfect solution for modern life.
What is a uPVC Door?
A uPVC door (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) became a popular alternative to wooden doors back in the 1980s and remains a common sight on homes across the UK today. uPVC is a form of durable plastic and is not only the UK’s most popular door material, but also the most widely used to make windows.
Our uPVC doors at Crown are built with reinforced frames, multi-point locking systems, and robust insulated cores to help keep out intruders and reduce heat loss. Plus, thanks to their natural resistance to moisture, they won’t warp, crack, or rot even under harsh weather conditions.
uPVC is sometimes associated with a plain white finish, which no longer needs to be the case thanks to advances in technology. At Crown, we’re proud of our stunning range of finishes, including, classic White, French Grey, Duck Egg Blue, and Black, and various woodgrain effects. Decorative glass options are also available.
uPVC is a highy customisable material.
Composite Doors vs uPVC Doors: The Full Comparison
Security
Composite doors boast high-pressure bonded layers, timber or foam cores, and advanced locking systems, making them one of the most secure door types on the market.
uPVC doors are also highly secure, especially with modern reinforced frames and multi-point locks, but the construction is generally less heavy-duty than composite.
Winner: Composite Doors
Composite doors offer a higher level of security thanks to their core and combination of materials.
Style
Both composite and uPVC doors come in a wide range of styles, colours, and glazing options. Whether you want something sleek and modern or traditional with decorative glass panels, both materials offer excellent versatility.
Winner: Draw
You’ll find a stunning range of styles, finishes, and custom options with both composite and uPVC doors at Crown.
Affordability
When it comes to upfront cost, uPVC doors are the cheaper option. They’re an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners who still want a beautiful and secure new door.
Composite doors, while offering superior performance, usually carry a higher upfront cost.
Winner: uPVC Doors
uPVC doors offer fantastic value for money while still delivering on security, durability, and style.
Thermal Efficiency
Thanks to their insulated frames and thicker core materials, composite doors tend to perform better in terms of thermal efficiency. That means lower energy bills and better home comfort all year round. Although it’s a close duel, with uPVC also boasting excellent thermal efficiency thanks to its multi-chambered design.
Winner: Composite Doors
Composite doors have the edge when it comes to energy efficiency and minimising heat loss.
Low Maintenance
Both composite and uPVC doors are extremely low maintenance. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep them looking fresh for years to come.
Winner: Both
If easy upkeep is an important factor, you can’t go wrong with either door type.
Durability
Composite doors are incredibly durable, resisting knocks, scratches, and harsh weather for decades. uPVC doors are also durable but may not match the lifespan of a composite over the long run.
Winner: Composite Doors
If you want maximum longevity and robustness, composite doors are the way to go. uPVC doors are estimated to last around 20/25 years, with composite doors closer to 30.
In Summary: Which is Best for You?
When choosing between a composite and uPVC door, ask yourself:
- What is your budget? (uPVC is more affordable)
- How important is security? (Composite offers higher protection)
- Do you prioritise thermal efficiency? (Composite wins here)
- Which style suits your home? (Both offer a wide choice)
- How long do you want the door to last? (Composite edges ahead)
There’s no right or wrong answer — it’s about finding the ideal choice for your needs.
Composite Doors from Crown
Our composite doors combine style, strength, and security with unmatched thermal efficiency.
Choose from a huge selection of colours, glazing options like Flemish or Taffeta, and premium door furniture to design your dream entrance.
With brands like Universal, Apeer, and Solidor on offer, you’re guaranteed a quality composite door that elevates your home.
uPVC Doors from Crown
Our uPVC doors are durable, weatherproof, and incredibly versatile. Available in a wide choice of colours and decorative glass designs, our uPVC range offers affordability without compromising on security or energy efficiency. Perfect for homeowners who want stylish, low maintenance doors at a great price.
Who are Crown?
At Crown Conservatories, Windows, & Doors LTD, we have over 20 years of experience installing premium windows and doors across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire.
Our FENSA-registered team specialises in made-to-measure solutions, and we proudly offer a 10-year guarantee and insurance-backed guarantees on all installations.
We supply and fit a complete range of windows (casement, sliding sash, flush sash, tilt and turn, and Georgian styles) and doors (uPVC, composite, patio, French doors, and more) using high-performance materials designed to stand the test of time.
Visit our state-of-the-art showroom in Milton Keynes, or contact us today on 01908 507 778 or info@crownwindows.co.uk to discuss your next home improvement project.
