Choosing between composite or aluminium doors

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Nick Dardalis

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When comparing these two front door types, the key differences are price, aesthetics, visible and actual quality and how the doors are designed and made. Both composite and aluminium doors provide a secure and stylish front door solution for a home. Here are the key differences between aluminium and composite doors.

Composite doors vs aluminium doors – comparing materials

composite doors vs aluminium doors dark grey front door in a new-build home

The noticeable difference when comparing composite doors vs aluminium doors is the materials used and how these affect the overall look and feel of the front door.

Composite doors mostly use a PVCu outer frame. Aluminium doors use slimmer and stronger aluminium. Both aluminium and PVCu doors use an outer frame from the major system companies. For composite doors, frames can include those from Rehau, Kommerling, Deceuninck, Spectus and others.

Composite door material pros

  • Fewer colour options
  • More wood-effect options
  • Wider choice of frame styles

Composite door material cons

  • Thicker than aluminium
  • Not as strong as aluminium
  • Less modern looking

Aluminium front doors also use frame profiles from the major system companies and brands, with a bought-in or self-manufactured door panel.

Aluminium door material pros

  • Slimmer and stronger.
  • Looks more modern.
  • More standard colour options..

Aluminium door material cons

  • Fewer traditional design options.
  • Hard to find in a wood-effect.
  • Paint needs repair if damaged.

Aluminium doors vs composite doors – design and construction

When comparing aluminium and composite front doors, two noticeable differences is how they are designed and made.

On composite doors, the door leaf comprises either a polyurethane thermal core or a solid timber core. The timber core is always the thicker, better and higher quality composite door option and comes recommended. Externally, the thermal core is covered with two decorative PVC outer skins glued to the core and in various colours and designs. Composite door PVCu frames use a welded construction.

Both aluminium and composite doors are well insulated. PVCu uses multi-chamber profiles combined with the insulated door slab. Aluminium doors use thermally insulated profiles working with the thermal core of the door leaf. And because all the aluminium components use the same colouring process, colour consistency is more likely with an aluminium door than a composite door. Colour accuracy, although generally good, cannot be guaranteed with composite doors because the components come from different suppliers.

For the decorative panel, whether solid or partially glazed, you’ll get a strong and reliable panel when comparing both aluminium doors vs composite doors. Composite doors with a solid timber core, like Solidor or Endurance, offer the best feel. It’s also logical that a solid timber core is perceived as better than foam or polyurethane.

Another visible difference comparing composite and aluminium doors is the cassettes used to house the glass on the composite model. Some cheaper models show the fixings holding the cassette in place, which can look unsightly. Aluminium doors use aluminium for their cassettes, not plastic, and the look is altogether better by design.

Whilst you do get contemporary designs with composite doors, in many cases composite doors more often try to replicate the look of a timber door. Most recreate this look well with the grained wood-like appearance that is harder to achieve with aluminium front doors.

Composite door design pros

  • Simple design makes doors faster to make.
  • Traditional doors look more authentic.
  • Solid core doors feel like a wood door.

Composite door design cons

  • Harder to achieve a premium look.
  • Feels less robust than aluminium.
  • Cheaper doors are less robust.

The design and manufacture of aluminium front doors is more sophisticated, with a longer manufacturing process. The use of aluminium throughout the door set creates a more luxurious-looking door compared to composite doors.

Aluminium or steel door panels utilise an altogether different construction simply because having an all-metal design is better than PVC. The type of panel you get with aluminium or aluminium/steel doors depends on how the door is designed as there are many types of styles.

Overall, aluminium doors benefit from consistency with a more streamlined and coherent look and they don’t try to replicate a wood door, although wood-effect finishes are available. The painting process on aluminium doors is more advanced and looks more authentic – it’s not pretending to be another material. Aluminium doors are powder coated using an advanced coating process.

Aluminium door material pros

  • Better colour consistency.
  • Doors have a visible higher quality.
  • Aluminium frame joints look neater.

Aluminium door material cons

  • Longer lead times.

Thicker door panels with aluminium

When comparing composite doors vs aluminium doors the thickness of the door panel itself may be a deciding factor, but this depends on the door you choose. For instance, Origin doors use the ‘glazed-in’ panel design which won’t be as thick as a door designed to be thicker at up to 90mm.

Composite doors vs aluminium doors – thermal expansion

It is widely reported on various online window-fitter forums about issues with twisting or expanding composite doors. It is also well known about PVCu having more thermal expansion than aluminium. Composite doors in a darker colour and on sunnier elevations may be prone to thermal expansion resulting in sticking doors or being hard to lock. Darker colours are especially problematic on composite doors.

The reduced thermal expansion on aluminium is widely known to provide significantly more reliable doors with none of the issues of composite doors when facing the sun.

Where composite doors are better than aluminium doors

composite front doors in a wood design to a cottage
composite doors vs aluminium doors showing a solidor product in a cottage

There are several areas where composite doors are actually better than aluminium doors. Composite doors are best when you want a traditional style. Composite doors are also best for stable doors. These are doors where the top half of the door opens like a window creating ventilation and they’re great in older houses. The only other option for stable doors is timber or hybrid doors. Aluminium doors aren’t available with a stable door design.

When you want a really good front door at a low price, composite doors are hard to beat. Comparing composite doors vs. aluminium doors on price, expect to pay around 40%-60% more for a mid-range model in aluminium. So composite doors are better for those on a budget, rental properties and houses being renovated to sell on.

One advantage of composite doors vs aluminium doors is their option for having a fire-rated model. Aluminium has no fire rating, so you’ll either have to go with a fire-rated steel door or a suitable steel-clad aluminium system.

Composite door pros

  • Stable door design.
  • The cheapest front door option.
  • Fire-rated front door option.

Where aluminium doors are better than composite doors

contemporary aluminium front door in a brick-built house

For those homeowners looking for a higher quality, or luxury front door, aluminium provides more options compared to composite doors. Aluminium remains a more high-end product and composite doors are never perceived as top end or luxurious.

Aluminium also offers significantly better sizes than composite doors. They go wider and taller than composite doors. The benefit is that some doorways using a composite door mean having a side panel or glaze panel above where you can have a complete door set in aluminium.

It’s also the same for smaller doorways. Composite doors struggle to get below 800mm wide, and many older cottages need narrow doors. Aluminium doors can go as narrow as 400mm with many models, so they’re a better solution here.

Where composite doors are better for traditional designs with a good choice of modern, aluminium is the go-to product for contemporary doors. Compare the two products side by side, and you’ll see how much better aluminium doors look in the modern style. Smaller or even concealed hinges, bold architectural quality door handles, metal strips and modern glass. All these features just work and look better in an aluminium door.

Above all, it’s life expectancy. Aluminium front doors will last longer than composite doors with routine cleaning and periodic adjustments if needed. Of course, composite doors vary in quality and price, but look at the faded front doors on many new homes using composite materials.

Aluminium door pros

  • Better for large or small doors.
  • Best for luxury doors.
  • Gives genuine architectural quality.

Security on composite doors vs aluminium doors

The good news is both door types provide excellent security high quality hardware, secure door cylinders and multi-point locking.

As both aluminium and composite doors undergo similar security testing methods and pass, there’s little to worry about for front door security.

Energy efficiency on composite doors vs aluminium doors

The U-Values you get comparing composite doors vs aluminium doors depend on the thickness of the panel and the product itself. Both door types should meet current Building Regulations.

Depending on the model, aluminium doors offer similar or better ratings with Passivhaus doors available and aluminium panels with U-Values well below 1.0Wm2K. The lower the U-Value, the more energy-efficient the product.

Composite doors vs aluminium doors – how much do they cost?

What you can expect to pay for composite doors mainly depends on whether you choose a door with a solid core or a cheaper infill.

Composite doors cost from £1000 up to £2500.

Aluminium doors have so many brands, varying specifications, size capability and designs, all these factors affect the price you pay.

A more standard aluminium front door starts at around £1800, up to £10000 or more for the top-of-the-line brands. Some aluminium brands are now priced at virtually composite door prices.

More information about aluminium front doors

When comparing aluminium doors vs composite doors, an aluminium door looks better, lasts longer and is a more flexible product suiting more property types. Composite doors are widely available, offer a better solution for those on a budget and are better when you want to get the look of a wood door.

Whether you choose a composite or an aluminium door, both are well-insulated, reliable and secure, with a good guarantee. Budget, design and quality are usually the deciding factors. Get in touch for more information about where to buy aluminium front doors near you.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
Rachel LauRachel Lau
09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
13:18 02 Apr 23
Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
David NunnDavid Nunn
20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
Keith BarnesKeith Barnes
17:18 10 Dec 22
Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
Munim ChowdhuryMunim Chowdhury
11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
SUSAN wallaceSUSAN wallace
17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
Nick McCormackNick McCormack
20:25 14 Aug 22
Really helpful and useful came back to me on a Sunday with some invaluable information. Highly recommended.
ray addisonray addison
13:14 14 Aug 22
received a prompt reply to my query,and helpful information from ATS
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