The difference is in how they’re built. A uPVC door is a panel, typically 28mm thick, held in a hollow uPVC frame with steel or aluminium reinforcement. A composite door is a solid slab, typically 44mm or 48mm, with an insulated core and a GRP or thermoplastic skin, sitting in a reinforced outer frame. Everything else follows from that.
Construction
uPVC: extruded uPVC profiles welded into a frame, reinforced internally, with a foam-filled or glazed panel infill. Colour is either white through the profile or a foil laminated onto it.
Composite: a pressed slab. Either high-density foam injected between two skins (the common 44mm construction) or laminated timber layers (the 48mm solid-core construction), with a reinforced lock block on the locking edge and sealed edges. Colour is part of the skin.
Looks
uPVC comes in white and a range of foils (anthracite, oak, rosewood and more) and looks clean and modern. Composite is moulded with a woodgrain or smooth texture and passes for painted timber, with more colour choice and dual-colour options. Both take the same glazing designs.
Weight and feel
Composite is noticeably heavier and closes with a solid thud. uPVC is lighter and easier to hang, which is one reason it’s common on side doors.
Security
Both use multi-point locking. The difference is what the lock is anchored into and how easily the door can be flexed. A composite slab resists panel attack; a uPVC panel is the weaker element. Our composite doors are built to the Secured by Design standard.
Warmth
Both must meet the same Building Regulations limit for replacement doors in England (a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or an equivalent energy rating). Composite doors generally sit lower in the range and hold their seal better because the slab doesn’t flex.
Maintenance and lifespan
Both need only a wipe down and the occasional drop of oil. Neither rots or needs painting. Composite is generally expected to last longer because the slab keeps its shape and the finish is more resistant to wear.
Price
uPVC is cheaper. See what is the price difference between uPVC and composite doors? for why.
Compare the two ranges yourself: uPVC doors and composite doors. We fit both and will quote either or both.
Thinking about a composite door? We supply and fit them across Wolverhampton, and you deal directly with us, the owners. Call 01902 633355, message us on WhatsApp, or design your door online and we’ll put a proper price together for you. Finance options are available if you’d like to spread the cost.