In the UK, you can expect to pay around £800 to £2,500 for a professionally fitted uPVC or composite front door, depending on the material and specification. For that price, you’d usually get the frame, basic locks and handles, fitting, and VAT. But what happens to your old door? Some installers charge extra to take it away, and the same goes for fixing damaged plaster or brickwork around the entrance.
If your front door is difficult to close, lets in draughts, or has seen better days, you might be thinking about getting a new one. Before you do, it’s worth looking at how the materials, design, and installation work affect the price. In some cases, a simple repair could solve the problem.
The amount you pay depends partly on what a quote includes. A door leaf is the moving part; a doorset includes the leaf, frame, and related fittings. Supply-only prices should never be compared directly with fully installed ones.
| Price Type | Guide Price | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Supply only | £500–£1,300 | Standard uPVC or composite doorset with frame and basic hardware; VAT included, fitting excluded |
| Fitting labour only | £200–£600 | Straightforward door installation; door supply excluded, VAT treatment varies by quote |
| Fully installed | £800–£2,500 | Standard single uPVC or composite doorset, frame, hardware, installation labour, and VAT |
These are rounded budgeting ranges, not a measured national average. A basic uPVC door will generally cost less than a composite with decorative glass. Bespoke timber or metal doors can cost over £4,000. Keep in mind that these prices cover doors with different features and specifications.
Front door materials differ in price, appearance, and the care they need. For a fair comparison, the table uses standard-sized doors with the frame, basic fittings, installation, and VAT included.
If your doorway is an unusual size or you want extra panels, expect a different quote. Major repairs aren’t covered, and neither are doors sold without fitting or those made for commercial buildings.
| Material | Typical Fitted Cost | Main Advantages | Upkeep or Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £800–£1,500 | Affordable, weather-resistant, widely available | Easy to clean; fewer traditional finish choices |
| Composite | £1,000–£2,500 | Broad choice of styles, durable finishes | Low upkeep; specifications vary |
| Timber | £1,300–£3,000 | Traditional look, repairable finish | Paint or stain needs attention |
| Aluminium | £1,500–£3,500 | Slim profiles, modern colours | Clean regularly; check thermal design |
| Steel (Mid-Range) | £2,200–£3,700* | Strong construction, specialist designs | Check coating, insulation, and hardware |
* Premium and bespoke steel doors can cost considerably more.
Made from rigid plastic, uPVC doors are usually the cheapest option, costing around £800 to £1,500 with fitting and a new frame.
They come in plain and glazed designs and need little more than regular cleaning. But don’t judge insulation or security by the material alone. The frame, seals, glass, and locking system all affect how well the door performs.
Composite doors aren’t made from just one material. Most have a timber or insulating core covered by a protective outer layer. A standard door will cost around £1,000 to £2,500 with fitting.
Some composite doors look like traditional painted wood, while others have a more modern finish. They also need less upkeep than timber. Before choosing, take a look at the insulation and locking system, as a higher price doesn’t always mean better security.
Timber front doors are made from natural or engineered wood. They’re a popular choice for period homes, especially when you want a painted finish or traditional appearance.
Expect to pay £1,300 to £3,000 for a standard fitted doorset, or more for a custom design. Scratches and other surface damage can often be repaired, although the paint or stain will need renewing over time. Check that the quoted price includes the frame and installation, not just the door itself.
Aluminium doors have slim frames and hard-wearing factory finishes, with fitted prices around £1,500 to £3,500. Look for a thermally broken model, which has an insulating layer within the metal to limit heat loss.
Steel doors are also available, particularly for specialist designs. What you pay depends on the build, finish, locks, and security features. If the protective coating gets damaged, it may need touching up. For both steel and aluminium doors, the frame and glass matter just as much as the metal when it comes to security.
The price also depends on the size of your doorway and the type of door you choose:
Decorative glass and custom colours can add costs. If a quote includes a glazed side panel, don’t add it again.
Making the doorway wider involves more work than simply fitting a larger door. You may need to alter the brickwork, install a new supporting lintel, and get building control approval.
Fitting alone commonly costs £200 to £600, but installers often quote the whole job. Check the scope rather than just the rate.
When replacing a front door, the installer will usually remove the old one, fit the new door and frame, adjust the hinges and locks, and seal any gaps to keep out rain and draughts.
Before accepting the quote, check if removing the old frame, taking away waste, fitting locks, handles, thresholds, and trim, making minor repairs, and checking the finished door are covered. Some installers charge extra for these.
The frame holds the door in position. If it is rotten, distorted, or loose, keeping it may cause problems with the replacement leaf.
A doorset quote normally includes its frame. Damaged plaster, rotten surrounds, weak brickwork, or difficult access can still increase labour. For example, crumbling brickwork may need a separate repair. Agree how extra work will be priced.
Building regulations cover how work is carried out, including insulation and safety glazing. Planning permission deals with whether you’re allowed to make changes to your property. They are separate requirements.
In England, replacement external doors are controlled fittings and must meet the relevant building regulations. If glass covers at least half the door, you’ll normally need building control or an installer registered with a suitable competent person scheme. The rules may differ for doors with less glazing, so check with your installer or local building control before work begins.
FENSA only covers certain door and window replacements in England and Wales. It doesn’t apply to every front door. You can check the requirements in Wales, find out whether a building warrant is needed in Scotland, or contact your council’s building control team in Northern Ireland.
Front doors opening onto shared corridors in flats may also need fire protection. Check the requirements with your installer.
If the door and frame are still in good shape, a repair may be enough. More serious damage could make replacement the better choice.
| Problem | Likely First Step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Loose hinges or faulty handle | Repair | Hardware can often be adjusted or changed |
| Draughts or worn seals | Inspect and repair | New seals or alignment may solve the gap |
| Scratches or peeling paint | Refinish | Surface damage doesn’t always affect function |
| Misted or cracked glass | Assess glass replacement | The glazed unit may be removable |
| Serious rot, warping, or poor fit | Assess full replacement | Repairs may not restore a reliable, safe seal |
Front door glass replacement cost: A rough estimate for a job like this could be around £125 to £700 for standard door-glass replacement jobs, with large or decorative panels costing more. Ask the glazier to confirm fitting, VAT, panel compatibility, and suitable safety glass. A failed sealed unit, for instance, may be replaceable without changing the door.
When comparing repair and replacement prices, make sure both quotes cover any work needed on the frame. A cheaper repair isn’t much use if the original problem remains.
Ask two or three installers to price the same doorset. Look beyond the total. One quote might cover taking the old door away, while another may use cheaper locks or glass.
Check each quote for:
Before hiring, check references, relevant experience, insurance, and applicable scheme registration. Once you’ve established the full project price, consider how you’ll pay. Savings don’t involve borrowing costs. If considering door financing from an appropriately authorised provider, compare the total repayable, fees, terms, and monthly payments before making a decision.
Most front doors take around two to six hours to replace. That’s just the fitting time, though. You’ll also need to allow time for the door to be made and delivered, especially if it’s a custom design. Repairs to the frame or changes to the opening can make installation take longer.
A new front door can make your home more attractive to buyers, especially if the old one looks worn or damaged. It may also help with draughts and security. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll get back what you spent when selling, so choose a door that suits your home and budget.
uPVC is generally the cheapest choice for a complete front door replacement, with fitted prices around £800 to £1,500. You might find timber doors advertised for less, but these prices can be for the door alone. Check whether the frame, locks, and installation are included before comparing costs.
Good locks are important, but they aren’t the only thing that makes a door secure. The frame, hinges, glazing, and quality of installation all play a part. Look for a complete doorset tested to PAS 24, which measures resistance to forced entry. Don’t assume one material is always safer than another.
Composite doors may be worth the extra money if you want a particular style without having to repaint the surface regularly. However, the quality and features can differ quite a bit between models. Before choosing one, compare its insulation, locks, glazing, warranty, and fitted price with similar uPVC or timber doors.
You usually won’t need planning permission if you’re replacing your front door with a similar one. However, listed buildings and homes in conservation areas may face restrictions. You can check the general rules in Planning Portal’s guidance for England, but it’s worth checking with your local planning authority before ordering.
Yes, although fitting a front door takes more than basic DIY skills. You’ll need suitable tools and enough help to lift the heavy doorset into place. Getting the alignment or seals wrong could leave you with draughts, water leaks, or a lock that won’t close properly. Building regulations and any required approvals also need to be considered.
Yes, provided the frame is still sturdy and the new door fits it properly. You’ll need to check the measurements and make sure the hinges, locks, and seals line up. Look closely at the frame’s condition, too. If it’s rotten, warped, or loose, keeping it could leave you with a door too difficult to close or lock.
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