When selecting a new front door, understanding the key differences between aluminium front doors and composite doors is essential. Each option has its advantages, but aluminium front doors, such as Alitherm 400 front doors, or Signature doors, offer superior durability, security, and design flexibility. When choosing aluminium doors vs composite doors, you really need to see and try out both doors to understand the visual, quality and styling differences between the two.
Aluminium doors vs Composite doors: What Sets Them Apart?
If you visit a showroom and compare an aluminium front door with a composite door, the differences become immediately apparent. Aluminium doors are powder coated for colour durability, whereas composite doors used a dyed plastic method. Only aluminium doors feature a marine-grade finish as standard and with only routine cleaning, this high-quality coating ensures resistance to extreme weather conditions, preventing fading over time.
In contrast, composite doors have a PVC or fibreglass skin, often resulting in a glossy appearance. While modern composite doors attempt to replicate a timber grain, the grain direction often varies across different parts of the door, making them less suited to contemporary designs. Aluminium doors, on the other hand, provide a perfectly smooth and uniform finish, allowing for a wider range of textures, including wood, concrete, and metallic effects.
Composite doors can be prone to fading, especially the cheaper doors.
Security and Longevity
For homeowners prioritising security, door thickness and construction matter. Most composite door sashes are 44mm thick, whereas aluminium front doors range from 80mm to 95mm. The superior strength of aluminium, combined with high-security locks and premium hardware, provides exceptional protection against forced entry.
Aluminium doors are also more resilient to environmental conditions. According to discussions on The Window Fitters Forum, composite doors with GRP or PVC skins tend to warp or bow in direct sunlight, particularly in darker colours. Aluminium, however, remains structurally stable, making it a long-term investment for any property.
So when comparing aluminium doors vs composite doors, whilst all doors have security testing such as SBD or PAS 24
Cost and Performance
While aluminium front doors generally cost 30-50% more than composite doors, they offer better overall value. The higher-grade hardware, materials, and superior engineering result in a longer lifespan and fewer maintenance issues over time.
For example, Alitherm 400 front doors are manufactured using advanced thermal break technology, ensuring high energy efficiency. Composite doors usually achieve U-values between 1.1 W/m²K and 1.4 W/m²K, whereas aluminium doors can achieve as low as 0.6 W/m²K, providing superior insulation.
Customisation and Design
Aluminium front doors offer unmatched design flexibility. Alitherm 400 doors are available in every RAL colour, along with custom woodgrain, metallic, or textured finishes. Unlike composite doors, aluminium doors can also be custom-designed with intricate detailing, integrated LED lighting, and architectural handles.
For those seeking a truly unique front door, options such as flush glazing, bespoke stainless steel inlays, and decorative accents provide an elegant, high-end aesthetic that composite doors simply cannot match.
Durability and Guarantees
A high-quality aluminium door is built to last for decades. Alitherm 400 front doors come with:
- A 25-year colour guarantee, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy.
- A 10-year hardware guarantee, covering locks, hinges, and handles.
- Industry-leading security features, including multipoint locking systems and PAS24 accreditation for enhanced burglary resistance.
Aluminium Front Doors. The Best Choice for Modern Homes
Our complete range of aluminium front doors is designed around you. We help you create a welcoming entrance for you, your family and visitors and protect your home with class-leading peace of mind security.
Composite doors whilst cheaper don’t represent the best long term value when comparing aluminium doors vs composite doors. Our collection of front doors collection gives you a complete choice, from stylish, feature-packed front doors at an excellent price point to top-of-the-range statement-piece front doors when you desire the best in quality, design, engineering and customisation. A matching range of bespoke aluminium windows and patio doors creates a complete home solution.
For homeowners, architects, and developers seeking a durable, stylish, and secure entrance door, Alitherm 400 front doors are an outstanding choice. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic or a timeless classic design, aluminium doors offer superior craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Visit our showroom and factory and get a fast free quotation for aluminium front doors. Quality and performance.