Choosing an entrance door is a decision for years, and customers most often ask us about three things: whether the door is warm, whether it's secure, and what you can get for a particular budget. In this article we answer each of those questions, so you know what to look for and how not to overpay for things you don't need — nor scrimp on those that really matter.

Warmth — is the door warm

A door's thermal insulation is described by its heat-transfer coefficient. The lower the value, the better the door keeps heat in the house. It's affected above all by the thickness and infill of the leaf and the quality of the seals. A thicker leaf with a proper insulating core means genuinely lower heating bills and no noticeable draught at the door in winter.

Security — is the door burglar-resistant

A door's resistance to break-ins is determined not by the leaf alone but by the whole set: a multi-point lock, reinforcements, hinges and the quality of the installation. A solid hybrid or composite door with a multi-point lock is a serious obstacle for a burglar. It's worth remembering that even the best door loses its properties if it's badly fitted — which is why installation is just as important as the product itself.

Leaf thickness

Thinner leaves are cheaper, but thicker ones offer better insulation, rigidity and resistance. For external doors we recommend a leaf of solid thickness — the difference in price pays off in comfort and durability. We'll advise on a specific thickness depending on whether the door is sheltered or fully exposed to the weather.

What you can get within budget

One of the more frequent questions is: "what door will I get for two thousand?". The answer depends on what your priority is. On a mid-range budget we usually recommend hybrid steel doors — in price they're the equivalent of a British composite, and in quality they often surpass it. It's a topic we develop in a separate article on hybrid and composite doors.

Frequently asked questions

Which doors are the warmest?

The ones with a thick, well-insulated leaf and tight seals. The thickness and infill of the leaf matter most here.

Is every new door burglar-resistant?

No. A multi-point lock and a solid leaf are key. We always advise on matching the level of security to your needs.

Which doors do you recommend most often?

In most cases hybrid doors — they give the best value for money on a typical budget.

Not sure which door is best for you? Write to us with your budget and location — we'll match a model and prepare a quote with installation.