Composite doors have become the default choice for front doors across the UK, praised for their strength, security, insulation, and appearance. Yet despite their popularity, many homeowners still believe they must spend £1,500 to £2,000 or more to install one. According to home improvement specialist Kevin from Smart Home Improvement People, this widespread belief is costing consumers hundreds of pounds unnecessarily. In a detailed price investigation, Kevin set out to answer one simple question: How Cheap Can a Composite Door Really Be in the UK without compromising on safety or quality?
“I can’t stand seeing people being rinsed,” Kevin explains. “Composite doors are brilliant products, but the pricing in this industry is often inflated. People are told the price is fixed and that they have no other options — and that just isn’t true.”
Real-World Pricing Using a Non-Standard Door
To ensure the research reflected real homeowner challenges, Kevin used his own property as a case study. The door measured 920mm wide by 2020mm high, making it wider than standard due to wheelchair access requirements for his daughter, who has Down syndrome and hypermobility.
“Non-standard sizes usually mean higher prices,” Kevin says. “So if I could still beat the national average with this door, it proves just how much margin exists in the market.”
Using online design tools from two established UK suppliers, Kevin configured composite doors with popular, practical features including:
Black composite door finish
White frame
Obscure glazing for privacy
Letterbox, spy hole, and door knocker
Police-approved Secured by Design locking systems
VAT included in all prices
The Results: Thousands Saved Without Cutting Corners
The final prices came in at £877 from the first supplier and £859 from the second — both dramatically lower than the commonly quoted industry average of £1,500–£1,600.
“That’s a saving of around £600 to £700 on a single door,” Kevin explains. “And these aren’t budget, flimsy products. They’re secure, stylish, and perfectly suitable for modern UK homes.”
Both companies also offered nationwide delivery, including to the South Coast, with lead times of around three weeks.
Understanding FENSA Rules and Insurance Risks
Kevin also highlights an important but often misunderstood aspect of door replacement: FENSA compliance.
“External doors are a yes-and-no situation,” he explains. “If a door has more than 50% glass, it must either be installed by a FENSA-registered installer or signed off by your local council. If you ignore that, you could potentially run into issues with home insurance.”
However, for composite doors with less than 50% glazing, homeowners are legally allowed to install the door themselves without FENSA certification — opening the door (quite literally) to even greater savings.
“In reality, fitting a composite door is not a big job,” Kevin adds. “Most installers will have it in within 10–15 minutes. For competent DIYers, supply-only is a very viable option.”
No Sponsorship, No Sales Pitch — Just Transparency
Kevin is keen to stress that the investigation is completely independent.
“I don’t receive sponsorship from these companies. I’m not affiliated with them in any way. They probably don’t even know who I am,” he says. “This is purely about transparency and showing homeowners they have choices.”
A Clear Message to UK Homeowners
The takeaway is simple: the price isn’t always the price. By avoiding high-pressure sales companies, using online configurators, and understanding the regulations, homeowners can secure a high-quality composite door at a fraction of the expected cost.
“If you’re willing to spend a bit of time researching and designing the door yourself, you don’t need to spend £2,000,” Kevin concludes. “You can get a great front door for under £1,000 — and keep your money where it belongs.”
Homeowners looking for guidance or advice can visit www.smarthomeimprovementpeople.co.uk or contact Smart Home Improvement People via social media platforms.
