How Much Does a New Front Door Cost in the UK?
Let's get straight to it:
What should you expect the cost of a new front door to be in 2024?
A new front door costs between £115 – £2,089 in the UK to replace. Including front door installation costs, you should budget for between £165 – £2,209.
On average, a new composite front door costs somewhere in the range of £704 – £989. This is now one of the most popular types of front doors in the UK.
A new uPVC front door costs between £489 – £720. This is another popular choice in the UK — and is slightly more budget-friendly.
The cost of a wooden front door varies depending on the type of wood. The price lands somewhere in the range of £165 – £342 for a pine front door, £1,049 – £2,209 for an oak front door, and between £364 – £999 for a mahogany door.
And if you want a new front door that's not off-the-shelf, then a new custom-made front door will cost between £1,050 – £4,020
.The cost of a replacement front door will mainly depend on the type of front door you choose to get (uPVC, composite, oak, mahogany, pine, or custom-made).
But what impacts new front door installation costs?
The cost of front door installation is impacted by factors such as the type of new front you want, the size of your front door frame, the number of tradespeople you'll need to hire for the job, ease of access, and your location in the UK.
Front door installation costs tend to be higher in the southeast of the UK (especially London), but lower in regions such as Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and the northern parts of England.
- How Much Does a New Front Door Cost in the UK?
- How Much Is a New Front Door? (Supply Costs)
- Additional New Front Door Installation Costs
- Tradesmen Costs for New Front Door Installation
- How Long Does It Take to Fit a New Front Door?
- Types of Front Doors
- Front Door Letterbox Installation Cost
- How Much Does Front Door Removal Cost?
- FAQs
- Sources
New Front Door Cost
| Type of Front Door | Labour Cost | Supply Costs | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £50 – £120 | £439 – £600 | £489 – £720 |
| Composite | £50 – £120 | £654 – £869 | £704 – £989 |
| Oak | £50 – £120 | £999 – £2,089 | £1,049 – £2,209 |
| Mahogany | £50 – £120 | £314 – £779 | £364 – £999 |
| Pine | £50 – £120 | £115 – £222 | £165 – £342 |
| Custom-made | £50 – £120 | £1,000 – £4,500 | £1,050 – £4,620 |
How Much Is a New Front Door? (Supply Costs)
The total cost of a new front door can be broadly broken down into two components: the price of a new front door (i.e. the materials) and the cost of front door fitting charged by a tradesperson.
In this section, we'll cover front door prices in the UK — which makes up about 60% - 70% of the total front door replacement cost you'll need to budget for.
(These costs would apply on their own if you were to buy the materials for a DIY fit.)
New front door prices are between £439 – £600 for a uPVC front door, £654 – £869 for a composite front door, or £314 – £2089 for an oak front door.
The material costs land around £314 – £779 for a mahogany front door, £115 – £222 for a pine front door, or £1000 – £4500 for a custom-made front door.
Front Door Prices (Supply Only)
| Type of Door | Front Door Price |
|---|---|
| uPVC | £250 – £450 |
| Composite | £500 – £2,500 |
| Oak | £300 – £1,800 |
| Mahogany | £300 – £1,450 |
| Pine | £120 – £1,100 |
| Custom-made | £1,000 – £3,900 |
Additional New Front Door Installation Costs
There are several extra costs that you might incur when having a new front door fitted.
Let's consider some examples of what influences new front door installation prices that you're quoted by tradespeople.
Minimum Fee
Sometimes, tradespeople will set a minimum front door replacement cost.
This may be a standalone fee or, in some cases, one that is part of the expected costs such as a daily labour fee.
Of course, a daily labour cost is unlikely to apply given that it usually takes up to half a day to have a new front door installed.
Front Door Size
As we've already touched on, material costs are the main thing that drives the cost of a new front door in the UK. However, the size of the door will also significantly impact the total cost of a new front door.
Front Door Materials
As discussed, the material that your front door is made from is the main cost factor.
uPVC and pine doors tend to be the cheapest options in the UK, but composite can be quite dear (with such doors often costing over £800 in supply costs alone).
As for front door types, the costs can vary significantly, from a simple timber entry door to a security door. Custom-made doors are another example of a more expensive option.
Number of Tradespeople
In the vast majority of cases, only a single door fitter will be needed to install a new front door. However, if a second labourer is needed, this would obviously double the overall labour costs.
At the same time, having two tradespeople working on installing a new front door would likely reduce the total time needed to complete the job. So whether this will prove an added cost overall will depend on how well the door fitters work as a team.
Duration
In general, the longer a front door installation takes, the higher the total new front door cost you'll pay will be.
However, you'll find that many tradespeople will quote new front door installation costs with fixed labour prices. This is because the duration of this type of job tends to be quite consistent, so it's easier to pin down how long it'll take them to replace a front door.
Tradesmen Costs for New Front Door Installation
Although this isn't the most significant factor that impacts how much front door replacement costs, labour costs are (generally) the second most important price element for having a new front door fitted.
We'll now take a look at the labour costs for fitting a new front door and the cost factors involved.
Given that the average time it takes to fit a new front door is the same for various types, the labour costs will end up around £50 – £120. The average daily labour cost of hiring a door fitter is approximately £150 – £200.
Among the factors determining the labour cost are ease of access, the state of the work area, and location.
How Long Does It Take to Fit a New Front Door?
We'll now break down the durations involved in having a new door fitted. In this section, we'll also consider some of the most common factors in shaping the timeframe of fitting a new front door.
On average it takes 2 – 5 hours to have a new front door fitted, regardless of what type of front door you choose.
However, ease of access, the state of the installation area, and the number of tradespeople hired can also shape the duration of the work.
Since the door is being fitted from the outside, adverse weather can also prolong or delay the work.
Types of Front Doors
In this section, we'll take a closer look at the various options you have when it comes to having a new front door installed.
We'll cover the pros and cons of each option and the average front door costs for different types of materials.
uPVC Front Door Cost
Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) doors are a cheap but sufficient option. They are highly resistant to the weather and much more than the average wooden front door, have low maintenance (should last for 35+ years), and are not so prone to warping.
However, uPVC doors aren't everyone's cup of tea due to their look. Further, they can discolour and lose strength over time.
Regardless of that, they remain one of the most popular options in the UK.
The average uPVC front door cost is between £439 – £600 in 2024.
Pros:
- Cheap but sufficient
- Weatherproof
- Low-maintenance
- Tends to be durable
- Doesn't warp easily
Cons:
- Can lose colour and strength
- Aesthetic not as popular
Composite Front Door Cost
This type of door consists of several materials that are pressed together and glued under very high pressure. The materials used are chosen for the positive properties they come with to maximise the quality of the door.
Composite doors tend to be a lot thicker than uPVC doors. They tend to be strong, secure, durable, and resistant to the elements. They also require little maintenance, are thermally efficient, and have a modern aesthetic.
Over the years, this type of door has become increasingly popular in the UK.
But how much does a composite front door cost in 2024?
In the UK, the average cost of composite front doors is between £654 and £869.
Pros:
- Strong and secure
- Noise reduction
- Thermally efficient
- Low maintenance
- Offers a modern aesthetic
Cons:
- Less affordable than uPVC front doors
Solid Oak Front Door Cost
The first traditional timber-based option on our list is that of solid oak.
The value of doors made from solid oak is that they create a stylish and classic appearance and can be resized relatively easily.
It's also easy to change the colour of solid oak doors whenever you want (you can have a blue, white, red, black, or even grey front door).
They can also be sourced sustainably. However, solid oak doors are not weather-resistant, and they are not as durable as uPVC or composite doors. They can also become warped and weather-beaten over the years.
The average cost of a solid oak door is between £999 – £2089.
Pros:
- Stylish and classic
- Colour can be changed
- Can be sourced sustainably
- Natural material
Cons:
- Doesn't last as long as uPVC or composite doors
- Require regular maintenance
- Not weather-resistant
- Can end up weather-beaten and warped
Mahogany Front Door Cost
The next choice is mahogany. Though it sounds more expensive, mahogany front doors costs don't tend to be higher than solid oak front doors. The average cost of a mahogany front door is roughly £314 – £779 (though it does depend on the quality of the door).
These doors are insect and decay-resistant, visually appealing, can be re-decorated and as with solid oak doors, are made from a natural material.
However, it is not generally as sustainable or as eco-friendly as most types of timber doors and needs to be resealed or re-stained every so often.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Can be easily re-decorated
- Resistant to insects and decay
- Natural material
Cons:
- Not as eco-friendly as other options
- Should be resealed or re-stained from time to time
Pine Front Door Cost
The cheapest front door option you will have is one that's made of pine.
Pine front door costs can be as low as £115, but they can extend up to (and beyond) £222 in the UK. As well as being a budget-friendly front door choice, they're easy to maintain and you can repair or change their colour whenever you wish.
On the other hand:
Pine doors are prone to denting (as they're a softwood option), they are more vulnerable to weather damage, and have a relatively short life expectancy of 10 – 20 years. They aren't a sustainable option either.
Pros:
- Cheap front door option
- Straightforward to sand
- Colour can be easily changed
Cons:
- Not particularly durable
- Susceptible to weather damage
- Pine isn't eco-friendly
Front Door Letterbox Installation Cost
When you’re thinking about sprucing up your front door, adding a letterbox might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But it’s a detail that marries convenience with a touch of personal style.
Interestingly, many front doors come without a letterbox, leaving homeowners scratching their heads over which one to choose and how much they’re going to have to fork out for it.
Letterbox costs depend on what you’re after in terms of material, style, and any extras (like security features).
If you’re not looking to spend much, you can find basic ones made of plastic or cheaper metals for around £10 – £25. They’re pretty straightforward but do the job.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more for durability and maybe a bit of flair, you could be looking at between £25 – £80. These letterboxes are usually crafted from tougher stuff (like stainless steel or aluminium) and might come with a lock or are features that help keep the rain out.
Now, for those who really want to splash out or are keen on top-notch security, the cost of a letterbox can increase £80 – £250 or even higher. We’re talking high-end materials like brass or copper and added security features that make it tough for anyone to tamper with your post.
Here are the most common types of letterbox:
Slot Letterboxes: The classic choice that fits snugly into your door. They’re sleek but might require a bit of a hand from a professional to get them fitted just right.
Wall-mounted Letterboxes: Great if you don’t fancy altering your door. They go up on the wall and offer a bit of flexibility in style and security without messing with your door’s integrity.
Freestanding Letterboxes: Perfect if you want something a bit different. They stand on their own near your entrance and let you play around with design and placement, though they do need to be fixed to the ground.
Door Basket Letterboxes: An inside job, these catch your post without the need to slice a slot into your door. They’re a bit of a rare find but a clever solution if your door’s not up for the traditional approach.
Not all letterboxes are a match made in heaven with every front door.
The material and design of your door are big factors in deciding what type of letterbox you can go for:
Wooden Doors: They’re pretty accommodating, making it easier to fit slot letterboxes.
Composite Doors: Tough and cosy, but you might want a professional to make sure adding a letterbox doesn’t spoil their charm or efficiency.
uPVC Doors: Often come with a letterbox already, but if you’re thinking of switching it up, you’ll need to consider the door’s design and how well it keeps out the rain.
Metal Doors: A bit of a tough nut to crack for slot letterboxes due to the cutting involved. You might be better off with a wall-mounted or freestanding option here.
Deciding to add or change a letterbox isn’t just about practicality; it’s a chance to give your front door a bit of a personality boost. There’s a bit to think about – style, budget, door compatibility.
If you’re feeling a bit stuck, having a chat with a professional could help steer you towards the perfect letterbox that not only looks the part but plays it well too.
How Much Does Front Door Removal Cost?
You may decide to have a front door removed. This is most likely because you're having a new front door fitted but it's also possible that you're choosing to fill in the space with a wall if your home's entrance is relocated during a house renovation.
If you decide to have a front door removed, this job alone will cost between £40 – £180.
However, before any new work or installations are undertaken, the total cost of the job will likely be at least a few hundred pounds more than the estimate given above. Ultimately, it will depend on the nature of the replacement work.
FAQs
Q: Which paint is best for your front door?
A: In most cases, a semi-gloss finish is preferable.
Q: What is the standard front door size in the UK?
A: In the UK, the average size of a front door is 1981mm high and 726mm wide.
However, it's not uncommon for homes to have wider front doors. For example, to meet Part 'M' of the Building Regulations 2010 in England and Wales, doors should be 1981mm high and 838 wide to enable wheelchair access.
Q: How can I improve front door security?
A: If you're looking to enhance the security of an existing front door, then a good starting point is to assess whether you can install better quality front door locks. You could explore installing additional locks (like deadbolts), as well as reinforcing the door and frame.
Installing CCTV and security lights which provide coverage of the front of your property might also act as a deterrent against any intruders.
Alternatively, you could replace your current door with a security-focused front door.
Q: Can I fit a front door DIY?
A: You should only do so if you're completely sure of everything involved. This is because fitting a front door yourself (as part of a DIY project) could lead to injuries. This is especially so if you're planning to complete the job by yourself, as lifting and positioning the front door might be physically demanding.
In short, fitting a front door can be a tricky job. If you've any doubts, you should hire a professional front door fitter.
Q: How much value does a new front door add in the UK?
A: Recent research by SellHouseFast found that a new front door can add up to £4,000 to the value of a property. Interestingly, they found that the front door colour that adds the most value to a home is blue!
Apart from the potential increase in the value of your home, a new front door adds curb appeal and might be worth considering if you're looking to sell your home as quickly as possible.
Sources
- https://www.4feldco.com/articles/types-of-exterior-doors/
- https://www.vividdoors.co.uk/external-doors/understanding-the-different-types-of-external-doors
- https://www.thelondonlocksmiths.co.uk/upvc/the-pros-and-cons-of-upvc-doors/
- https://www.orangeries-uk.co.uk/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-pine-conservatories.html
- https://www.justdoorsuk.com/how-to-measure-doors-windows.php
- https://www.lathamssteeldoors.co.uk/blog/home-security/a-guide-to-uk-standard-door-sizes/
- https://www.sellhousefast.uk/
- https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/door-security-advice/
