DOORS · BUYING GUIDE

uPVC front doors: what to check before you buy

Compare the complete door and frame, glass, lock and fitting work before choosing a uPVC front door.

Written by the Windows4You installation team

Reviewed 15 June 2024 · 2 minute read

White front door with a tall arched glazed panel

A new front door needs to suit your entrance and how you use it every day. When comparing uPVC options, look at the complete door and frame, the glass, the lock and the fitting work included.

Compare the complete door

Ask for the name of the door system and a description of its construction. Check which handles, hinges and locking system are included. Any security claim should relate to the door you are buying. If your insurer has specified a requirement, share it before choosing the door.

Choose the finish with the frame

Look at the door and frame together. Ask which colours and glass designs are available for your chosen model, including how they will look from inside. Compare the full specification with composite doors rather than assuming one material is always better.

Check the opening and the step

Confirm which way the door will open and where the handle will sit. Check the threshold: the bottom part of the frame that you step over. Mention anything that could affect access, such as a narrow hallway or a change in floor level.

Check the written quote and care instructions

Your quote should identify the door, frame, glass and fittings. Ask whether it includes removal of the old door, repairs around the opening and VAT. Request the care instructions and warranty terms for the selected product.

Questions

Are uPVC doors always cheaper than composite doors?

Compare quotes for the same entrance and the same fitting work. The price depends on the selected design and what is included.

How can I compare security?

Ask for product information and any relevant test evidence for the complete door and frame. Check that it covers your chosen design.

What maintenance will the door need?

Follow the supplier's instructions for its finish, seals, hinges and lock. Ask for those instructions before ordering.

Send photos and rough measurements for an initial estimate. W4Y takes the final measurements before manufacture.

Request an initial estimate

Why you can trust this guide

Written from surveys, installations and real customer questions.

Technical claims are checked against the named system specifications and current UK guidance before we publish.

Advice before you buy

Straight answers to awkward questions