Your front door is the first thing anyone notices about your home, and your back or patio door affects how you use your garden and outdoor space every day. Whether you’re replacing a tired, draughty door or upgrading security and style, this guide covers uPVC, composite and patio door options, realistic 2026 costs, and what to expect, for homeowners across Cheshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

uPVC Doors

uPVC is a hard-wearing, low-maintenance material known for excellent durability and weatherproof performance. uPVC doors won’t rust, rot or need repainting, and they offer strong heat retention thanks to their insulated frame construction.

Benefits of uPVC doors:

• Energy efficient, helping to keep heating costs down
• Excellent acoustic performance, reducing outside noise
• A lifespan of 40 to 80 years with virtually no maintenance
• Weather resistant and fire retardant, meeting building regulation fire safety standards
• Made from largely recyclable materials, a genuinely eco-friendly choice

Composite Doors

Composite doors have overtaken uPVC as the most popular front door choice in the UK. They’re built from a combination of materials, glass reinforced plastic (GRP), uPVC and a high-insulating foam core, glued under high pressure to create a door that outperforms traditional styles on strength, security and thermal efficiency, while still resembling a classic timber door.

Benefits of composite doors:

• Strong, durable and highly resistant to warping, cracking or fading
• Exceptional thermal efficiency thanks to the insulating foam core
• Requires little to no ongoing maintenance
• Good noise reduction qualities
• A five-point locking system with anti-snap, bump and drill cylinder security

Unlike an old timber door, a composite door won’t swell, stick or crack with changes in temperature or weather, thanks to its waterproof skin and triple-sealed uPVC outer frame.

Patio and Back Doors

Patio doors (sometimes still called sliding doors) have evolved to cover a range of styles that open inwards or outwards into your garden or outdoor living space. A thinner frame design allows for a larger glazed area, letting in more natural light while gliding open without taking up extra room, which can also help reduce your reliance on heating or air conditioning.

We also install stable doors for a more traditional look, and back doors in the same uPVC and composite materials as our front door range, so your whole home matches in style and performance.

uPVC vs Composite: Which Should You Choose?

Both are excellent, low-maintenance options, the right choice usually comes down to budget, style, and how much you prioritise security and insulation.

uPVC tends to suit homeowners looking for a cost-effective, practical option with strong energy efficiency and minimal upkeep.

Composite tends to suit homeowners who want the classic look of a timber door with modern security, insulation and durability, and who are happy to invest a little more upfront for those benefits.

How Much Does a New Door Cost in 2026?

Costs vary depending on size, material, glazing and hardware, but here’s a realistic guide based on current UK market rates for 2026:

• uPVC front door: typically £700 to £1,500 fitted for a standard-sized door
• Standard composite door: typically £1,200 to £1,800 fitted
• Premium composite door (deeper slab, decorative glazing, upgraded hardware): typically £2,200 to £4,000+ fitted
• Patio doors: cost varies significantly by size and configuration, our surveyor will provide an exact price based on your opening

These figures are a general guide only, not a quote. Every door and property is different, which is why we provide a free, no-obligation measuring and quotation service, so you know exactly what to expect with no hidden costs.

What Affects the Price?

• Material, uPVC, standard composite, or premium composite
• Glazing, a fully or half-glazed door adds to the cost compared to a solid panel
• Hardware, upgraded handles, smart locks and decorative furniture
• Colour and finish, certain colours and woodgrain effects can affect price
• Size, non-standard openings or the addition of sidelights

How Long Does Installation Take?

Most single door replacements, front, back or patio, are completed within a day. We always aim to minimise disruption and leave your property tidy once the job is finished.

Doors in Cheshire

As a Knutsford-based company, we fit front, back and patio doors across Cheshire regularly, including Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Northwich. Whatever the style of your property, period or modern, we’ll help you find a door that fits.

Doors in Staffordshire

We also install doors throughout Staffordshire, including Stafford and Stone. Our surveyor will visit to measure and provide a free quote wherever you’re based in the county.

Doors in Shropshire

Homeowners across Shropshire, from Shrewsbury to Market Drayton, can also call on Storm Right for new doors. We bring the same standard of workmanship and free assessment to every job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is composite or uPVC better for a front door?
Both are excellent, low-maintenance choices. uPVC is more budget-friendly, while composite offers a more traditional appearance with strong security and insulation. Our surveyor can talk you through samples of both during your free visit.

How long do composite doors last?
A well-installed composite door will typically last for decades with little to no maintenance, resisting warping, cracking and fading far better than a traditional timber door.

Can you match my back door to my front door?
Yes, we can supply and fit matching uPVC or composite doors so your whole home has a consistent style and performance.

Are composite doors secure?
Yes, our composite doors feature a five-point locking system with anti-snap, bump and drill cylinder security, designed to withstand common burglary methods.

How do I get a quote?
Simply give us a call, email us, or fill in our contact form. Our surveyor will arrange a free, no-obligation visit to measure and provide a written quote.

Get a Free Quote

If you’re considering a new front, back or patio door in Cheshire, Staffordshire or Shropshire, we’d love to help. Give us a call on 01565 656563, email us at info@stormrightuk.co.uk, or fill in our contact form for a free, no-obligation quote. One of our friendly team will arrange a visit at a time that suits you.