A new front door in the UK averages around £1,000 fully fitted, according to MyJobQuote’s front door cost guide, though the real number depends heavily on the material you choose. A basic uPVC door can come in under £500, while a premium aluminium or solid oak door can run several thousand.
What a new door costs by material
| Material | Typical cost, fitted |
|---|---|
| uPVC | £400 to £850 |
| Composite | £550 to £2,350 |
| Timber (pine) | £300 to £1,150 |
| Timber (mahogany) | £550 to £1,550 |
| Timber (oak) | £650 to £1,650 |
| Aluminium | £1,500 to £4,000 |
Labour on its own, where you are supplying the door yourself, typically runs £150 to £350, with prices often £20 to £60 higher in London and the South East.
What actually drives the price
- Material. As the table shows, this is the single biggest factor, with uPVC at the budget end and aluminium at the premium end.
- Glazing and style. A solid door is cheaper than one with decorative glazing panels, sidelights, or a bespoke design.
- Security specification. A door with a multi-point locking system and a higher security rating costs more than a basic single-lock door, but it is one of the few upgrades that genuinely pays for itself in peace of mind.
- Frame condition. Fitting a new door into an existing, sound frame is far cheaper than replacing the frame as well, which is often needed if the current one is rotten, warped, or simply the wrong size for a new door.
Do you need a FENSA registered installer?
It is not a strict legal requirement, but it is the simplest way to prove the work is compliant. FENSA is a government authorised Competent Person Scheme for window and door installers in England and Wales, running since 2002. A FENSA registered installer can self-certify that a new door meets Building Regulations, including energy efficiency requirements, without you needing to arrange and pay for a separate Building Control inspection. You also get a proper Building Regulations Certificate as evidence, which solicitors and buyers ask for when you sell the house, and FENSA installers carry insurance backed guarantees typically running 5 to 10 years.
If your installer is not FENSA registered, the work can still be fully compliant, but you or they will need to notify Building Control directly and arrange sign-off separately, which adds time and cost.
How long should a new door last?
This depends heavily on material and how well it is maintained, so treat any figure as a general guide rather than a fixed rule. Composite doors are generally the most durable with the least maintenance, since the core material resists warping and rot. uPVC performs reliably for many years with essentially no upkeep beyond occasional cleaning. Timber can last a very long time, sometimes decades, but needs periodic repainting or re-varnishing to stop the wood absorbing moisture and degrading, and neglecting that maintenance is the most common reason a timber door fails early.
Getting quotes that actually compare
A carpenter or joiner fitting a new door should give you a written quote that specifies the exact door make and model, whether the frame is being replaced or reused, the security rating, and whether they are FENSA registered or will handle Building Control notification another way. Look for TrustMark accreditation as a general quality signal. We check exactly this when we build our Top 5 lists, so a page for your town is a quick way to shortlist tradespeople who already meet that bar.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new front door cost fitted?
According to MyJobQuote's new front door cost guide, the overall average cost to supply and fit a front door is around £1,000, with the job itself typically taking 2 to 5 hours. The actual price varies significantly by material, from around £400 to £850 for uPVC up to £1,500 to £4,000 for aluminium.
Which is cheaper, composite, uPVC or timber?
uPVC is typically the cheapest to buy and fit, at £400 to £850 fitted. Composite sits above it at £550 to £2,350 fitted, offering better security and insulation. Timber varies widely by species, from pine at £300 to £1,150 fitted up to oak at £650 to £1,650, and generally needs more ongoing maintenance than composite or uPVC.
Do I need a FENSA registered installer for a new front door?
It is not a strict legal requirement to use one, but it is the easiest way to prove the work meets Building Regulations. A FENSA registered installer can self-certify the job's compliance, including energy efficiency, without you needing to arrange a separate Building Control inspection, and they issue you a proper certificate as evidence when you come to sell the house.
How long should a new front door last?
This varies a lot by material and maintenance, so treat it as a rough guide rather than a fixed rule. Composite doors are generally the longest lasting with minimal upkeep, uPVC performs well for a couple of decades or more, and timber can last a very long time but needs periodic repainting or varnishing to avoid the wood degrading.
About the author
Stu Clark
Stu spent over 15 years in the trades, working as a plumber before running his own plumbing and bathroom renovation company with a team of eight. He founded Top5Trades to give homeowners the kind of shortlist and straight advice you would get from someone who has actually done the work. More about us →