Composite or Aluminium Front Doors in Reigate?

Choosing a new front door is an opportunity to improve the appearance, security and energy efficiency of your home.

For homeowners in Reigate, two of the most popular premium options are composite and aluminium entrance doors. Both are strong, weather-resistant and available in a broad selection of colours and designs, but they offer noticeably different appearances and practical characteristics.

Composite doors are often chosen for their substantial construction and ability to recreate the appearance of a traditional timber entrance. Aluminium doors are valued for their slim profiles, clean lines and contemporary architectural style.

Neither material is automatically the best choice for every property. The right door will depend on your home’s age, the design of the entrance, your preferred appearance and the features that matter most to your household.

This guide compares composite and aluminium front doors to help you choose a suitable replacement for your Reigate home.

Composite or aluminium: the simple answer

A composite door is likely to be the best choice when you want:

A traditional or versatile design
A substantial timber-style appearance
A wide choice of panel and glazing combinations
Strong insulation and security
A premium entrance without the maintenance of timber
A door that complements a period or conventional family home

An aluminium door may be more suitable when you want:

Slimmer frames and clean lines
A modern architectural appearance
Larger glazed sections or side panels
A minimal, contemporary entrance
Coordination with aluminium windows or garden doors
A strong door for a wide or statement entrance

Both can work well in traditional and modern properties when they are specified carefully.

Consider the style of your Reigate property

Reigate has a varied housing stock, including Victorian and Edwardian properties, traditional detached homes, cottages, post-war houses, apartments and contemporary developments.

The front door should feel connected to the architecture of the building rather than appearing to have been selected in isolation.

Before choosing a material, consider:

The age and style of the property
The proportions of the entrance
The colour and material of the external walls
The design and colour of the windows
Whether there are existing side or top panels
The style of the porch or door surround
How much natural light reaches the hallway
The appearance of neighbouring homes
Whether you are planning further exterior improvements

A panelled composite door may suit a traditional red-brick property, while a flush aluminium entrance with a long pull handle could complement a recently extended or contemporary home.

What is a composite front door?

A composite door is manufactured from a combination of materials selected to provide strength, insulation, stability and resistance to the weather.

The exact construction varies by product, but composite doors commonly include a reinforced core, a durable external skin, an insulated centre and a strong surrounding frame.

Facelift supplies a range of composite front doors in traditional and contemporary designs.

Composite doors can provide the appearance of painted or stained timber without requiring the same regular sanding, painting or varnishing.

They are available with:

Panelled and flush designs
Woodgrain-effect surfaces
Traditional and modern colours
Decorative or obscure glazing
Different handle and knocker styles
Letterplates
Side panels
Dual-colour options
Traditional and contemporary hardware

This versatility makes composite doors suitable for a wide range of Reigate properties.

What is an aluminium front door?

An aluminium entrance door uses a strong metal frame and door construction to create a slim, stable and precise finish.

Aluminium is particularly popular for modern architecture because the strength of the material allows for narrower profiles and larger glazed sections.

Facelift’s aluminium door range includes modern entrance doors as well as coordinating aluminium bifold, sliding and French doors.

Aluminium entrance doors are available with:

Minimal or flush door panels
Long vertical glazing sections
Large pull handles
Side and top panels
Dark, light and neutral colours
Matching aluminium frames
Contemporary hardware
Double or triple glazing, depending on the chosen system

Although aluminium is strongly associated with modern homes, a carefully selected design can also suit an older property, particularly where slim steel-style features are already present.

Which looks better?

Appearance is subjective, but composite and aluminium doors have distinct visual qualities.

The appearance of a composite door

Composite doors tend to look solid and substantial. Many designs use moulded panels, woodgrain textures and traditional glazing arrangements.

They can suit:

Victorian and Edwardian homes
Traditional detached houses
Cottages
Conventional family homes
Properties with panelled or sash-style windows
Homes where a timber-style entrance is preferred

Contemporary composite designs are also available. These may feature simple panels, narrow glazing and modern colours, making composite suitable for more recent homes as well.

The appearance of an aluminium door

Aluminium entrance doors normally have sharper lines and a more architectural appearance.

They can suit:

Contemporary detached homes
Newly built properties
Modernised family houses
Large extensions
Rendered elevations
Homes with aluminium windows
Entrances with wide side panels
Minimalist renovation projects

Aluminium works particularly well where homeowners want the front entrance to form part of a wider modern design.

Which is best for a period home in Reigate?

A composite front door will often be the more straightforward choice for a period or character property.

Traditional panel arrangements, heritage-inspired colours and decorative glazing can help reproduce the appearance of an older timber entrance.

Suitable options might include:

Four-panel or six-panel designs
Glazed upper sections
Stained or decorative glass
Deep green, navy, black or traditional red finishes
Brass-effect or satin door furniture
A central door knocker
A traditional letterplate
Woodgrain-effect surfaces

The aim should be to complement the architecture without making the door excessively ornate.

Aluminium may still be appropriate for certain older homes. It can work well where the building originally had slim steel windows or where a modern extension has introduced contemporary materials.

When using aluminium on a period property, a muted colour and balanced glazing design can help the entrance sit more comfortably within the existing elevation.

Which is best for a modern Reigate home?

Aluminium is often the preferred choice for a contemporary property.

Slim frames, flat panels, long handles and narrow glazed sections can create a clean entrance that complements modern windows, render and architectural detailing.

Aluminium can be especially effective when the entrance includes:

One or two wide side panels
A tall door opening
Large areas of glass
A deep contemporary porch
Matching aluminium windows
Aluminium bifold or sliding doors elsewhere
Dark external cladding or render

A composite door can still work well on a modern home. Flush or lightly detailed composite designs are available in dark grey, black, blue and other contemporary finishes.

Composite may be preferable where the homeowner wants a modern appearance while retaining the more substantial feel associated with a panelled entrance door.

Comparing security

Both composite and aluminium doors can offer excellent security when properly specified and installed.

The frame, hinges, lock, cylinder, glazing and installation all contribute to the performance of the complete entrance.

Composite door security

Composite doors are designed to feel solid and resistant to impact. Many include reinforced cores and multi-point locking systems.

Security features may include:

Multi-point locking
Reinforced door construction
Secure cylinders
Internally fitted glazing
Strong hinges
Laminated or toughened glass options
Reinforced frames

Facelift’s composite door range includes reinforced GRP and solid-core options designed to provide a strong, secure entrance.

Aluminium door security

Aluminium is naturally strong and dimensionally stable. This allows it to support secure locking systems, large panels and substantial hardware without requiring an excessively bulky frame.

Security options can include:

Multi-point locks
Strong aluminium frames
Secure cylinders
Reinforced panels
Internal glazing
Laminated glass
Concealed or reinforced hinges

When comparing quotations, ask for the exact security specification rather than relying on broad descriptions such as “high security”.

Comparing thermal efficiency

A modern composite or aluminium entrance door should provide a considerable improvement over an old, warped or poorly sealed door.

Composite door insulation

Composite doors usually contain an insulated core. Combined with effective seals and a properly fitted frame, this can reduce draughts and help maintain a more comfortable hallway.

Their substantial construction makes composite doors a popular choice where thermal performance is a priority.

Aluminium door insulation

Aluminium conducts heat more readily than the materials used in many composite doors. Modern aluminium systems therefore use thermal breaks and insulated panels to reduce heat transfer.

A well-designed aluminium entrance can still provide strong thermal performance.

For either material, compare:

The complete door’s thermal value
The frame specification
The type and amount of glazing
The threshold
Weather seals
Side-panel performance
Installation and perimeter sealing

A highly insulated door panel may offer limited benefit if it is surrounded by poorly performing side glazing or installed with gaps around the frame.

Which requires less maintenance?

Both materials are designed to be low maintenance.

Maintaining a composite door

Composite doors generally require occasional cleaning with a soft cloth and suitable non-abrasive product.

They do not normally require regular painting or staining. Hinges, locks and seals should be checked periodically, and abrasive cleaning products should be avoided.

Maintaining an aluminium door

Powder-coated aluminium is also easy to maintain. Routine care usually involves cleaning the surface, keeping drainage channels clear and checking the door hardware.

Aluminium does not rot, swell or absorb water. Its dimensional stability can be particularly useful for tall or wide entrance doors.

For most households, the maintenance difference between the two materials will not be significant enough to determine the final choice.

Durability and long-term performance

Composite and aluminium doors are both intended to provide reliable long-term performance.

Aluminium is particularly resistant to distortion and changing weather conditions. It is therefore well suited to larger doors and exposed entrances.

Composite doors combine several materials to provide stability and resistance to warping, cracking and general weathering.

The lifespan of either door will be influenced by:

Product quality
Exposure to sun, wind and rain
Installation standards
Maintenance
The quality of the locks and hinges
How frequently the door is used
Whether minor problems are repaired promptly

A professional survey and accurate installation are as important as the selected material.

Colour choices

Both composite and aluminium doors are available in a broad range of colours.

Composite door colours

Popular composite finishes include:

Black
White
Deep blue
Traditional red
Dark green
Sage green
Anthracite grey
Cream
Woodgrain effects
Softer heritage shades

Composite colours often work particularly well with moulded panels and traditional glazing.

Aluminium door colours

Aluminium doors are available in powder-coated finishes ranging from light neutral shades to deep contemporary colours.

Popular choices include:

Anthracite grey
Black
White
Dark blue
Bronze tones
Muted green
Warm grey
Bespoke colours, depending on the range

Aluminium normally has a smoother, more uniform finish, which complements minimalist designs.

When choosing a colour, consider the brickwork, render, windows, roofline, garage door and external lighting.

Physical samples should be viewed outdoors because colours can look different in natural light.

Glazing and natural light

The amount of glazing in a front door affects privacy, daylight, appearance and thermal performance.

Composite doors offer a wide range of glazing arrangements, from small decorative panes to larger central or side panels.

Aluminium doors are particularly suitable for long vertical glazing strips, wide side panels and more architectural glass arrangements.

Questions to consider include:

Is the hallway naturally dark?
Does the door face a road or footpath?
How much privacy is required?
Would obscure glass be more suitable?
Is decorative glass appropriate for the property?
Should the entrance have one or two side panels?
How will the glass affect the door’s appearance from inside?

For traditional properties, leaded, stained or patterned glass can add character. Modern homes may suit narrow clear or obscure panels with simpler lines.

Ask about the security and thermal specification of the glazing as well as its appearance.

Handles and door furniture

Door furniture can change the character of an entrance considerably.

Composite doors often suit:

Lever handles
Central knobs
Ring or urn knockers
Traditional letterplates
Brass-effect fittings
Chrome or satin hardware

Aluminium doors are commonly paired with:

Long pull handles
Square lever handles
Minimal letterplates
Stainless-steel finishes
Black hardware
Integrated or concealed features

The most attractive option is not always the most practical for every household.

Consider whether children, older relatives or visitors will find the door easy to operate. Handle height, key position, opening direction and threshold height should all be reviewed.

Threshold and accessibility

A low threshold can make access easier for pushchairs, wheelchairs and people with limited mobility.

Both composite and aluminium door systems may offer different threshold options, although the precise choice will depend on the selected product and exposure of the entrance.

The design must balance accessibility with weather resistance.

When discussing the threshold, ask:

How high will it be above the external surface?
Is a low-threshold option available?
How will rainwater be directed away?
Will the internal floor level need adjustment?
Is there enough space for the door to open fully?
Can the entrance accommodate a future ramp?

Considering accessibility during the initial design can help future-proof the property.

Can the front door match other windows and doors?

Yes. Coordinating the front door with other external features can create a more complete appearance.

An aluminium front door can be matched with:

A composite door can be coordinated with:

uPVC windows
Sash-style windows
Coloured casement windows
uPVC French doors
Garage doors
Roofline products

The materials do not need to be identical, but colours, sightlines and hardware should be selected to work together.

For example, a composite front door can coordinate successfully with aluminium windows when the external colours complement one another.

Which material costs more?

Aluminium entrance doors generally have a higher initial cost than many composite doors.

This reflects the material, manufacturing process, hardware and architectural nature of many aluminium systems.

The total price will also be affected by:

Door size
Side and top panels
Amount and type of glazing
Colour
Handle design
Security upgrades
Threshold choice
Changes to the existing opening
Internal and external finishing

Composite doors cover a broad price range. A premium solid-core design with decorative glass and specialist hardware may cost more than a simpler composite specification.

Quotations should therefore be compared on a like-for-like basis rather than by material alone.

Ask whether the price includes:

Surveying
Manufacture
Removal of the old door
Installation
Disposal
Making good
Internal finishing
External sealant
Hardware
Guarantees

Can you mix a composite entrance door with aluminium garden doors?

Yes. Many homeowners choose different materials for the front and rear of the property.

A composite front door may complement the traditional front elevation, while aluminium bifold or sliding doors provide a more contemporary appearance at the rear.

This can be particularly effective where a period or conventional home has a modern kitchen extension.

The finishes do not need to match exactly, but the overall palette should feel coordinated.

A common approach is to use a traditional colour on the front door and a darker neutral finish on the rear aluminium glazing.

Do you need planning permission?

Replacing a front door will not require planning permission in many situations, particularly when the opening and general appearance are not being significantly changed.

Additional restrictions may apply where:

The property is listed
The home is in a conservation area
An Article 4 Direction applies
The entrance is being widened or relocated
A porch is being constructed
The building is a flat or maisonette
The property is leasehold
An estate management scheme restricts exterior changes

The requirements should be confirmed before ordering where there is any uncertainty.

Flats and communal buildings may also have specific fire-safety requirements that affect the door specification.

Common mistakes to avoid

When comparing composite and aluminium doors, avoid:

Choosing a material without considering the property style
Focusing on the door panel but ignoring the frame
Selecting a colour from a screen alone
Adding excessive glazing without considering privacy
Comparing quotations with different specifications
Ignoring threshold accessibility
Choosing hardware purely for appearance
Overlooking side-panel security and insulation
Assuming every aluminium or composite product performs equally
Prioritising the lowest price over installation quality
Forgetting to coordinate the door with the windows
Failing to check planning or leasehold restrictions

The complete entrance should be designed as one feature, including the door, frame, glass, hardware, threshold and surrounding finishes.

Questions to ask before ordering

Before choosing your new front door, ask:

Which material best suits the style of the property?
What is the complete security specification?
What thermal performance does the door achieve?
Which colours and finishes are available?
Can the internal and external faces have different colours?
What glazing and privacy options are available?
Is a low threshold possible?
Can the door coordinate with existing windows?
Are side or top panels required?
Can I see physical samples?
What maintenance will be needed?
What guarantees are provided?
Does the quotation include removal and disposal?
How will the internal and external finishes be completed?
Who will carry out the installation?

Clear answers will make it easier to compare different doors accurately.

Why choose Facelift for a new front door in Reigate?

Facelift Home Improvements is a local, family-run company established in 1997. It supplies and installs replacement doors across Surrey, West Sussex and East Sussex.

Facelift’s entrance-door range includes:

Composite front doors
Aluminium front doors
uPVC doors
Traditional and contemporary designs
Decorative and obscure glazing
Different internal and external colours
Side panels
High-security locking options
Coordinating windows and garden doors

Facelift can also assist with replacement windows, porches and wider property renovation projects.

This can be helpful when the front entrance forms part of a larger exterior renovation.

Learn more about the team and its approach on the About Facelift page.

Arrange a front-door quotation in Reigate

Composite and aluminium front doors can both provide an attractive, secure and energy-efficient entrance.

Composite doors offer a versatile, substantial appearance that suits many traditional and modern homes. Aluminium doors provide slim profiles, clean lines and a premium architectural finish.

The best option will depend on the property, entrance size, preferred design and available budget.

Facelift can survey your Reigate home, explain the available composite and aluminium options and help you select the colour, glazing, hardware and security specification.

To discuss a replacement front door, contact Facelift Home Improvements and arrange a free, no-obligation quotation.

Frequently asked questions

Is a composite or aluminium front door better?

Neither is better in every situation. Composite doors are versatile, insulated and available in many traditional designs. Aluminium doors provide slimmer profiles, excellent strength and a more architectural appearance.

Which front door is best for a traditional Reigate property?

A panelled composite door is often a suitable choice for a traditional home. It can provide a timber-style appearance with modern security and reduced maintenance.

Which front door is best for a modern property?

Aluminium is particularly well suited to contemporary homes because it offers clean lines, slim frames and large glazing options. Modern composite designs are also available.

Are aluminium doors more expensive than composite doors?

Aluminium entrance doors generally have a higher initial cost, although the final price depends on size, glazing, hardware, colour and installation requirements.

Are composite doors secure?

Well-specified composite doors can provide strong security through reinforced construction, multi-point locking and secure glazing. The frame and installation are equally important.

Are aluminium doors secure?

Aluminium is a strong, stable material and can support high-security locks and reinforced panels. Ask for the exact security specification of the chosen system.

Which material is more energy-efficient?

Both can provide good thermal performance. Composite doors normally use insulated cores, while modern aluminium doors use thermal breaks and insulated panels. Compare the performance of the complete door.

Do composite doors require painting?

Composite doors generally do not require regular painting. They can normally be maintained through routine cleaning and periodic checks of the locks, hinges and seals.

Do aluminium doors corrode?

Modern powder-coated aluminium entrance doors are designed to resist normal weather exposure. They should be cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidance.

Can I have a different colour inside and outside?

Dual-colour options are available with many composite and aluminium systems. This allows the external colour to suit the property while the internal finish complements the hallway.

Can either door include obscure glass?

Yes. Composite and aluminium entrance doors can include clear, obscure or decorative glazing, depending on the chosen design.

Can an aluminium door have side panels?

Yes. Aluminium is particularly suitable for entrances with wide glazed side panels or a larger architectural arrangement.

Can a composite door match aluminium windows?

Yes. The materials do not have to be identical. Selecting complementary colours and hardware can create a coordinated exterior.

Do I need planning permission to replace my front door?

Many replacements do not require planning permission, but restrictions can apply to listed buildings, conservation areas, leasehold properties and entrances being structurally altered.

How do I arrange a front-door quotation in Reigate?

Contact Facelift Home Improvements to discuss your property and preferred design. The team can arrange a survey and provide a quotation for a suitable composite or aluminium entrance door.