What Type of Door Is Best for My House? Materials & Styles

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “What type of door is best for my house?” With so many options available — from uPVC and composite to aluminium and timber — it can be difficult to decide. The best door depends on your budget, home style, and priorities like energy efficiency, security, and design.

Door Materials: Which Is Best for My House?

If you’re asking what type of door is best for my house, start by looking at the material:

• uPVC doors – Affordable, low-maintenance, available in multiple colours. Lifespan: 20–30 years.

• Composite doors – Strong, energy-efficient, and highly secure. Lifespan: 25–30 years.

• Aluminium doors – Slim, modern, extremely durable, and fully customisable in any colour. Lifespan: 30–40+ years.

• Timber doors – Traditional, classic look, paintable or stainable in any shade. Lifespan: 25–35 years with maintenance.

The best door material depends on whether you want affordability (uPVC), durability (aluminium), energy efficiency (composite), or traditional charm (timber).

Door Shapes and Styles

The right door shape can make your entrance stand out:

• Standard rectangular doors – most common.

• Arched doors – great for period homes.

• Doors with side panels or toplights – allow extra natural light.

• Wide pivot or French doors – ideal for modern, open-plan entrances.

Are There Any Doors I Can’t Have by Law?

While most doors are allowed, Building Regulations and planning rules affect what you can install:

• Part L (energy efficiency): Old single-glazed doors no longer comply.

• Part Q (security): New-build homes require PAS 24 security-rated doors.

• Conservation areas/listed buildings: Restrictions may apply (e.g., timber required instead of uPVC).

• Internal fire doors: Some locations (e.g., between a garage and a house) must use fire-rated doors.

What Colours Are Available for Doors?

If you’re wondering what type of door is best for my house aesthetically, colour is a huge factor.

• uPVC: White, black, grey, woodgrain effects.

• Composite: Wide RAL colour choices, dual-colour options.

• Aluminium: Full RAL chart, metallics, matt, gloss, textured finishes.

• Timber: Paint or stain in any shade.

You can fully customise your door colour to match your windows or make a bold design statement.

Can I Match My Door Colour to My Windows?

Yes – most door manufacturers offer matching colour systems for windows and doors. You can choose:

• Dual-colour finishes (different inside and outside).

• Hardware colour matching (handles, knockers, letterboxes).

• Woodgrain or textured finishes to match existing frames.

This ensures your door blends seamlessly with the rest of your home’s design.

FAQs: What Type of Door Is Best for My House?

What type of door is most secure?
Composite and aluminium doors with multi-point locking are the most secure.

Which door is best for energy efficiency?
Composite doors generally perform best, followed by modern uPVC.

Can I choose any door colour I like?
Yes – aluminium and composite doors offer the widest colour ranges.

Are there restrictions on door types?
Yes – Building Regulations and conservation rules may limit materials or glazing.

Will a new door increase my home’s value?
Yes – modern doors improve kerb appeal, energy efficiency, and security, which all boost value.

In summary: If you’re asking “what type of door is best for my house”, the answer depends on your goals:

• uPVC – affordable and low-maintenance.

• Composite – secure and energy-efficient.

• Aluminium – modern, slim, and long-lasting.

• Timber – classic and traditional.

With endless colour and finish options, plus the ability to match your windows, the right door will transform your home’s style, security, and value.