Aluminium vs. Composite Doors
and why Attlas Stands Out
For years, composite doors have dominated the residential market, becoming a popular choice for homeowners seeking a cost-effective, traditional-looking front door. Aluminium vs composite doors are now frequently compared. Composit door appeal comes from their wide availability, variety of wood-effect finishes, and relatively affordable pricing. Aluminium door appeal comes from a more premium look and luxury feel. Composite doors try to mimic wood. Aluminium doors are standalone products.
Many homeowners opt for composite doors due to the perception that they offer the best value for money, combining aesthetics and security. However, while composite doors have certainly made their mark, the aluminium front door market has evolved significantly, offering a compelling alternative.
Aluminium vs composite doors. Background
In the past, aluminium front doors were considered more of a high-end option, with fewer styles and higher price points. But today, the market has shifted. With advancements in design and manufacturing, aluminium doors like Attlas are now widely available at prices that directly compete with composite doors and give higher specifications and more features.
This shift has revealed that composite doors may not be the value proposition many believe them to be. When placed side by side, the superior design, features, and quality of an Attlas aluminium front door make composite doors seem lacking by comparison. Once you see and experience an Attlas door, the difference is clear. The enhanced performance, aesthetic appeal, and long-term durability of aluminium mean that composite doors no longer offer the same value.
Comparing Materials: Aluminium vs Composite
The primary distinction between aluminium and composite doors lies in the materials used. Composite doors typically feature a PVCu frame with a foam or timber core, while our Attlas aluminium doors use strong, slim, and durable aluminium profiles throughout the door.
Composite Front Doors:
Composite doors often try to mimic traditional wooden doors with textured or wood-effect finishes.
They are bulkier, with visible fixings around the glazing, which detracts from their modern look.
Composite frames use materials from various suppliers, leading to inconsistent colour matching.
Aluminium Front Doors:
Attlas aluminium doors feature slim, modern profiles that create a sleek and contemporary appearance. All the frame and door leaf components in an aluminium door come from one supplier, one painter. Aluminium front doors offer better colour consistency as the aluminium profiles and panels are all powder-coated to the same high standard.
Aluminium is inherently stronger and lighter than composite doors. The slab design of the door leaf means small door widths aren’t usually possible with composite doors, making these unsuitable for cottages with narrower doorways. And composite doors don’t go that wide or that tall, designed for standard size doors.
With Attlas and aluminium doors , you get the benefit of materials that are built to last and offer a more cohesive, modern finish that composite doors simply cannot match. Doors also go as narrow as 600mm wide up to 1100mm wide and up to 2400mm high, something no composite door can achieve.
Design and Construction: Aluminium’s Superior Finish
When it comes to construction, Attlas aluminium doors are designed for precision and longevity. Composite doors, while functional, are made using several components ‘bolted together’ like the glazing cassettes. As such, they can look less refined and cheaper.
Composite Front Doors:
Composite doors are typically thicker and constructed with either a polyurethane or timber core, covered with PVC skins.
While composite doors aim to replicate the look of wood, they often fall short of delivering a premium finish.
Some lower-end composite doors may show visible screws holding glazing cassettes in place, which detracts from their overall appearance.
Aluminium Front Doors:
Our Attlas aluminium doors are crafted with seamless frame joints and precision-engineered panels that deliver a luxurious, clean look. Importantly, colours are consistent.
Aluminium allows for larger glass panels and slimmer frames, giving your front door a sleek, contemporary feel.
Every aluminium door we make is custom-designed, meaning we can create exactly what you envision without being limited by stock sizes or generic designs.
At Attlas, we take pride in our craftsmanship. Our aluminium doors are not only stylish but also designed to provide a flawless finish that’s miles ahead of any composite door.
Thermal Expansion: Why Aluminium Wins
Thermal expansion plagues PVCu and composite doors. Every door contracts, but thermal contraction twisting and warping is known to affect several cheap composite door brands. Composite doors, especially in darker colours and on south, south-west or west elevations, can expand and contract significantly in response to temperature changes, leading to issues with sticking or warping over time.
Composite Front Doors:
Prone to thermal expansion, particularly in direct sunlight, leading to doors that may become difficult to lock or operate.
Darker-coloured composite doors are especially susceptible to these issues.
Aluminium Front Doors:
Aluminium has two and a half times less thermal expansion, ensuring that our doors remain stable, even in extreme weather conditions.
You can trust that your Attlas aluminium front door will perform reliably, no matter the season or climate.
Where Composite Doors Excel
It is important to be balanced when comparing aluminium vs composite doors. While we believe aluminium is the superior material for front doors, there are a few areas where composite doors have their strengths.
Better suited for traditional-style properties where the homeowner may prefer a wood-effect finish.
Where budget is very tight, the lower-end composite doors are generally cheaper than aluminium, making them a good option for budget-conscious buyers.
They offer the option for stable doors, where the top half can open independently from the bottom, which is not always available in aluminium.
Aluminium vs composite doors – lets talk security
Secured by Design, PAS 24, RC Security ratings are all widely used across doors of all materials. The truth is both aluminium and composite doors come independently tested to the same and latest security standards.
Both composite and aluminium front doors offer good security, but aluminium has the edge in terms of strength and resistance to forced entry. This is because the edge of the door leaf it typically flat and accessible on a composite door. On an aluminium door you’ll always find a strong frame rebate, that provides much needed protection when someone tries to jemmy a door open. It’s much harder with aluminium.
Composite and aluminium doors come with multi-point locking systems and secure door cylinders, providing adequate security for most homes. The difference is these locks are fitted into wood or plastic. Aluminium arguably provides a more resiliant fixing point for the hardware.
Our Attlas aluminium doors come equipped with advanced multi-point locking systems and are tested to PAS 24 standards, offering a higher level of protection.
The inherent strength of aluminium makes it more resistant to physical force and tampering.
Whilst yes, composite doors are tested, aluminium doors like Attlas provide an additional layer of confidence with their robust construction, aluminium profile design, thicker wall-thickness, stronger fixing points and metal to metal peace of mind.
Cost: Investing in Long-Term Quality
While composite doors may be more affordable initially, aluminium front doors provide better long-term value due to their superior durability and low-maintenance requirements. You only need to walk around new build developments to see the front doors quickly discolour where the cheapest brands have been used.
An aluminium door, routinely cleaned and maintained will last and last. Don’t just take our word for it. Take commercial buildings like schools as an example. Every day hundreds of children stream through school doors at break times and going home time. Every school door is metal, like Aluminium. Aluminium is the better long-term investment. It looks better and lasts longer.
Aluminium vs Composite Doors. How much do they cost?
Composite Front Doors:
Prices typically range from £1000 to £3500 depending on the model and quality.
Aluminium Front Doors:
Attlas aluminium doors start around £2500.
We are pretty sure the cheaper composite doors won’t be of interest. But if you are comparing the upper level composite door brands, you’ll find all of them priced at nearly the cost of an Attlas front door or more.
Although aluminium doors might be more expensive upfront, they are a long-term investment that will outlast and outperform composite doors in the long run.
Why Choose Attlas Aluminium Front Doors?
At Attlas, we are committed to delivering high-quality aluminium front doors that combine style, performance, and durability. Our doors are designed to last longer, perform better, and look more stylish than composite doors, making them the perfect choice for your home. Whether you’re upgrading for security, aesthetics, or energy efficiency, Attlas aluminium front doors provide a superior solution tailored to your needs.
Get in touch with us today to explore our wide range of aluminium front doors and find the perfect fit for your home. You can view our range of doors across London and Surrey.
