Aluminium vs Composite Doors: Which is the Best Choice for Your Home?
Aluminium vs Composite Doors: Which is the Best Choice for Your Home?
If you’re looking for a new entrance door, it can be tricky to understand which material to opt for.
Truth be told, various front door materials excel and specialise in different areas, such as thermal efficiency, durability, and modern aesthetics – so it’s important to recognise your own top priority when making a decision.
Two of the most coveted entrance doors on the market are of course composite and aluminium front doors, with both being widely recognised as versatile solutions, capable of improving the performance of any home.
But which is right for you? This blog will explain both materials in depth, analyse their individual strengths, and come to a conclusion, hopefully giving you a better idea about which is the better investment for your lifestyle.

A green composite door
What are Aluminium Doors?
Aluminium doors are made from, you guessed it, aluminium! This lightweight yet strong metal has become increasingly popular in modern architecture and home design. Aluminium entrance doors are known for their sleek appearance, durability, and versatility.
What are Composite Doors?
Composite doors, on the other hand, are made from a combination of materials. Typically, they consist of a solid timber core, uPVC, and a scratch-resistant GRP outer-skin. This unique construction and advanced coating process gives composite doors a range of beneficial properties, making them a good choice for many homeowners.
Key Factors and Characteristics
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors that set these two materials apart:
Aluminium Doors:
- Slim, contemporary profiles
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Highly customisable with over 200 RAL colours
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
- Low maintenance

Aluminium French doors
Composite Doors:
- Optional woodgrain effect for a traditional look
- Excellent thermal and sound insulation
- Available in various colours and styles
- High security features
- Low maintenance
Now, let’s compare aluminium and composite doors across various aspects to help you determine which might be the right choice for your home.

Composite door
Comparing Aluminium and Composite Doors
Thermal Efficiency (Composite)
When it comes to keeping your home warm and reducing energy bills, composite doors have a slight edge. The multi-layered construction of composite doors, including their solid core, provides excellent thermal performance. This means less heat loss through your front door, potentially leading to lower energy costs.
While our aluminium doors at Sherborne are fitted with polyamide thermal breaks and multiple heat-trapping chambers, composite doors generally offer slightly better insulation. Therefore, if energy efficiency is your top priority, a composite door might be the better choice.
Natural Light Intake (Aluminium)
For those looking to maximise natural light in their home, aluminium doors have a distinct advantage. The strength of aluminium allows for slimmer frames, which means larger glass panels can be incorporated into the door design. This results in more sunlight flooding into your home, creating bright and inviting interiors.
Looking past new front doors for a moment, our aluminium French doors, sliding doors, and bifold doors are particularly popular for this reason. They can transform the look and feel of a room by blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Weather Resistance (Both)
Both aluminium and composite doors offer excellent protection against the elements, making them suitable for homes in various climates, and giving property owners imperative peace of mind.
Aluminium doors: Our aluminium doors are highly resistant to warping, rusting, and fading. They can withstand extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat to freezing temperatures, without losing their shape or functionality.
Composite doors: The GRP skin on our composite doors provides superior resistance to weathering, even when exposed to harsh sunlight or heavy rain. The combination of materials used in composite doors makes them highly stable in various weather conditions.

Brown composite front door
Affordability (Composite)
When it comes to initial cost, composite doors generally come in at a slightly lower price point. However, it’s important to note that this can vary depending on a few different factors such as colour, hardware finishes, location, size of the door, etc.
At Sherborne, we make sure to offer a range of options to suit different budgets, ensuring that you can find a high-quality door that meets your needs and financial considerations.
Traditional Aesthetic (Composite)
For homeowners looking to maintain or create a classic look, composite doors are often the preferred choice. With their woodgrain effect and ability to mimic the appearance of timber doors, composite entrance doors can add a classic, timeless appeal to your home.
Our composite doors come in a variety of styles, including those with intricate Victorian-style engravings and classic colours like Chartwell Green. Woodgrain finishes in Golden Oak, Irish Oak, and Rosewood are also available, perfect for creating that country charm.
Contemporary Aesthetic (Aluminium)
When it comes to contemporary, sleek designs, aluminium doors are hard to beat. The slim profiles and clean lines of aluminium doors make them a popular choice for modern homes. Their minimalist appearance can add a touch of sophistication to any property.
At Sherborne, our aluminium doors can be customised with over 200 RAL colours, including metallic and smooth finishes. This allows you to create a truly unique look that complements your home’s architecture and your personal style.
Durability (Both)
Both aluminium and composite doors score highly in terms of durability and life expectancy. Aluminium is known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, while composite doors benefit from their multi-layered construction and weather-resistant outer skin.
Our aluminium and composite doors are built to last, offering excellent protection against the elements and everyday use. With proper care, both types of doors can maintain their appearance and functionality for many years.
Low Maintenance (Both)
One of the major advantages of both aluminium and composite doors is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike timber doors, which may need regular painting or staining, both aluminium and composite doors are designed to retain their appearance with minimal upkeep.
For both types of doors, a simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep them looking their best. This makes them an ideal choice for busy homeowners who want a hassle-free entrance door.

Aluminium sliding patio door
The Verdict
Both aluminium and composite doors offer excellent options for homeowners looking to upgrade their entrance door. The right choice for you will depend on your specific needs, personal preferences, and the style of your home.
Aluminium doors are an excellent choice if you’re looking for:
- A contemporary, sleek aesthetic
- Maximised natural light
- Superior weather resistance
- Extensive customisation options
Composite doors might be the better option if you prioritise:
- Traditional or classic aesthetics
- Superior thermal efficiency
- Excellent soundproofing
- A more affordable initial cost
At Sherborne, we’re proud to offer high quality options in both materials, available in a wide range of colours. Whether you choose an aluminium or composite door, you can be confident that you’re getting a durable, low-maintenance, and secure entrance door that will drastically improve your home’s kerb appeal and energy efficiency.
About Sherborne
At Sherborne Windows, we’ve been serving homeowners in Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, and South-West London for over 30 years. We’re proud to be one of the most trusted names in home improvement in the region, offering a wide range of high-quality products including windows, doors, and glazed extensions.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction means we provide impartial advice to help you find the best solution for your home. Whether you’re looking for aluminium doors, composite doors, or any other home improvement product, we’re here to help.
We operate within a 1-hour radius of our Farnborough HQ, providing a truly local service with unrivalled knowledge of the area and its homeowners’ needs. With three showrooms across Surrey and Hampshire, you can explore our range of products in person and get expert advice from our friendly team.