How to choose the right front door for your home
Your front door is more than just an entrance; it’s the first impression your home makes on visitors. Choosing the right front door style can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal, reflect your style, and even improve security and energy efficiency.
Our front doors buyers’ guide is here to help you learn more about the options available when buying your new door. Considerations include door styles to match your home’s exterior, door types and materials and other options. So let’s dive right in and see which one might be the perfect fit for your home.
View the Rockdoor range of composite doors
The Rockdoor range of composite doors comes in 30 composite door styles, available in 13 different door colours. So no matter if you’re looking for new front doors, back doors or even double doors, French doors or stable doors. There’s a wide range of Rockdoor composite doors available to compliment the look and style of your home.
Which front door style should you choose?
External doors come in a variety of designs and styles, each offering unique characteristics suited to different architectural themes and personal preferences. Of course, there is no right choice of door, since everybody will have their own opinions.
Just looking at the Rockdoor range, for instance, you can see we have 30 door styles to choose from, each with different design aspects that will appeal to a broad range of people.
For instance, our traditional door styles feature intricate carvings or panels which evoke a sense of timeless elegance. In contrast, contemporary doors typically emphasise clean lines and minimalistic features. Our period front doors are characterised by detailed glasswork and stunning panelling, making them ideal for a range of homes, particularly those from the Victorian or Georgian period.
No matter which door you choose, homeowners are sure to find a new door that not only complements their home’s exterior but also helps to ensure the security of their home.
Traditional front door styles
Traditional front doors in the UK are emblematic of the country’s architectural heritage, often featuring classic design elements that reflect various historical periods. Commonly, they boast intricate panelling, with four or six-panel configurations being particularly popular.
Traditional front doors such as Tennessee, Jacobean and Carolina, all incorporate our unique s-glaze technology with a range of glass designs available to make your new door perfectly suited to your home. Available in a range of colours including the popular Anthracite Grey, White, Chartwell Green, Oak and many more! Rockdoors are guaranteed to enhance the curb appeal of homes throughout the UK.
Image L-R; Chartwell Green Tennessee Crystal Bevel, White Jacobean Border and Rosewood Carolina.
Period front door styles
Period front doors are distinguished by their historical authenticity and attention to detail, reflecting the architectural styles of various eras such as Colonial, Newark and Astoria. These doors often feature elegant, symmetrical designs and minimal glazing, including decorative glass panels.
Our Traditional and Period front door styles offer durable elegance and classic charm, designed to enhance the curb appeal of your home. Also, our Rockdoor Trusted Installers provide expert advice on door styles and installation that suit your needs perfectly.
Image L-R; Black Colonial, Ruby Red Newark Jubilee and Emerald Green Astoria Kensington.
Contemporary front door styles
Contemporary design often prioritises simplicity, and this principle extends to door design as well. One common choice for such doors is a large, flat panel design such as Dakota and Indiana.
Another variation on this theme is a single glass unit such as the Dune Retreat, Vogue, Vermont and Classic, which is frequently paired with textured options. This combination not only provides privacy but also allows light to filter through the entranceway of your home.
L-R; Black Vermont Continuity, Cream Dune Retreat and Anthracite Grey Indiana.
Cottage front door styles
The style of cottage front doors mixes traditional designs with modern elegance, making them feel inviting and stylish.
These doors usually have classic features such as stunning mouldings and stylish handles and accessories, such as door knockers, letter plates and door knobs to name a few. Rockdoor cottage doors may look quaint, but they still have the same security and thermal efficiency benefits that you would expect from our doors.
Image L-R; Light Oak English Cottage Square Lead, Chartwell Green Cottage Spy View and Irish Oak Cottage View Light Diamond Lead.
Stable front door styles
A stable door, alternatively referred to as a Dutch door or a half-door, possesses a unique split design that permits separate operation of its upper and lower sections.
A stable door acts as a traditional door when locked. The unique feature of the stable doors is their ability to open in half, allowing homeowners not only to enjoy the gentle breeze but also to keep children and pets safe inside while maintaining privacy.
Image L-R; Cream Stable View Light Square Lead, Agate Grey Stable Spy View Diamond Lead and White Stable Diamond.
Material used to make external doors
- Wood doors: Traditional and classic, wooden doors offer warmth, character, and durability. Hardwoods like oak are popular choices due to their strength. Softwoods like pine are also used, often treated for weather resistance.
- uPVC doors: Known for their low maintenance, durability, and improved energy efficiency, proved a popular choice since the 1980s when they were first introduced along with uPVC windows.
- Metal doors: Durable and corrosion-resistant. They are often chosen for their modern aesthetic and can be powder-coated in a variety of colours. These doors are quite limited in style, offering few choices to homeowners. They are often used in commercial buildings or high-security properties.
- Composite doors: Made from a combination of materials, typically including a PU foam core, GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) skins, a timber inner frame and uPVC outer frame. Timber inner frames often require regular maintenance due to their tendency to swell and bow over time, necessitating consistent maintenance to ensure structural longevity.
- Rockdoor composite doors: Manufactured using an aluminium-reinforced inner frame and high-density PU foam that is 35% stronger than a standard GRP door. Featuring improved thermal performance and S-Glaze technology, these doors provide strength, durability, and protection, thanks to Secured By Design accreditation.
Choosing the right front door style for your home
It is indeed an imperative decision to select a front door style for your home. The choice is a blend of personal preference, architectural design, and budget considerations. Your front door serves as the focal point of your home’s exterior, setting the tone for its overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer classic elegance, modern minimalism, or a blend of both, exploring various style options is essential.
Ultimately, your selection should reflect your taste, complement your home’s architecture, and align with your financial plan. But here’s the catch: take the time to explore our door style options or design your door and ensure your front door becomes a welcoming statement piece that enhances your home’s curb appeal.
Finding prices for your new front door
Prices can vary significantly between different installers due to factors such as materials, labour costs, and expertise. To get a price for each front door style, the most reliable approach is to find trusted installers. Provide details such as desired materials, dimensions, and any additional features you may want. By consulting with the installers, you can compare prices and make an informed decision based on both affordability and quality.
Remember to enquire about warranties and installation timelines to ensure a seamless process from selection to installation of your desired style of front door.
Rockdoor Brochure and Technical Manual
For more information on our range of composite doors, download our Brochure and Technical Manual.
Reasons to Choose a Rockdoor
Core Benefits
Rockdoors inner strength is unsurpassed thanks to a combination of a 360° aluminium reinforced inner frame and high-density thermally efficient PU foam. Customers can also choose steel mesh reinforcing for the ultimate in security.
£2,000 Guarantee
Our lock cylinders are burglar proof. A TSOO7 3 star rating, SS 312 Sold Secure Diamond Standard and Secured by Design accreditation see to that, plus our £2,000 security guarantee.
Forced Entry
Rockdoors are designed for strength, it is in our DNA. For over 25 years, we have led the way in composite door development to ensure our doors protect homes and families from unwanted intruders and forced entry.
Hook up with Rockdoor
Strong sintered steel multi point hook locks with a 25mm throw, securely attach the door to the frame to ensure it cannot be forcibly opened by burglars whilst ensuring a better sound and weatherproof seal.
Glass Leading Security
Rockdoors feature S Glaze technology, meaning your glass is locked into your door for life, for added security. It also means no glazing cassettes are used which are prone to fading and discolouration.
Stronger, it's Official!
Rockdoor is consistently found to be one of the most secure doors available in the UK, studies show that a Rockdoor is 35% stronger than a typical GRP door.
