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When choosing between a uPVC door and a timber (wooden) door, there are several factors
to consider, such as aesthetics, durability, cost, maintenance, insulation, and environmental
impact. Both materials have distinct advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you're
prioritizing for your home or building. Here's a detailed comparison:
1. Material and Aesthetics
● uPVC Door:
○ Material: uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) is a type of plastic known for its
durability and low maintenance.
○ Aesthetics: uPVC doors typically have a more modern and clean appearance,
often available in white but can also come in a variety of colors and woodgrain
finishes to mimic timber. However, many homeowners feel that uPVC doors lack
the authentic, natural look of timber.
○ Customization: uPVC doors offer a wide variety of colors and finishes, but the
customization in terms of intricate designs, shapes, and bespoke elements is
more limited compared to timber.
● Timber Door:
○ Material: Timber doors are made from natural wood, which can be hardwood
(like oak, mahogany, or teak) or softwood (like pine or cedar).
○ Aesthetics: Wooden doors offer a classic, elegant look, with natural grain
patterns and a warm, timeless appearance. Timber doors often appeal to those
who prefer traditional aesthetics and the premium feel of natural materials.
○ Customization: Timber doors can be custom-crafted with bespoke designs,
carvings, and intricate details, making them a perfect fit for period homes or
homeowners looking for a unique, personal touch.
2. Durability and Longevity
● uPVC Door:
○ Durability: uPVC is highly durable and resistant to weathering. It doesn’t warp,
rot, or swell, making it particularly suited for harsh climates and moisture-heavy
environments.
○ Longevity: uPVC doors typically last 20-30 years with minimal maintenance,
though they may lose some appearance over time due to scratches or
discoloration.
● Timber Door:
○ Durability: Timber doors, especially those made from hardwoods, are very
strong and durable but require more care to maintain their longevity. Softwood
doors, while generally cheaper, are less durable and more prone to damage.
○ Longevity: A well-maintained hardwood timber door can last up to 100 years or
more, but regular care (such as painting, varnishing, and treating against

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moisture and pests) is required to prevent issues like warping, rotting, or
cracking.
3. Maintenance
● uPVC Door:
○ Low Maintenance: uPVC doors require very little upkeep. They do not need
painting or varnishing and can be cleaned easily with soap and water. They are
resistant to rust, rot, and pests like termites.
○ Long-Term Appearance: While low maintenance, uPVC doors may fade or
discolor after years of exposure to sunlight. They can also become scratched or
damaged by impacts, though they remain structurally sound.
● Timber Door:
○ High Maintenance: Timber doors require regular maintenance, including
painting or varnishing every few years to protect the wood from moisture, UV
rays, and pests like termites. Without proper maintenance, timber doors can
warp, crack, or rot over time.
○ Environmental Factors: Exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause
timber doors to expand and contract, requiring frequent adjustments and care.
4. Security
● uPVC Door:
○ Security Features: uPVC doors are often equipped with multi-point locking
systems, which lock at multiple points along the frame, making them more
secure than traditional single-point locks. The inherent strength of uPVC doors,
combined with reinforced steel in some models, offers good security.
○ Durability Against Forced Entry: While durable, uPVC doors can sometimes be
less resilient than solid timber doors when it comes to withstanding brute force
attacks. However, they often have modern security features to compensate.
● Timber Door:
○ Security Features: A solid hardwood timber door is very strong and can be
highly secure, especially when paired with modern locking systems (like
deadbolts or multi-point locks).
○ Durability Against Forced Entry: Timber doors, particularly solid-core
hardwood, offer excellent resistance to forced entry due to their solid
construction. However, softwood doors may not offer the same level of strength
as hardwood.
5. Insulation and Energy Efficiency
● uPVC Door:
○ Energy Efficiency: uPVC doors generally offer excellent insulation properties,
both in terms of thermal and sound insulation. They often feature

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multi-chambered frames and double or triple glazing options that trap air,
helping to reduce heat loss and keep homes warmer.
○ Sealing: Modern uPVC doors are fitted with excellent weather seals, preventing
drafts and helping to maintain energy efficiency.
● Timber Door:
○ Energy Efficiency: Timber doors, especially those made from solid hardwood,
are naturally good insulators. The density of wood helps to retain heat inside a
home. However, the effectiveness of a timber door’s insulation depends largely
on how well it’s maintained (e.g., sealing gaps and treating the wood).
○ Warping Issues: Poorly maintained timber doors can warp over time, leading to
gaps that let drafts in, thus reducing their energy efficiency.
6. Environmental Impact
● uPVC Door:
○ Sustainability: While uPVC is recyclable, its production involves non-renewable
resources (petroleum-based products) and can have a greater environmental
footprint compared to timber. However, modern recycling programs for uPVC
materials are improving the sustainability of these doors.
○ End of Life: uPVC is recyclable, but its biodegradability is very low. uPVC
doors must be properly disposed of or recycled to avoid contributing to landfill
waste.
● Timber Door:
○ Sustainability: Timber is a renewable resource, and responsibly sourced
timber (with certifications like FSC or PEFC) is considered one of the most
environmentally friendly building materials. However, it’s important to ensure the
wood is sourced from sustainable forests to avoid contributing to deforestation.
○ End of Life: Timber doors are biodegradable and can be recycled or repurposed
more easily than uPVC, making them a more environmentally conscious choice if
sourced sustainably.
7. Cost
● uPVC Door:
○ Lower Upfront Costs: uPVC doors are typically more affordable than timber
doors, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. This
affordability extends to installation costs, as uPVC doors are generally easier to
fit.
○ Lifetime Costs: Due to their low maintenance needs, uPVC doors often have
lower lifetime costs than timber doors, despite their shorter lifespan.
● Timber Door:
○ Higher Upfront Costs: Timber doors, especially those made from high-quality
hardwoods, tend to be more expensive than uPVC doors. The cost reflects the
craftsmanship, material quality, and aesthetic appeal of timber.
○ Lifetime Costs: Timber doors may have higher long-term costs due to the need
for regular maintenance (e.g., painting, varnishing, and treating). However, if
properly maintained, timber doors can outlast uPVC by many years, potentially
making them a more cost-effective choice in the long term.
8. Noise Insulation
● uPVC Door:
○ Effective Soundproofing: uPVC doors, especially when combined with double
or triple glazing, offer very effective sound insulation, making them ideal for
homes located in noisy environments.
● Timber Door:
○ Natural Sound Insulation: Timber, especially solid hardwood, offers excellent
soundproofing properties. The dense nature of wood helps to reduce noise
transmission, making timber doors very effective at blocking outside sounds.