A Guide to Back Doors
While the back door may not be seen as the face of the home, it is still important. Security and energy efficiency matter just as much, so it’s essential to make the right choice when shopping for a new back door. In this blog, we will help you make that choice, by outlining not only the style available to you, not also the most popular choices and what to look for in security and energy efficiency.
What are the most popular back doors for homes?
- Half-glazed UPVC back doors are the top back doors UK homeowners choose, due to their simplicity and reliability. Their spacious glass also makes them popular as entrances between kitchens and gardens.
- Solid doors are also favourable due to their simple designs. Some homeowners favour these for privacy.
- Of course, more elaborate designs are also available, matching the range typically associated with front doors.
What are the different styles of back doors?
Composite back doors
These doors look like standard timber doors, having a knotted and grained texture. Styles vary from traditional to modern, with cottage styles and 1930s designs also available. Composite back doors come in a large choice of colours.
UPVC back doors
These doors are more budget-friendly than composite back doors and have a smoother appearance. Colour options are limited, with some woodgrains available to emulate the appearance of natural timber doors.
Composite back doors with catflap
Certain cottage and modern style composite back doors can accommodate catflaps and pet doors (for larger cats and dogs). One of these will make it easier for a cat or dog to enter and exit without opening the door.
UPVC back doors with catflap
Certain cottage styles and flat panel UPVC back doors, namely half-glazed and full panel doors can incorporate a catflap or pet door. It is also possible to include a catflap/pet door within a fully glazed UPVC back door.
Composite stable back doors
Unlike regular back doors, composite stable doors operate as two parts – either individually or together as a standard door. This allows the top to be opened for ventilation, while the bottom is locked to keep children and pets safely indoors.
UPVC french back doors
Also known as double doors, UPVC french doors are typically fully glazed, and are popular for wider entrances to gardens.
UPVC patio back doors
Like UPVC french doors, UPVC patio doors are used for spacious entrances to back gardens. Patio doors slide rather than arch to open, which can be beneficial for saving space.
What are the best back doors for security?
- Composite back doors – These doors not only look like sturdy wooden doors, they also include a tough GRP (glass reinforced plastic) skin, making them a top choice for secure rear doors UK homeowners will favour.
- UPVC back doors – While more lightweight than composites, UPVC back doors are built with high-security features as well, including a steel-reinforced frame and toughened glass.
Essential back door security features
- Multi-point locking system – This secures your door from top to bottom, unlike a single-point lock, which leaves areas of the door vulnerable.
- Toughened glass – Resistant to shattering from head-on impact.
- Reinforced frame – Makes the frame more durable.
- Secure barrel – With anti-bump, anti-pick and anti-drill properties, thwarting common burglary techniques.
- Anti-lift hinges – Ensure that burglars cannot lift the door off of its frame.
What are the most energy efficient back doors?
- Composite back doors – These doors are purpose-built to offer superior energy efficiency than standard timber doors, thanks to their multi-layered construction helping to reduce heat loss.
- UPVC back doors – Like composite doors, these are multi-layered, making it harder for heat to escape. They also use energy efficient glass, which is integrated within panelled doors.
Essential back door energy efficiency features
- Multi-layered panel/slab – Multiple layers create thermal breaks that make it harder for heat to escape, as well as for draught to enter. Single-layered doors allow heat and draught to pass more freely, wasting energy as a result.
- Weatherseal gaskets – Form a seal around the door to keep out draught.
- Double or triple glazing – Layered glass helps to prevent heat loss and draught penetration.
- Warm edge spacer bars – These spacers within glass units can deflect heat back indoors, whereas standard aluminium spacers offer poor insulation.
How much does a back door cost to replace in the UK?
- A clear glass half-glazed UPVC back door can cost around £530 Supply Only or £930 Fully Fitted. Full flat panel and clear glass fully glazed UPVC back doors are close to these prices. UPVC back doors with more ornate glass designs will cost more.
- A clear glass half-glazed composite back door can cost around £640 Supply Only or £1100 Fully Fitted. Solid doors will cost slightly less, while composite back doors with elaborate designs will cost more.
Can you replace a back door without replacing the frame?
- This is not possible, as a door and frame not built for each other may not align correctly. This would cause problems with insulation (gaps) and security (locking mechanisms not connecting). For this reason, as well as for matching profiles, new composite back doors and UPVC back doors will include a new frame.
- While it may be possible to leave existing side panels and toplights intact, it is recommended to replace these as well to match the aesthetic of the new door.
I’m ready to buy my back door
Good! You can place your order in one of the following ways:
- Call us free – Speak to our door experts on 0800 910 1122.
- Message us online – Either via the blue tab or by visiting our Contact Us page.
- Order online – Browse hundreds of composite back doors and UPVC back doors on our website, and customise your chosen door to your liking before you place an order.
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