A Guide to Choosing a Front Door

Your front door is the first thing visitors see and the first line of defence for your home, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

At Viking Windows, we help homeowners across Wrexham, North Wales and the North West of England choose new front doors every week. Here’s our guide to what really matters.

Start With Security

A front door should make your home feel safe, so start with security. Look for a door that’s accredited by Secured by Design, the official police security initiative.

The lock matters just as much as the door. A multipoint locking system secures the door at several points along its edge, not just in the middle, making it far harder to force. Our TruFrame uPVC doors are Secured by Design accredited, and their locking systems are guaranteed against mechanical failure for 10 years.

Composite or uPVC: Which Is Right for You?

Most homeowners choose between two materials. Both are secure and easy to look after, but they suit different homes and budgets.

Composite Front Doors

A composite door is made from several materials bonded together. TruFrame’s composite doors combine glass reinforced plastic skins with a high density foam core and an engineered timber subframe. The result is a thick, solid door with the warmth and character of real wood, but none of the warping, rotting or repainting.

Composite doors are heavier and more substantial than uPVC, which is why so many homeowners choose them for the front of the house.

uPVC Doors

uPVC doors are more affordable and still offer excellent security and insulation. They’re a great choice for a back or side door, or for a front door when budget is the priority. TruFrame’s uPVC doors are built on the 70mm Liniar profile and come in 14 colours, including woodgrain finishes such as Golden Oak and Rosewood.

Think About Warmth and Weather

An old, draughty door lets a surprising amount of heat escape. Composite doors are especially good here. The foam core insulates far better than a traditional timber door, and three separate weather seals stop draughts and rain getting in.

That makes a real difference for homes facing the wind and rain in North Wales, or for busy roads across the North West of England, where the solid build also helps to deaden outside noise.

Choose a Style That Suits Your Home

Your front door should feel like it belongs to your home. A period terrace often suits a traditional panelled door with a classic knocker, while a modern new build can carry off a sleek, contemporary design with bold glazing.

With over 200 composite door styles and more than 400 colours to choose from, there’s plenty of room to make a statement. Black, red and deep green are timeless choices, while anthracite grey gives a crisp, modern finish. Don’t forget the finishing touches: a handle, letterbox and knocker in a matching finish pull the whole look together.

Get the Right Balance of Light and Privacy

Glass brings daylight into your hallway, which can make a big difference if it’s narrow or dark. With over 50 glass designs available on our composite doors, you can choose anything from a solid door to decorative glazed panels.

If your door faces a busy street, obscure or textured glass lets light in while keeping prying eyes out.

Consider How Much Upkeep You Want

Composite and uPVC doors won’t rot, flake or need repainting. A wipe down with warm soapy water a few times a year keeps them looking fresh.

TruFrame also backs its composite doors with a 10 year guarantee against warping, splitting and discolouration, so your door keeps its good looks for years.

Remember That Fitting Matters

Even the best door won’t perform properly if it’s fitted badly. Every door we supply is made to measure for your opening, so it closes smoothly, seals tightly and locks securely. If your doorway needs a new lintel to meet Building Regulations, we’ll supply and fit that too.

You’ll always know who’s at your door. Our fitters are uniformed, DBS checked and carry picture ID. Viking Windows is part of JF Glazing, a Wrexham business since 2003, and our team brings over 40 years’ combined glazing experience to every home we visit.

Find Your Perfect Front Door With Viking Windows

We’ll visit your home anywhere in Wrexham, North Wales or the North West of England, measure up, talk you through the styles, colours and glass options, and give you a clear, honest quote with no pressure to commit.

Take a look at our composite doors and uPVC doors pages for more inspiration, then get in touch to arrange your survey.