Can A Composite Door Be Fitted To A Wooden Frame?
Composite doors are the newest and most groundbreaking doors on the market. For decades, the ultimate in front doors were provided by solid wood, which meant a wooden door and wood frame.
However, with the growing popularity of the composite front door, many homeowners have decided to change doors from a traditional wood design to a composite door, which offers a range of colours to suit the style of any house.
With the switch to composite doors becoming more common for UK residents, it begs the question of whether composite doors are better than wood doors.
Often, a question arises, though - do I need to change my door frame too?
Should You Replace Your Wooden Door Frame?
As there could be different circumstances surrounding your decision to replace your existing door, let's consider these when suggesting whether it's a good idea to replace your frame simultaneously.
Scenario one
You have an old house, and while you have wooden front doors fitted and they have served you well through the years, you notice signs of wear and tear and decide to upgrade to a composite front door.
You like your wooden frame, though, and would prefer to keep it instead of changing to a uPVC-style one, pre-hung in a matching frame.
However, if you've noticed wear and tear on your door, isn't it possible that the same is happening to your wooden frame, too?
Timber frames are no different to the doors they support and will also suffer the effects of time. Replacing it so you don't have to take the new door down to replace the old frame a few years later could be the best idea.
Scenario two
Even if your existing door doesn't need replacing, you could be ready for a new look for your home or want to improve your security or thermal efficiency. Because of what composite doors are made of, they are a better investment than the uPVC door alternative. But should you replace your wood frame in this case?
You should consider that manufacturers design all frames with specific doors in mind, which is also the case with composite doors and frames.
In fact, wood composite doors are actually, on average, 10-20mm wider than standard doors. If you keep your existing frame, you will likely need to alter it slightly to fit the composite door which could ultimately affect its thermal efficiency.
In addition to this, composite door frame designs incorporate designated points where multi-point locks fitted to the modern front doors will fit snugly. Replicating these in a timber door frame could be problematic, and result in a less secure door.
But CAN You Fit a Composite Door in Wooden Frame?
Ultimately, yes you can. The question you should be asking, though, is, SHOULD you? We don't recommend it at UK Composite Doors, and many experts will refuse to do so.
Replacing your door is a long-term investment; it's best to follow advice on caring for your composite door replacing your frame simultaneously will be the best course of action.
FAQs
Can you fit a new composite front door into an existing wood frame?
"Can a composite door be fitted to a wooden frame?" is a common question asked by homeowners.
If it's a perfectly fitting door frame, then you'll need to trim the door for it to be installed correctly, and usually, it's not worth the effort, money or time.
You can see our guide on how to fit a composite door to learn more about what you may need and how it is done.
How much is a new composite door frame?
The average cost of composite door frames is usually between £100-£140, but this can change depending on the materials used and the size of the frame, as well as if installation is included or not.
What is the average size of composite door frames?
The size of door frames can often be customised depending on what size your composite door is or what size you want it to be. The width can be from 723mm-1034mm and the height ranges from 1973mm to 2184mm.
What is so important about composite doors and frames?
A composite door in a wooden frame not only helps your door to open and close properly, but it will help the overall structure of the composite wooden doors. This means you have a thermally efficient and secure composite door, that is far more reliable.
Can you put a uPVC door on a wooden frame?
We do not recommend that you put a uPVC door on a wooden frame as the frame and door would have to be very specific sizes and the different properties of each material could mean they don't work for an effective front door.
