When you need to replace your front or back door, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Most people tend to think about security, energy efficiency, looks and cost. A replacement door is not just an investment in your home now, it could also add value for when you come to sell your home in future.
Here we’ll focus on the most common door types in the UK, the materials on offer and how to choose the right replacement door for your home.
There are different designs to choose from when it comes to front door replacement. This includes options for panels and glazing. The main types of exterior doors are:
Panel doors are some of the most popular types of front door in the UK. They feature moulded panels in different shapes and variations, and can work with both modern and traditional homes. For example, Victorian doors have a classic four-panel design and Georgian doors tend to have six panels.
Panel doors often have glass sections too, bringing natural light into your hallway. Consider panel doors if you are updating the door on your period home and want to match the new with the old.
Choosing a glazed front door can bring natural light into your hallway or entrance area. Many people choose a glazed door for their back door for added natural light and views out into the garden. There are plenty of designs that incorporate glazing.
Going for a fully glazed door maximises natural light and works well with most modern homes. Frosted glass helps to keep things private for front doors and areas where you're overlooked. If you’re choosing a fully glazed door as your back door, clear glass can make the most of the light and the garden views.
We have several fully glazed designs in our front doors category. However, the majority of our fully glazed doors are found in Patio, French and Bifold.
A half-glazed door brings in light and can be an excellent choice for a front door on traditional or period properties. You’ll find partial glazing in Victorian, Georgian, Edwardian and 1930s-style doors.
French doors are a classic choice for rooms at the back of your home. They usually feature fully-glazed double doors that opening outward with central handles. French doors can work with any style of home, whether contemporary or traditional.
They add light, functionality and style to both the interior and exterior of a home. You’ll most likely choose French doors to open out onto your garden from your living room or kitchen, or between your home and conservatory. We offer them in wood, uPVC or aluminium with flexible design options.
Bifold doors are one of the most modern fully glazed door styles around today. They open but folding in a concertina, sliding away to completely open one side of your room to the garden. The large amount of glass also means natural light can flood into your space.
By opening up the garden to your room, you’ll create a cool, fresh space ideal for sunny days and entertaining. When the weather isn’t as ideal, you can still enjoy the light and wonderful views out to the garden. If you have a larger wall available, bifold doors create a bigger impact than other styles, and can even add more value too.
A stable door is a front or back door that splits into two parts halfway up, with the top and bottom both opening independently from each other. Perfect for adding ventilation, you can open them one at a time or keep them together to open as one. This classic door style is perfect for country cottages or when you want to add a bit of charm to your back door.
It is possible to fit a new door without replacing the frame, but it isn't always the best solution. Anglian only fits replacement doors with a new frame. For example, our uPVC doors are manufactured as a complete door set, including the front door, frame, hinges and lock. This helps us ensure the security and energy efficiency of our door replacements
Looking for inspiration for your home? Discover our selection of doors online or fill out our online form for a free no-obligation quote.
It’s always best to coordinate your new front or back door with the style and feel of your home. If you live in a period property or one with imitation period features, consider a replacement door that’s in keeping with the look of your home. Also think about what you need for your door in terms of function, security and your budget.
Let’s look closer at some door styles to help with your decision.
Cottage doors work best with traditional cottages and countryside homes. Our cottage-style doors each have a traditional tongue and groove-grained finish for that classic look. We can even craft bespoke stable doors to bring a true country style to your home.
Before choosing your door, think about how the material works with your existing doors and windows and the façade of your home. Cottage doors aren’t just for cottages though. They can work beautifully on more contemporary homes, especially if you want to add a touch of country charm or you want to achieve a more rustic aesthetic.
A modern home often calls for a modern door. Whether you need something sleek and understated or a bold design to suit a bold house, contemporary-style doors can be very versatile. Choosing a modern door featuring similar shapes to the ones in your home can help create a harmonious design.
Contemporary doors leave themselves open to a wider range of colour choices. Modern homes can be bold in design, and colour, so you can be do the same with your front door. Equally, modern homes often have simple styles and colour palettes, and muted door colours can add a touch of style and sophistication.
If you live in a period property, a new front door can help you refresh or revitalise the original façade. Go for a style of door that works with the period of your home and brings the original features to life. This could be Edwardian, Victorian, 1930s or Georgian. Think about colour too, as traditional homes often suit elegant, understated colours.
