Doors and entrances

Composite and steel doors

A composite door is a solid doorset with an insulated core and a tough outer skin, usually glass-reinforced plastic, while a steel door has a steel leaf in a steel frame. Shops mainly use them for rear exits, stockrooms, side entrances and the door to flats above.

Get my free quote Call 0800 088 6341

When is this the right choice?

These doors suit any entrance where strength and low upkeep count for more than display: yards, delivery doors, bin stores, staff exits and separate residential entrances. A composite door is a good fit for flats above a shop, where insulation and appearance matter. A steel door suits rear lanes, plant rooms and openings that take hard use or have a record of attempted break-ins.

What are the options?

Composite doorAn insulated core with a weather-resistant skin in a range of colours. It suits flat entrances and side doors.

Steel personnel doorA plain steel leaf in a steel frame for staff exits, stores and rear lanes.

Louvred steel doorVentilated panels suit plant rooms, bin stores and meter cupboards.

Steel security doorsetHeavier steel with multi-point locking, hinge bolts and a reinforced frame.

Double steel doorsTwo leaves make room for deliveries, roll cages and larger goods.

Escape hardwareA panic bar or emergency exit device can be fitted to a door on a fire exit route.

How much do composite and steel doors cost?

Composite and steel doors usually cost £895 to £2,295 ex VAT per door set, supplied and fitted. Size, leaf type, the locking system and the condition of the frame set the price. Double doors, louvres, glazing, panic hardware and non-standard colours add to it, as does any repair to the wall around the frame. We quote in writing once the opening is measured.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your written quote is fixed after survey.

What is the specification?

Composite leaf	Typically 44 to 48 mm with an insulated core and GRP skin
Steel leaf	Typically 44 to 54 mm in galvanised steel, powder coated
Locking	Multi-point locking, or a cylinder deadlock with hinge bolts
Security testing	PAS 24 where a tested doorset is specified
Door U-value (England, non-domestic)	Approved Document L limit of 1.6 W/m²K for new or replacement pedestrian doors
Typical lead time	3 to 6 weeks after order (typical range)

How does the job run?

Measure and assess
We measure the opening and check wall condition, threshold height and how the door is used.
Choose door and locks
We agree the leaf type, swing, colour, locks and any exit hardware.
Remove and prepare
The old door and frame come out, and the opening is squared and repaired as needed.
Fit and weather seal
The new frame is fixed and packed, the door is hung and adjusted, and seals and thresholds are finished to keep water out.

What does this look like?

Common questions

Is a composite or steel door better for a shop's back door?

Steel is usually the stronger choice for a rear lane or yard door, and composite suits a door that also needs to look good and keep heat in. Composite doors can be tested to PAS 24, so the real answer depends on risk, use and appearance.

Can a steel door be a fire exit?

Yes, provided it opens in the direction of escape where required and has hardware that works without a key. BS EN 1125 panic bars or BS EN 179 emergency exit devices are used for this. Your fire risk assessment should confirm what the door needs.

Is a composite door suitable for a flat above a shop?

Yes, as long as the fire requirements are met. A door from a shared stair or from the shop into a flat may need to be a fire door, so a standard composite door is not always right. Fire-rated composite doorsets exist for that use.

What colours do steel and composite doors come in?

Steel doors are usually powder coated, and most RAL colours are available. Composite door skins come in a narrower range set by the maker, often with a wood-grain texture. Dark colours absorb more heat on sunny elevations, so check the maker's guidance.

Which materials go with this?

Get my free quote

Free survey and a written fixed quote.

What do you need?

Choose the closest match.

Postcode

Enter a UK postcode.

Your name

Enter your name.

Phone

Enter a UK phone number.

Enter your email address.

Tell us about the job (optional)

I have read the privacy policy. My enquiry goes to S&K Group Holdings Ltd and S&K Glazing Limited, and may be shared with the fitting team for my area.Please tick to confirm.