A Buyer's Guide for What External Doors to Buy

Author: Cheryl

Aug. 25, 2025

Hardware

A Buyer's Guide for What External Doors to Buy

Just as our eyes are said to be windows to the soul, so are a house’s windows and doors a reflection of a home’s spirit. The styles chosen can be in harmonious alignment with the rest of the architecture or can stand out as points of contrast to make a bold statement. An external door can add significant curb appeal as one of the most dominant features a passer-by will notice.

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Not only do external doors add aesthetic appeal, they can also provide a layer of security to your home that ensures you and your family feel safe. Additionally, they ought to offer superior insulating properties, making your home as energy efficient as possible.

When considering what external doors to buy, you will want to take all of these elements into account and understand your priorities and constraints.

Styles of External Doors

When it comes to exterior house aesthetics, the style of door you select will have a big impact. There are five common styles that have various uses:

  1. Single panel

  2. French door

  3. Single or double patio door

  4. Sliding door

  5. Bi-fold door

Sliding and bi-fold doors

In larger external openings, a sliding door can be used when space doesn’t allow for swinging doors. The drawback with this style is that typically only one of the panes will open. 

The answer to this shortcoming is a bi-fold door, which can be opened fully, allowing for maximum air flow and light. This style requires the largest amount of space – both a wide wall opening as well as room for the panels to stack upon themselves.

Klar currently doesn't offer the above solutions. But if you're looking for a grand opening, why not check out our doors with sidelights?

Also read what style of patio door to choose.

External Door Materials

Another important consideration in looking for what external doors to buy is the type of material used in its construction. Not only will this have an effect on the aesthetic of your home, but it will also contribute to its level of security and energy efficiency. Looking for an upgrade? Read about when to replace a door.

Solid Wood 

  • The traditional choice with a distinctive, high-quality appearance.

  • Can be stained or painted any colour, and easily sanded or cut down to size. 

  • Heaviest and most expensive option, requiring regular maintenance to ensure durability.

Composite

  • Often made from a hardwood core with external aluminium cladding.

  • Offers greater weather resistance with less maintenance required.

  • Enhanced thermal and sound-proofing capabilities with multiple layers of material.

uPVC

  • Made from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, a recyclable plastic building material.

  • Inexpensive option with very low maintenance requirements.

  • Water resistant and lightweight and can be more secure than wood.

  • Only available in limited colour finishes and can look ‘cheap.’

Aluminium

  • Another lightweight, low maintenance option for a contemporary look.

    If you are looking for more details, kindly visit uPVC Swing Door.

  • Offers excellent thermal efficiency and durability.

  • On the more expensive end of the price scale.

Level of Glazing and Hardware Quality

Just like the style and material of an external door, the number and quality of windows will also affect its aesthetic, security and energy efficiency. The amount of natural light you decide to let in through an external door will have an impact on your home’s exterior appearance as well as the feeling inside. 

The placement of the windows can either add or detract from the privacy you experience. Windows vary greatly in quality and features, so ensuring your external door has double or triple glazing, like those available at Klar, will ensure maximum security and minimum heat loss.

A critical part of an external door’s security is naturally its handle and lock mechanism. Strong steel hardware, cylinder locks and a mortice deadbolt are things to look for. For more on how to secure doors, read Klar’s tips here.

A new external door setup should also include an effective draught-proofing system, which can save an average household in the UK £60 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust

Once you have made your personal assessment of what external doors to buy, you may be surprised to find out that you can even measure, order and install your new doors yourself. Read Klar’s comprehensive guide to DIY window and door installation here for inspiration.

FAQs

What is the most popular style and colour for front doors?

The most common style of front door in the UK is a panel model, which enjoys solid popularity, much like casement windows. Adding glass to the front door is a growing trend to let in more natural light. Grey is the number one colour searched for front doors in the UK for the past five years, followed by the other neutrals, black and white.

What type of exterior door is best?

There is no ‘best’ exterior door to recommend, but one can generally say that an external door in the style that best suits your opening, made from composite materials, with high-quality double-glazed windows and superior security hardware will be an excellent choice.

What type of door lasts the longest?

The longest lasting door on the market is most likely to be one made from aluminium or alu-clad wood, with a forecasted life expectancy of upwards of 45 years.

uPVC French Doors Vs. Sliding Doors - Which Door Is Right For You?

Apart from the appearance of both types of windows and doors, there are other vital things to consider when choosing an ideal patio door, such as design and configuration, budget-friendliness, and thermal efficiency. So, whether you’re looking to elevate your existing doors or install a new set, our exclusive guide is here to help you every step of the way.

In this blog, we are going to answer “uPVC French Doors vs. uPVC Sliding Doors – Which Door Is Right For You?”  and let’s Read on for a guide to the uPVC French Doors vs. uPvc Sliding Doors from the pros and cons of each door to advice on choosing the perfect option for you, we have got you covered. So without wasting a fraction of your time, let’s dive in!!

What Are French Doors?

Double Doors commonly known as french doors are two identical doors that open outwards. By extending into the garden, they create a spacious and expansive path from the inside out, particularly beneficial for the home or residential spaces with limited garden space.

Pros of French Doors

  • Seamless indoor and outdoor connection.
  • Enhanced exposure and natural light.
  • Improved airflow and ventilation.
  • Perfect aesthetics for conventional homes.
  • Spectacular views of outdoor surroundings.
  • Added elegance and architectural charm.
  • Versatile design options to meet any diverse requirement.
  • Increased curb appeal and property value.

Cons of French Doors

  • Limited privacy due to comprehensive glass panels.
  • Efficient space to swing open, limiting furniture placement.
  • Potential safety vulnerabilities with numerous panels.
  • May not be as energy-efficient as extra door types.
  • Higher maintenance requirements, such as maintaining seals and cleaning glass panels.

What Are Sliding Doors?

Patio doors (glass doors), commonly known as sliding doors, a movable doors that are made of metal or glass, they are created of moveable and stationary slides. When opened, the moveable side slides parallel to the stationary panel, overlapping its framework and design within budget and on time.

Pros of Siding Doors

  • Can be operated easily.
  • Adjust how much you would like the door to open.
  • Aesthetically pleasing and modern look.
  • Since they don’t swing, you are saving plenty of space when they’re open.
  • Large panes of glasses allow maximum exposure and light into your home.
  • Extremely secure modern and on-trend slide doors.
  • Thinner frames than French doors.

Cons of Siding Doors

  • Limited ventilation as compared to hinged doors.
  • Potential for debris accumulation or track damage.
  • No privacy due to the extensive glass panels.
  • Limited width of opening compared to hinged doors.
  • Frequent maintenance of tracks for effortless operations.

uPVC French Doors vs. Sliding Doors – Which is Right For You?

You should always consider productivity, when having windows or doors installed and the type of patio doors you have installed will play a vital role in how much heat is kept in your home.

Since sliding doors are mostly made up of metal or glass (which isn’t a very useful insulator) they don’t tend to be as useful as French doors when it comes to keeping the heat in. Whereas sliding doors are more likely to prevent drafts thanks to double or triple glazing and tighter seals, both options will help to improve the efficiency of the glass. Therefore, there are many ways to increase the efficiency of sliding patio doors, but as double or triple glazing can be utilized for french doors too, they are still the most efficient option.

Where To Buy Quality uPVC French Door And Sliding Door?

At Mccoy Mart, we are counted among India’s top-notch marketplaces for all your construction needs from uPVC doors and windows. We have top-notchuPVC door Fabricators/brands for high-quality, best-in-class, and cost-effective uPVC French doors and sliding doors. Whether you are searching for robust Sliding glass doors or uPVC fold doors, we have you covered.

FAQs

Q-1. What Is The Main Difference Between uPVC French Doors And Sliding Doors?

A-1. The primary distinction between the uPVC French doors and sliding doors is their appearance and ways of operation. They have two panels that swing open on hinges, offering wide openings and traditional aesthetics.  On the other hand, sliding doors feature one or more panels that glide horizontally along a track, providing an aesthetic, space-efficient design with an on-trend and modern look.

Q-2. uPVC French Doors vs. Sliding Doors – Which Door Is More Space-efficient?

A-2. Sliding doors are commonly considered more space-efficient than uPVC French doors. This is because sliding doors glide horizontally along a track, needing minimal clearance to open and close. In contrast, uPVC French doors swing open on hinges and need extra space for the door panels to fully open. Therefore, sliding doors are commonly preferred for rooms or areas with limited space.

Q-3. Which Door Is Economical – uPVC French Doors Or Sliding Doors?

A-3. When it comes to cost-effectiveness, sliding doors are generally more cost-effective than uPVC French doors. They are generally less expensive to manufacture and install in comparison to French doors. Furthermore, sliding doors need no or less maintenance over time, resulting in lower long-term prices for homeowners.

Q-4. Where to buy quality-built uPVC French Doors?

The company is the world’s best 60mm uPVC profile supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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