External doors – your complete guide to choosing, costing and fitting

One of the most important decisions when designing a new extension or renovating a house is the type of doors you include. Glazed doors connect a room to the garden, and may also be used for upstairs rooms if planning and building regulations are met for issues such as overlooking neighbours and safety.

Having work done? Check out all our project planning advice.

Here are our top things to consider when choosing external doors. For further details and advice, go online to planningportal.co.uk.

1. Consider where the door is going to be

It’s important to plan ahead when fitting doors to make potentially tricky decisions about drainage and floor levels. The size and position of the door opening is a key part of the house’s plans, and any late changes may need planning approval and could be costly.

If possible, try to see your preferred doors before buying, rather than choosing from a brochure picture.

2. Decide on a style of door

Bifold doors

A popular choice for many people, bifolds are made up of a set of glazed panels and can slide or concertina, effectively opening up the entire wall of a house allowing for unrestricted access. They can open left or right, inside or outside, and even fold around corners.

It’s also possible to fit bifolds with a single door, which can then be used on its own. There will need to be space for stacking inward-opening doors and the sturdy design of bifolds means more framework and less glass is on view when the doors are shut.

Sliding doors

These tend to be made up of two or more large glass panels, opening and closing in line on a track, with one panel sliding behind the other. They offer large areas of glass but the view will be inhibited even when the doors are fully open because the frames don’t recess completely.

French doors

More traditional in design, these usually consist of two outward- or inward-opening doors, and may be fitted with fixed panes of glass either side to increase the glazed area. The frame usually creates a step, rather than the level threshold that bifolds offer.

3. Choose your frame finish

Aluminium doors

Popular for contemporary homes, aluminium frames can be supplied in virtually any colour. They’re also lightweight, strong and maintenance-free.

Composite doors

Made from a mixture of materials, composite doors are often more expensive. Those made from timber tend to be clad in a weatherproof material, for a tough, low-maintenance exterior.

Timber doors

These offer good thermal properties and a classic look. However, they’re also vulnerable to the weather, need treating and maintaining, and can be prone to warping.

Steel doors

Used in buildings since the Thirties, Crittall-style steel frames are back in fashion. They combine a slender look with the benefits of thermal performance, security, durability and easy maintenance.

UPVC doors

Good value and weather-resistant, uPVC doors don’t need painting and are easy to maintain. But it’s nigh-on impossible to alter the size of them once they’re ordered and fitted.

More inspiration: Replacement windows – everything you need to know

Hopefully this will help you to shop savvy when it comes to choosing your external doors. Enjoy the view!