Firstly we feel that it’s important for us to note that we manufacture and install GRP composite doors. As a business, we decided to go down the GRP route as we believe they are the best doors which are best suited for our client base. That being said, there are advantages and disadvantages for both GRP and Solid Timber, and it’s our aim to provide our unbiased opinion on both composite door options. 

Visually, GRP Composite Doors & Solid Timber Core Composite Doors are very similar. Both are classed as composite doors and both use uPVC outer frames. Composite doors have become increasingly popular in recent times, and are a superior alternative to uPVC doors. Aesthetically, composite doors have been designed to replicate timber doors, however, they are cheaper than timber and require little maintenance.    

GRP Composite Doors predominately use a 44mm door slab, whilst Solid Timber Core Composite Doors use a 48mm slab.

GRP Composite Doors

GRP or Glass Reinforced Plastic (fiberglass) Composite Doors typically filled with foam, making them highly thermally efficient.

The outer layer of a GRP Composite Door is made of two GRP skins bonded to a solid frame which is then filled with high-density foam insulation.

The main GRP Composite Door suppliers in the UK are Distinction Doors & Doorco.

GRP Composite Door Pros

• Excellent thermal efficiency
• Excellent security
• Superb Sound insulation
• Cheaper than Solid Core Composite Doors
• Excellent Weatherproofing
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Standard colours available are White, Black, Blue, Green, Red, Anthracite Grey, Chartwell Green, Rosewood & Golden Oak. Standard colours have a minimised chance of scratching.
• The choice of colour is unlimited as the door can be painted in any bespoke RAL colour.

GRP Composite Door Cons

• When opting for a bespoke RAL colour, the paint finish can be scratched. Therefore, doors are supplied with a touch-up pot of paint if required.

Solid Timber Core Composite Doors

Solid Core Composite Doors are a relatively new product in the industry and are made from multiple layers of laminated timber with either uPVC, ABS or Fibreglass Skins.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) skins provide a robust thermo-plastic door skin, making them incredibly durable.  These skins are designed with ‘through colour’ so scratching is minimised.

As Solid Core Doors are mainly made of timber, the door slabs are heavier than GRP Composite Doors.

The main Solid Core Composite Door Suppliers in the UK are Solidor & Endurance Doors.

Solid Timber Core Composite Door Pros

• Good thermal efficiency
• Excellent security
• Superb Sound insulation
• Excellent Weatherproofing
• Easy to clean and maintain
• ABS skinned Solid Cores minimise the chance of scratching.

Solid Timber Core Composite Door Cons

• Less choice of colours available.
• More expensive than GRP Composite Doors

We hope that the above information helps you decide which type of composite door suits you best.

Once you do decide, it’s also important to remember that you choose a reputable door installer that will provide a high-quality installation service for your new door.