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Find Out MoreuPVC and composite have been favourable front door materials for some time now. But as the need for strong, slim, energy-efficient, and long-lasting residential front doors has increased, the popularity of innovative aluminium front doors has also soared.
Google ‘best composite front door uk’ or ‘best aluminium front doors uk’ and you’re instantly introduced to Britain’s industry-leading front door brands; Solidor and Origin.
Installing two of the nation’s favourite front door brands, we’re often asked ‘which is better, Origin or Solidor?’ So, if you’re wondering the same thing, then this is the blog for you!

Solidor has established one of the most reliable composite front doors around, thanks to its solid 48mm timber core which is 10% thicker than their nearest competitors. Solidor front doors are also covered with a robust thermo-plastic ABS skin; the same material Lego is made from. Highly insulating, our composite front doors can achieve impressive U-values of 1.5 W/m²K and can even incorporate laminated glass or triple glazing for extra protection should you need it.

The prestigious Origin collection is renowned for its superb strength and sleek sophisticated style. Designed to turn the heads of both neighbours and potential buyers, Origin front doors unite the ultimate combination of advanced PAS 24 security, tasteful aesthetics, and cutting-edge thermal performance - refusing to flex, warp or corrode in the harshest weather conditions. Offering 5 impressive panel choices and 3 accessible threshold options, the tallest and thinnest sightlines are made possible with an Origin front door.
Closely matching one another in the efficiency, security, and appearance stakes, the most notable difference between these two materials is that aluminium doors can be manufactured 30% larger than composite doors. Known for awe-inspiring swathes of glass alongside metallic architectural flourishes, this is why Origin aluminium front doors are often favoured in modern developments and contemporary refurbishments.
For ease, we have broken the differences down in this handy comparison table:
| Solidor front doors | Origin front doors | |
| Materials | Timber core & ABS skin | Aluminium, plywood & high density Thermimax foam | 
| Panel thickness | 48 mm | 32 mm | 
| Glazing options | Double, triple, or laminated glazing | Double or triple glazing | 
| Energy efficiency | 1.1 - 1.8 W/m²K U-values | Surpasses UK energy rating & U-value building regulation requirements + innovative thermal breaks and thermally broken thresholds | 
| Security | Police approved locking systems | 5 or 8-point locking system available (8-point is Document Q, PAS 24:2016 & Secured by Design compliant) | 
| Low maintenance | Resists warping, contracting, discolouration & scratches | Resists flexing, warping & corrosion | 
| Colours | 25 colours (including woodgrain) + dual colour available | Over 150 RAL colours, powder-coating woodgrain effects + dual colour available | 
| Sustainability | Fully recyclable | 100% recyclable, aluminium is one of the most environmentally friendly metals around + Origin is ISO 14001 accredited for effective Environmental Management | 
| Life expectancy | 35 years | 45+ years | 
| Product guarantee | 10 years | 20 years | 
Located just over the River Trent, this West Bridgford home was in desperate need of a modern facelift that only attractive aluminium could deliver. The Kensington GE 01 aluminium front door design from the Origin collection was chosen in trendy Anthracite Grey, alongside a custom-designed gable frame with illuminating sidelights and a bespoke top light.
Bespoke aluminium front door installed in West Bridgford
Located in the picturesque village of Draycott in the Clay in East Staffordshire, The Roebuck pub was extremely rundown and in need of complete refurbishment. Composite front doors were chosen for their fantastic security-enhancing and noise reducing qualities coupled with the pleasing way composite can effortlessly harmonise with period aesthetics like these.
The customer said: “We’ve even had customers asking which company installed our windows and doors and we’ve happily passed on Stormclad’s details. That just goes to show how pleased we were with every aspect of their work. Thanks very much to all involved.”
Every front door in our extensive collection is designed bespoke to suit your personal tastes. Along with a beautiful collection of matching window styles, unlock the potential of your home this year with Stormclad - The Home of Improvements in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. Plus, with up to 25% off available until the end of June, it’s even easier to create your ‘forever home’. Get in touch for a free quote now.
Learn more about composite and aluminium doors:
Replacing a window with ultra-slim aluminium French doors in Aspley