Best Front Doors for Security – Are You Choosing Right?

Out of all the doors on the market, a composite door is the most secure because it is made up of a range of tough materials. Its structure includes reinforced layers of fibreglass, UPVC, and it has a solid timber core. But unlike doors which are only made from timber, a composite door won’t crack, warp, or weaken.

Of course, composite doors aren’t fully secure without their multi-point locking systems, toughened glass and hinges offering tight security. These additional features and composite’s exceptional strength are perfect for homeowners concerned with their property’s security.

It’s perfect to not overlook the locks of your new front door either. A strong material and high security locks work together to prevent break-ins.

The best front doors for security feature a solid, reinforced core that enhances their strength, making forced entry significantly more difficult, while impact-resistant materials offer added protection against brute force.

• What is the most secure front door material?
  Composite doors are widely regarded as the most secure front door option in today’s competitive door market. Their multi-material construction offers exceptional durability and resistance. Our high-quality composite doors come equipped with solid steel hook locks that slide into steel, along with a 3-star locking cylinder for enhanced security.
• What locks should I look for in a secure door?
  The locks on your door are just as crucial as the material itself, as both play a vital role in home security. We recommend choosing high-security locks that meet British Standard BS3621 as a minimum requirement. For enhanced protection, consider multipoint locking systems, commonly found on composite and UPVC doors, which secure the door at multiple points along the frame, making it much harder to force open.
• Are UPVC doors secure enough for UK homes?
  Yes, of course! Owning a modern UPVC door is nothing to worry about – it’s a strong and durable material. With a built-in multipoint locking system and as long as it’s installed by a professional company, you can trust that your UK home will be well protected against potential threats. If security is your number one concern and you’re choosing between a composite or UPVC door, then a composite door will be the best front door for security, however a UPVC door will be more budget friendly.
• What is the hardest front door to break into?
  Composite doors are among the hardest to break into, thanks to their solid construction and impact-resistant materials. However, true security goes beyond strength – the right locking system is just as essential. That’s why West Yorkshire Windows’ composite doors feature advanced locking technology, providing maximum protection and complete peace of mind for you and your family.

When choosing a secure front door, consider the strength of the material, the quality of the locking system, and whether the frame is reinforced. These factors are essential in preventing the worst-case scenario – a break-in.

It’s worth asking your home improvement company if the door meets UK security standards like PAS 24 or Secured by Design, as these certifications signify an extra level of protection.

Here’s our breakdown of the most common door materials and how they compare to each other in terms of security benefits:

Traditional timber doors that haven’t been treated can warp and weaken over time, creating a security risk. However, modern engineered timber doors offer much greater strength and durability.

A cost-effective option that still provides solid security. These doors are low maintenance and resistant to warping, ensuring reliable, long-term protection.

Naturally strong and durable, aluminium doors offer excellent security, making them a dependable choice for home protection.

The most secure option, thanks to their multi-material construction. With a reinforced core and impact-resistant outer layers, composite doors are designed to withstand forced entry.

A secure front door typically includes some or all of these 5 features:

A strong core, like that of a composite door, is essential for security. Doors with a hollow or weak core are far easier to break through.

As the name suggests, these systems lock the door at multiple points along the frame, making it significantly harder to force open than a single-lock door.

To prevent the front door being kicked in or forced open, a tough frame and a reinforced strike plate will very much help.

Typical burglary techniques will be thwarted by these anti-pick, anti-drill, and anti-snap locks.

Tough, tamper-proof hinges (especially with hinge bolts) will stop intruders from forcing the door open or taking it off its frame.

Cylinder locks and lever locks are among the most secure options when they meet high-security standards, making them some of the best locks for a front door. At a minimum, look for locks with the British Standard BS3621 rating, ensuring they provide resistance against common break-in methods like lock snapping and bumping.

Cylinder locks work by using a key’s grooved edge to shift spring-loaded internal pins within the cylinder as the key turns.

Lever locks use a bitted key to lift internal levers to the correct height, allowing the locking bolt to slide securely into the metal boxed strike plate within the door frame.

Other common locking styles include:

Mortice locks – Fitted into a door’s edge, these locks use a bolt that slots into a boxed strike plate for added strength.

Rim locks (nightlatch) – Surface-mounted locks operated by a key externally and a thumb turn inside, often paired with a mortice lock for extra security.

For maximum protection, choose a door with a multipoint locking system, which secures the door at multiple points along the frame, creating multiple layers of defence against forced entry.

Selecting the right door lock is just as important as choosing a sturdy front door. In the UK, these are the most frequently used locks, each providing different levels of security:

• Mortice Locks
  Often used for timber doors, mortice locks are embedded within the door itself, offering excellent security.
• Rim Locks/Nightlatches
  These surface-mounted locks are commonly found on timber doors. While they offer the convenience of locking from the inside, they should be paired with a high-security lock for added protection.
• Cylinder Locks
  A modern and reliable option, cylinder locks are typically seen on uPVC and composite doors. For maximum security, opt for a 3-star cylinder lock, engineered to resist common burglary methods like snapping, drilling, and bumping.

Not all locks are created equal and they don’t provide the same level of protection, which is why BS3621 certification is essential. This British Standard is awarded to locks that have undergone testing for resistance to forced entry.

Many home insurance companies require that external doors are fitted with BS3621-compliant locks, as these offer defence against picking, drilling, and forced attacks.

Yes! Glass doors are safe, but it is important that the glass is laminated and reinforced, preferably with double or triple glazing. Glass doors without these features do pose a security risk because the glazing can be more easily broken and removed. Beaded glazing is also a good feature as this will stop the glass from being lifted out of the frame.

Glass being close to where the lock is can be an issue, as an intruder could break it and then reach around to undo the lock. A solution to this is choosing a lock that requires a key from both sides (such as a double cylinder lock) or opting for a door design that places the glazing strategically away from the lock. Our door designers can speak to you about this.

Many front doors feature glass panels. They are popular for a reason – they add a decorative touch and welcome natural light into the hallway. Glass front doors, or those with glass panels, can be secure as long as the glazing is reinforced, with double glazing or triple glazing for extra protection.

It might not have the same excitement as picking out the best door colour to suit your entrance, but investing in a strong, secure door with advanced locking systems and added features is an incredibly wise choice.

This spring, take the time to evaluate your current door’s security and consider any necessary upgrades. The peace of mind that comes with a safer home is truly invaluable!

As always, feel free to consult our expert advisors for guidance on the different types of doors we install and all things security. We can walk you through the best front doors for security, helping you find the perfect option within your budget that provides the security features your home needs.