What to expect
Composite door installation: what to expect
Short answer
A composite door is surveyed and made to measure, then installed by removing the old door and frame, fixing the new frame level and square into the opening, hanging and adjusting the door, and sealing it inside and out. A single door is normally completed in one visit. Our composite doors are £1,099 fully fitted by our own fitters.
Before the day: survey and order
Composite doors are built to the exact size of your opening, so the process starts with a survey. The fitter measures the width and height at several points, checks the wall depth, looks at the floor level inside and out, and notes anything that could affect fixing, such as an old timber sub frame or a crumbling reveal. You choose the style, colour, glass and hardware at this stage.
Once the order is placed the door is manufactured, and we arrange a fitting date that suits you. Nothing is removed until the new door is ready to go in, so you are never left with an open doorway.
Step by step on fitting day
A typical installation follows the same order:
- Protect the floor and the area around the opening
- Remove the old door, then cut out and lift the old frame
- Clean up the opening and check the sill or threshold area
- Set the new frame in place, pack it level and square, and fix it into the wall
- Hang the door and adjust the hinges so it closes evenly
- Test the multi point lock, the cylinder and the handle action
- Seal the frame outside and finish the inside edges neatly
Why the fixing and adjustment matter
A composite door is heavy, and it relies on a frame that stays square for years. If the frame is fixed loosely or packed unevenly, the door can drop, catch on the frame or become stiff to lock. Taking the time to pack and fix it properly, then fine tuning the hinges and keeps, is what separates a door that works smoothly for its whole life from one that needs callouts.
We use our own fitters, never subcontractors, so the person who surveyed your door knows what was found on the day and fits it to the same standard.
How to prepare
Clear the hallway and the path outside, move anything hanging near the door, and let the fitter know about alarms or door sensors that need disconnecting. Pets are best kept in another room while the opening is exposed. Plan for the door to be out of action for part of the day.
After installation
Before the fitter leaves you will be shown how the lock works, handed your keys and walked through basic care. Wipe the door down with soapy water from time to time and give the lock a light oil once or twice a year. The installation is FENSA registered and comes with a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee.
Common surprises and how they are handled
Most composite door installations go exactly to plan, but older houses sometimes hide problems until the old frame is out. A rotten timber sub frame, a loose lintel, crumbling brick reveals or a floor that has been raised by new tiles can all affect how the new frame sits. A good fitter deals with these properly rather than packing over them, because a frame fixed onto a weak base is the most common reason a heavy door later drops or sticks.
If anything like this is found, the fitter will explain what it means and what needs doing before carrying on, so there are no surprises when the job is finished.
Common questions
Get a free fixed quote
Call 07925 319937, open Monday to Sunday 9am to 6pm, or send the form.