--- title: How to Choose the Right Back Door description: "How to choose the right back door for your York home: comparing the best exterior back door materials, styles, security and cost, with honest 2026 pricing." --- [![SM\_Logo\_Final\_Lught](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp?width=140&height=80&name=SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp "SM_Logo_Final_Lught")](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) - About - [About](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/about) - Doors - [uPVC Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) - [Sliding & Bifold Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-sliding-bi-fold-doors) - [Composite Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/composite-doors-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Door Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Windows - [uPVC Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-windows-york) - [Casement Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) - [Sash Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/sash-windows-york) - [Timber Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/timber-windows-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Lanterns & Roof Lights](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/korniche-lanterns-flat-roof-lights) - [Window Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Conservatories - [Conservatories](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - [Orangeries](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - Resources - [Gallery](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/gallery) - [Brochures](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads) - [Blog](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog) - [Reviews](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/customer-reviews) - [Contact Us](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/contact) [Request A Quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) [![SM\_Logo\_Final\_Lught](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp?width=140&height=80&name=SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp "SM_Logo_Final_Lught")](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) [Request A Quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) - About - [About](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/about) - Doors - [uPVC Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) - [Sliding & Bifold Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-sliding-bi-fold-doors) - [Composite Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/composite-doors-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Door Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Windows - [uPVC Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-windows-york) - [Casement Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) - [Sash Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/sash-windows-york) - [Timber Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/timber-windows-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Lanterns & Roof Lights](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/korniche-lanterns-flat-roof-lights) - [Window Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Conservatories - [Conservatories](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - [Orangeries](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - Resources - [Gallery](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/gallery) - [Brochures](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads) - [Blog](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog) - [Reviews](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/customer-reviews) - [Contact Us](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/contact) [Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/tag/doors) # How to Choose the Right Back Door By [SM Windows & Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/author/sm-windows-doors) Oct 20, 2026, 3:30:00 PM 3 Minutes Read A back door works harder than most people give it credit for. It takes the muddy boots, the bins, the kids and the weather, so choosing the best exterior back door is about more than looks. This guide walks through the materials, styles and features that matter, so you end up with a door that is secure, warm and easy to live with for years. ## Think about how you use it Before you pick a material, think about the door's daily life. A back door that is your main way in and out needs to be tough and well insulated. One that leads onto a patio might be better as glazed French or sliding doors to bring in light. And a utility or side door has different priorities again. Being honest about how the door gets used points you to the right choice. ## Choosing the material The three main options each have their strengths. - **uPVC** is the value choice: warm, low-maintenance and weatherproof, and it comes in plenty of colours and finishes. Our [uPVC doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) cover a wide range of back door styles. - **Composite** doors have a solid, insulated core and a tough skin, giving the best mix of security, warmth and a quality feel. See our [composite doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/composite-doors-york) for the options. - **Aluminium** suits a modern look with slim frames and large glazed panels, especially where the back door doubles as a garden door. For a back door that faces the weather and gets heavy use, composite is often the sweet spot, while uPVC wins on value. ## Style and glazing A back door can be solid, half-glazed or fully glazed, and the right choice depends on light and privacy. - **Solid or part-glazed** doors give privacy and security, good for a door onto an alley or side passage. - **Half-glazed** doors let light into a kitchen or utility while keeping the lower half sturdy. - **Fully glazed doors** or French and patio doors flood the room with light and suit a door onto the garden. If your back door leads onto a patio, it may be worth looking at [sliding and bi-fold doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-sliding-bi-fold-doors) instead, which open the room right up. ## Security and weather A back door is a common target, so security matters. Look for a multipoint locking system, a solid frame, and glazing that is toughened or laminated where it could be reached. Good weather seals keep out draughts and driving rain, which matters for a door that catches the Yorkshire weather. A quality door that seals well also keeps the room warmer, so security and comfort go hand in hand. ## Rough 2026 costs Prices vary with material, size, glazing and hardware, so treat these as broad 2026 guides for a supplied and fitted back door: - **uPVC back door:** roughly 700 to 1,300 pounds. - **Composite back door:** roughly 1,000 to 1,800 pounds. - **Aluminium or glazed garden doors:** higher again, depending on size and style. For a figure that fits your own opening, [request a quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) and we will measure up and explain the options. ## Fitting and regulations A back door usually needs to meet Building Regulations for thermal performance and, where glazed, for safety glass, and the work is normally registered so it complies. Rules change, so check the current requirements with your installer or local authority. A proper fit matters as much as the door itself, since even a good door will draught if it is poorly hung. If an existing door is dropping, sticking or letting in draughts, that is often a fitting or hardware issue our [repairs team](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) can sort without a full replacement. ## FAQs ### What is the best material for an exterior back door? Composite doors offer the best all-round mix of security, warmth and durability, while uPVC is the value choice and aluminium suits a modern glazed look. For a hard-working back door that faces the weather, composite is often worth the extra. ### Should a back door be glazed or solid? It depends on light and privacy. Solid or part-glazed doors suit a side or alley door where security and privacy matter, while half or fully glazed doors bring light into a kitchen or garden room. A door onto a patio might be better as French or sliding doors. ### How secure is a uPVC back door? A good uPVC back door with a multipoint lock, a solid frame and toughened glazing is secure and weatherproof. Security comes down to the locking system, the frame and a proper fit as much as the material itself. ### How much does a new back door cost in 2026? As a rough 2026 guide, a supplied and fitted uPVC back door often lands around 700 to 1,300 pounds and a composite one around 1,000 to 1,800 pounds. Glazed and aluminium doors cost more. Get a quote for an accurate figure. Want to see the back door styles and finishes we offer? [Download our latest brochure](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads), or [request a free quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) and we will pop out for a look. #### SM Windows & Doors Author ## Phone: 07833387823 Email: [Sam@smwindowsanddoors.co.uk](mailto:Sam@smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) Opening times: Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00 Sat-Sun: By Prior Appointment [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/people/SM-Windows-Doors/100093013267883/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/smwindowsanddoors/) ![x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a\_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY.jpg?width=300&height=106&name=x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY.jpg "x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY") ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "SM Windows & Doors", "url" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/author/sm-windows-doors" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-20T14:30:02.759Z", "datePublished" : "2026-10-20T14:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Choose the Right Back Door", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/sm-windows-doors-blog/how-to-choose-the-right-back-door", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp" }, "name" : "SM Windows & Doors" } } ```