Best Front Doors for Security – How Do You Pick the Safest One?

A composite door is the most secure type of front door you can buy. It is made out of a number of tough materials with a solid timber core and reinforced with layers of UPVC and fibreglass. Unlike a traditional door made from timber, composite doors do not crack, warp, or weaken over time.

Most composite doors have a multi-point locking mechanism, with toughened glass and high security hinges. These features and the strength of the material make them tougher than traditional timber doors or standard UPVC doors.

The material of your front door plays a big role in how well it stands up to a dreaded break-in, just as modern locks help prevent tampering from the outside.

For the best security, a front door should have a solid, reinforced core to add strength to its design, making it much harder to force open. Impact-resistant materials like what composite doors are made from provide an extra layer of protection against brute force.

• What is the most secure front door material?
  Composite doors are often regarded as the most secure front door option on the market today. Their unique blend of materials offers exceptional durability and resistance. Some premium composite doors go a step further, featuring solid steel hook locks that slide into steel, along with a 3-star locking cylinder for maximum security.
• What locks should I look for in a secure door?
  We would argue that the locks installed are just as crucial as your chosen door material as both keep your door securely shut. We always recommend choosing high-security locks that meet British Standard BS3621 as a minimum. Multipoint locking systems, found on composite and UPVC doors, take security up a notch by locking the door at multiple points along the frame.
• Are UPVC doors secure enough for the UK?
  Owning a modern UPVC door is not a concern. It is a strong and durable material. With a multipoint locking system built in, you can expect your UK home to be well protected against any potential threats. A front door extension, like a porch, also makes it an even more secure entrance.
• What is the hardest front door to break into?
  Down to its strong nature, composite doors are the best at resisting a break in. However, it is important they also have an intelligent, modern locking system. You can rely on Clearview’s range of composite doors to have just that.

When you’re looking for a new secure front door, choose a material that’s strong, and a design that has high-security locks and reinforced frames. These are the basic qualities you need to prevent a break in at your property.

You’ll also want to see if the door has any security certifications like PAS 24 and Secured by Design.

We’ve put together a list of the most popular door materials and how they rank based on security:

Traditional wooden doors are sturdy but can warp and weaken over time, potentially compromising your home’s security. Modern engineered timber doors, however, provide enhanced strength and improved security.

A budget-friendly option, UPVC doors offer solid security while requiring minimal maintenance. They are resistant to warping, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.

Known for their exceptional strength, aluminium doors boast natural durability, making them a secure and dependable choice for any home.

Combining multiple materials, composite doors are among the most secure front door options. Their reinforced core and impact-resistant exterior provide outstanding protection against forced entry.

5 of the most important security features for a door are:

A hollow or weak door is far easier to break through than one with a strong core, such as a composite door, which offers far greater resistance.

Unlike a single lock, a multipoint locking system secures the door at several points along the frame, making it significantly harder to force open.

A reinforced strike plate and a strong frame provide essential protection, helping to prevent the door from being kicked in or forced open.

Anti-pick, anti-drill, and anti-snap features ensure these lock cylinders can resist common burglary techniques.

Intruders will struggle to force the door open or remove it from the frame with durable, tamper-proof hinges, especially when fitted with hinge bolts.

Cylinder and lever locks are among the most secure locking systems for a front door, provided they meet high-security standards. At a minimum, they should carry the British Standard BS3621 certification.

A cylinder lock works by using the grooved edge of a key to move spring-loaded internal pins within the cylinder as the key turns.

A lever lock operates with a bitted key that lifts each lever to a precise height, allowing the locking bolt to slide securely into the metal boxed strike plate in the door frame.

Other common locking styles include the mortice lock and the rim lock (also known as a nightlatch). A mortice lock is fitted into the door’s edge, secured with a bolt that slots into a boxed strike plate for added strength. A rim lock, which is surface-mounted, is controlled by a key from the outside and a thumb turn inside, often used alongside a mortice lock for extra security.

For the best protection, look for doors with multipoint locking systems, which secure at multiple points along the frame.

Choosing the right lock is just as crucial as picking a strong front door. In the UK, these are the most common types, each offering varying levels of security:

• Mortice Locks
  A go-to for wooden doors, mortice locks are embedded within the door itself, making them a highly secure option.
• Rim Locks/Nightlatches
  Surface-mounted rather than built into the door, nightlatches are a common choice for timber doors. While they allow for convenient locking from the inside, they’re best used alongside a high-security lock for extra protection.
• Cylinder Locks
  A modern and secure option, cylinder locks are typically found on uPVC and composite doors. For the best protection, choose a 3-star cylinder lock, designed to resist snapping, drilling, and bumping – common burglary techniques.

Not all locks provide the same level of security, which is why BS3621 certification is essential. This British Standard is given to locks that have undergone thorough testing for resistance to forced entry.

Many home insurance providers require external doors to have BS3621-compliant locks, as they offer robust protection against picking, drilling, and forced attacks.

In most cases, glass doors are safe, but the glazing must be reinforced and laminated, with double or triple glazing for added strength. Standard glass, however, poses a risk because it can be easily broken and removed, increasing the chances of a break-in.

Doors with toughened or laminated glass are much harder to break than regular glass. Additionally, beaded glazing prevents the glass from being lifted out of the frame. Our aluminium doors are externally beaded with security beading for extra protection.

When glass is located near the lock, it can be an issue, as intruders might break the glass and reach around to undo the lock. One way to counter this is by 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 away from the lock.

Many front doors include glass panels as a decorative feature, allowing natural light into the hallway. Glass front doors, or those with glass elements, aren’t a security concern if the glazing is reinforced and uses double or triple glazing.

While picking out the best front door colours and accessories is exciting, investing in a strong door with intelligent locking systems and added security features is a wise decision.

This spring, take a moment to assess your current door’s security and think about upgrading where necessary. The peace of mind you’ll gain is well worth it! And, as always, feel free to reach out to our expert advisors for advice on replacement doors and security.