New back door needed - Wood or uPVC

[Teachmesomethingnew]

My existing back door has a cat flap in it and is going rotten in patches. It is single 1/2 galzed and looks horrid.

I will be looking to replace it soon. The door leads into the utility room which has 3 outside walls. It is very cold, mainly due to this door been a poor fit and having a DIY cat flap hacked into it!

What is the best option for replacement, a wood back door or a uPVC back door in either dark wood effect or white.

I'm after good security, minimal maintenance and small cost!

Thanks

Andy

PS - What kind of price am I looking at for a back door in wood or uPVC fitted? And is it a doable DIY job?

 

[JohnD]

Wood.

Unless the frame is sound, get a new hardwood frame too.

Expect to pay a day's wages plus materials.

A joiner will do it better and quicker than an amateur.

Use half the extra money you aren't wasting on a crummy plastic door to buy a solid hardwood one; 3 brass or stainless hinges, 5-lever sashlock, mortice bolts top and bottom.If you have room above, use lift-off hinges which will make it much easier to re-paint or stain, especially the top and bottom.

If you have the door and frame delivered to you a week before fitting, you can preserve and paint the parts of the frame that will be against the wall and impossible to treat later.

I happen to like the sort of door here; although part-glazed, you could not just break the glass and climb in, as the timber is very sturdy.