Stable Doors Designs, Features & Prices Guide.
All you need to know about UPVC Stable Doors & Composite Stable Doors.
This external door is unique in both appearance and function, bringing loads of character and countryside charm to any home. The latest designs have all the best energy saving and security features we have come to expect from modern UPVC or Composite doors.
That means there is no need to compromise on performance or appearance when you buy stable doors for your home.
What does a stable door look like & how does it work?
In essence, Composite & UPVC Stable Doors are just regular doors that are split into 2 sections, a top and bottom half. The top and bottom sections can move independently of each other or both together to open & close.
The idea behind this design is to be able to open the top half of the door, much like a window, without having to open the bottom half.
If you think of viewing the stable door from inside the house:
(doors open inward or outward)
- You can open & close in the same way as a regular door (by locking the top & bottoms sections to each other).
- You can open the top only, with the bottom section closed.
- When operating the sections independently, the top section always opens first and the bottom section always closes first.
UPVC Stable Doors & Composite Stable Doors
Main features & options
Energy Efficient design with sealed double glazed units and insulated door panels for maximum performance.
High Security designs with multi-point locks, stainless steel hinges & reinforced frames for extra strength.
Wide choice of finishes and colour options with dozens of different shades in the range, including wood-grain.
Stable door style choice
Image Credit: www.justvaluedoors.co.uk
Whilst a stable door is designed to be in 2 sections, they do not have to be equal in size.
A large number of stable doors have a 50/50 ratio, each of the door sections taking up half of the space.
However, you can vary this to around a 60/40 ratio, where one section is preferred to be a little larger than the other.
Standard Stable Door Sizes (ex-frame, 35 to 45 mm thick)
- 6’ 6” or 1981mm x 2’ 6” or 762mm
- 6”6” or 1981mm x 2’ 9” or 838mm
- 6’ 8” or 2032mm x 2’ 8” or 813mm
Glazing options
Glass sections are common within the top section of both Composite & uPVC Stable doors. However, the amount of glass used is up to your individual preferences.
Half glazed: Clear, frosted, opaque, plain, pattern. leaded, Astragal bars, sunburst & more.
Part Glazed: Circle, Square, Diamond, long vertical rectangle, 3 x small square etc.
Solid: 4 panel, 6 panel, shiplap, plain etc.
Glazed sections will be internally beaded to prevent removal by burglars or other intruders. By having the glazing beads on the inside, it means the glass can’t be “popped out of the frame” by somebody outside the door.
Locking & Security
Both composite & UPVC designs will incorporate high security locking mechanisms, the most used being multi-point locks. The top and bottom sections each have independent locks and another which engages to secure the sections together.
2 heavy duty hinges are fitted to each door, giving the door a full 4 hinge secure fitting when fully closed (regular doors have 2 or 3 hinges).
UPVC stable door frames also benefit from galvanised metal reinforcing.
Not only does this make them more secure, it also aids greatly in keeping the frames from flexing & distorting thereby eliminating jamming or sticking.
For additional security toughened safety glass can be used. If you want to go the “extra-mile”, then you can upgrade even further to Laminated glass.
Colours and surface finishes
It is possible to find UPVC & Composite Stable doors in up to 20 different colours (dependent upon supplier & availability).
Not only can you choose your colour, you can opt for a timber-grain textured surface finish that gives the appearance of wood. You can also mix 2 colours, for example you could have the inside white and the outside a different colour.
Selection of Stable Door Colour Options
What is the difference between composite & UPVC?
Composite Door Internal
As you may already be aware, UPVC is a form of Vinyl that is very stable, strong and light. This makes it a very versatile material and perfect for use in window and door products.
Generally, a UPVC door will made from an extruded outer frame surrounding “vacuum pressed” door panels. The door panels will normally comprise of an outer UPVC skin and a high density Polystyrene core. UPVC stands for Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride.
Composite doors are made from a GRP skin, bonded to either a timber core or a high density insulated solid foam core with internal timber framing. The outer edges of the door (where the hinges and locks go) are usually “banded” with UPVC. GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Polymer (plastic).
GRP is extremely tough and resilient, used in the Marine and Motor industries extensively for products such as car fenders and boat hulls.
The biggest difference will be noticeable with coloured doors. With UPVC any colour is only ever bonded to the surface. With composite doors the GRP is itself coloured and therefore cannot ever peel or crack.
How much do UPVC Stable Doors Cost?
Guide prices table for UPVC stable doors without fitting are shown below due to fluctuations in labour costs around the UK.
| Approximate size in MM | Style | Price Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 762 x 1981 | Half Glazed, White | £570 + inc VAT |
| 762 x 1981 | Solid, White | £560 + inc VAT |
| 762 x 1981 | Half glazed, Georgian bar, Antique Oak & White | £800 + inc VAT |
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How much do Composite Stable Doors Cost?
The guide prices shown below do not include installation to give a more uniform comparison.
| Approximate size in MM | Style | Price Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 762 x 1981 | Half Glazed, Georgian bar, White woodgrain | £900 + inc VAT |
| 762 x 1981 | Solid, Golden Oak Woodgrain | £860 + inc VAT |
| 762 x 1981 | Part glazed, Chartwell green woodgrain & White | £1200 + inc VAT |
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Composite Stable Doors or UPVC Stable Doors, which are the best?
There are very many shared features and benefits for both of the designs. Therefore, it’s difficult to identify a very significant advantage that the one style has over the other.
Both types of stable door will give you:
- Excellent energy performance ratings
- Long lifespan
- Choice of colour & finish
- Choice of styling
- Security features
- Low maintenance
- 10-year guarantees
Except when it comes to prices, that is where the designs diverge. As you can see from the price tables above, it’s clear that to buy Composite Stable Doors will cost more than to buy UPVC Stable Doors.
It can also be a matter of personal preference. Myself, I think wood-grain finish, Composite Stable Doors are the best looking in the market.
If you want to know how much a new stable door for your home will cost, get free online price comparison quotes here.
