The most secure doors for homes aren’t defined by one material. They’re complete doorsets, meaning the door, frame, locks, hinges and glass, that have been tested together to a recognised standard such as PAS 24, fitted properly into the wall, and locked with a rated cylinder or British Standard lock. Choose the material for looks, budget and upkeep, then insist on the certification.
This guide explains what makes a door secure, how the main materials compare, which locks and fittings matter, and what to ask before you buy.
What makes a door secure?
Burglars tend to go for the quickest, quietest way in, attacking the lock, levering the door away from the frame, or breaking glass near the handle. A secure door resists all of these because every part has been designed and tested to work together.
1. A tested doorset
Avon and Somerset Police advise that if you’re replacing a door, you should always use a security-accredited product to a standard such as PAS 24:2022, rather than relying on a manufacturer’s claims. West Yorkshire Police likewise recommend buying a complete doorset certified to PAS 24.
2. A good lock, used properly
Even the best door is only as good as its lock. On uPVC and composite doors that usually means a multipoint lock worked by a euro cylinder. On timber doors it usually means a mortice deadlock and a nightlatch.
3. Solid installation
A certified door can still fail if the frame isn’t fixed securely into the wall or the door has been trimmed or altered after testing. Use an experienced installer and avoid modifications that aren’t part of the tested design.
4. Sensible glazing
Glass near the handle is a common weak point. West Yorkshire Police suggest laminated security glass to BS EN 356 P1A or greater for vulnerable doors.
Security standards explained
| Standard | What it covers | Where you’ll see it |
|---|---|---|
| PAS 24 | Enhanced security for complete doorsets and windows | Most good-quality replacement front and back doors |
| Secured by Design | Police-backed accreditation for security products | Doors, locks and security accessories |
| TS 007 / SS312 Diamond | Attack resistance of euro cylinders (and TS 007 handles) | uPVC, composite and aluminium doors |
| BS 3621 / BS 8621 / BS 10621 | Thief-resistant locks, with different exit functions | Mostly timber doors |
| LPS 1175 | Graded attack resistance from the Loss Prevention Certification Board | Mainly commercial and higher-risk buildings |
Building Regulations for new homes
For new-build homes in England, Approved Document Q has applied since 1 October 2015. East Suffolk Council’s guidance explains it covers accessible doors and windows (such as those at ground floor level) in new dwellings and conversions, which should be tested to PAS 24 or one of the listed alternative standards. It doesn’t apply retrospectively to existing homes, but it’s a useful benchmark when you’re choosing a replacement.
LPS 1175
LPS 1175 is published by the Loss Prevention Certification Board. Under Issue 8, ratings combine a letter for the threat level (A to H) and a number for the minimum delay. It’s mostly used for commercial and high-risk premises, so most homeowners will be choosing between PAS 24 doors.
Door materials compared
Every common material can be made into a secure doorset. The differences are mostly about cost, appearance, maintenance and how easy it is to upgrade later.
| Material | Strengths | Things to watch |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | Usually the most affordable; low maintenance; multipoint locking is standard | Check it’s a PAS 24 doorset and the cylinder is 3-star or Diamond rated |
| Composite | Made from several layered materials, giving a robust leaf; wide range of styles | Quality varies; ask for PAS 24 certification and check the cylinder rating |
| Solid timber | Traditional look; suits period homes; can take mortice locks | Needs regular maintenance; fit British Standard locks and consider hinge bolts |
| Aluminium | Slim, modern frames; popular for patio and bi-fold doors | Check the cylinder doesn’t protrude beyond the handle |
| Steel security doors | Can be built to very high attack-resistance ratings | Usually more expensive; often more than a typical home needs |
For more on plastic doors specifically, see our guide to whether uPVC doors are secure.
Locks and hardware that matter
Euro cylinders
Look for a cylinder rated TS 007 3-star or Sold Secure SS312 Diamond. West Yorkshire Police describe a 3-star solution as the minimum to aim for when upgrading, and say cylinders should not be left protruding from the door or handle. The Master Locksmiths Association notes that SS312 Diamond is treated as equivalent to a Kitemarked 3-star cylinder. Our page on anti lock snapping explains why this matters.
Multipoint locks
Multipoint locks secure the door at several points along its edge, but only when fully engaged. Avon and Somerset Police advise always double-locking uPVC doors by lifting the handle, then turning and removing the key.
Mortice locks and nightlatches
For timber doors, a common set-up is a British Standard mortice deadlock and an automatic deadlocking rim lock. According to the MLA, BS 3621 locks need a key from both sides, BS 8621 locks open from inside without a key, and BS 10621 locks combine both modes. Some insurers require BS 3621, so check your policy.
Handles and spindles
Under TS 007, a 2-star security handle can be paired with a 1-star cylinder to reach a 3-star rating. It’s also worth checking the spindle that links the handles. The Security Spindle – HOLDOOR is an 8mm boxed steel spindle, 138mm long and trimmed to fit, with an anti-tamper security clip that resists handle manipulation.
Letterboxes, viewers and chains
- Letterbox guard: fitted to the back of the door, it stops someone reaching in to open the door or fish for keys.
- Door viewer: lets you see who’s outside before you open up.
- Restrictor chain or limiter: lets you talk to a caller without opening the door fully.
Hinges
On outward-opening doors the hinges are exposed. West Yorkshire Police advise fitting hinge protectors or hinge bolts to each door hinge on French doors, and hinge bolts are a common upgrade on outward-opening timber doors generally.
Buying tips: how to choose a secure door
- Ask for the certification. Get the PAS 24 (or Secured by Design) details for the exact doorset you’re buying, not just the range.
- Check the cylinder. Ask which cylinder is supplied and what rating it has. Upgrading at the time of order is usually easy.
- Think about glazing. If the door has glass, ask whether it’s laminated and to which class.
- Check Building Regulations. The Planning Portal notes that replacing an external door with 50% glazing or more requires approval. Using an installer registered with a relevant Competent Person Scheme means you may not need to apply yourself.
- Get several quotes. Prices vary widely by material, size and spec, so compare like for like.
Keeping your door secure
- Lubricate the lock and moving parts with a product the manufacturer recommends.
- If the handle becomes stiff to lift or the key is hard to turn, get the door adjusted. Forcing it can damage the multipoint mechanism.
- Check hinge and keep screws are tight.
- Replace the cylinder if you lose a key or move into a new home.
Upgrading the door you already have
You don’t always need a new door. On a single uPVC door, these HOLDOOR products add security without replacing anything:
- Door Jammer – HOLDOOR: hooks under the inside handle and braces the door against the floor, so it stays shut even if the lock is snapped, bumped or picked. It’s Sold Secure Bronze rated and Secured by Design accredited (Police Preferred Specification), adjusts from 70cm to 120cm, and fits most UK single-handle uPVC doors with no drilling or tools. It’s used when someone is home, as it’s fitted from inside.
- Door Handle Guard – HOLDOOR: a lockable steel cover over the inside lever handle that locates in a Secure Keeper on the frame, so the handle can’t be pressed down. Currently on pre-order and being submitted for independent testing.
Neither is suitable for sliding, French, double or patio doors.
In a fire: find the key, lift the Door Jammer off (or unlock and remove the Door Handle Guard), unlock the door and leave the building.
FAQs
What is the most secure type of front door?
The most important thing is a doorset certified to a standard such as PAS 24 and fitted correctly. Steel security doors can reach higher ratings, but a good PAS 24 uPVC, composite or timber door is suitable for most homes.
Are composite doors more secure than uPVC?
Not automatically. Both can be secure if the doorset is PAS 24 certified and fitted with a 3-star or Diamond cylinder. Compare certifications rather than materials.
How can I tell if my door is PAS 24?
Check your installation paperwork or ask the installer or manufacturer. Some doors have a label on the edge or frame, but paperwork is the most reliable.
What lock should a wooden front door have?
Typically a BS 3621 5-lever mortice deadlock plus a British Standard nightlatch. Choose BS 8621 if you need to get out without a key.
Next steps
- Check your current door for a PAS 24 certificate and a rated cylinder.
- If you’re replacing it, shortlist doorsets with PAS 24 or Secured by Design accreditation and ask for the paperwork.
- If you’re keeping it, upgrade the cylinder and spindle, then add the Door Jammer – HOLDOOR to your single uPVC back door. It’s made in Britain from British steel and costs £90 with free UK delivery, 30-day returns and a 1-year warranty.
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