Solid Core Composite Doors VS GRP Composite Doors
Many of our customers asked us what the difference is between Solid Core Composite Doors & GRP Composite Doors.
From both a visual and maintenance aspect, Solid Core Composite Doors and GRP Composite Doors are pretty much identical. Both are classed as Composite Doors and both use uPVC frames. GRP doors use a 44mm door slab while Solid Core Composite Doors are usually either a 44mm or 48mm slab. Both are far superior to uPVC doors, which in comparison at best usually only use a 28mm soft polystyrene panel.
Continue reading on to find out more along with the Pros and Cons of Solid Core Doors and GRP Composite Doors, to help you make an informed decision about your new door.
GRP Composite Doors
GRP or Glass Reinforced Plastic (fiberglass) Composite Doors have been around since the 1990's and are typically filled with foam, making them highly thermally efficient.
The outer layer of a GRP Composite Door is made of two GRP skins bonded to a solid frame filled with insulation, which is usually a high density foam. As a result of this foam the door slab currently cannot be recycled making it less environmentally friendly.
Gel coated GRP skins used on the outer layer of the door can be vulnerable to scratching as it is a sprayed colour finish.
GRP Pros
- High thermal efficiency
- Good security (on high quality GRP doors)
- Slightly cheaper than Solid Core
- Easy to clean and maintain
GRP Cons
- Paint finish can be scratched
- No longer preferred by many insurance companies
- Door slabs cannot be recycled at the end of their life
- Higher chance of bowing / warping when compared to Solid Core Composite Doors
- Not available as a FD30 Fire Door
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Solid Core Composite Doors
Solid Core Composite Doors are made from multiple layers of laminated timber with either uPVC, ABS or Fibreglass Skins.
During the manufacturing process, these multiple layers of timber are placed with the grains laid in different directions to make the door sturdier and more structurally sound.
Solid Core Doors are mainly made of timber, making the door slabs around twice as heavy as a foam filled GRP Door. This also makes door slab much stronger.
Solid Core Doors are the preferred choice of door by the vast majority of insurance companies.
As they are made mainly from wood, Solid Core Doors are also more environmentally friendly as they can be recycled at the end of their life.
Our Composite Solid Core Doors that have either ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or uPVC skins which provide a robust thermo-plastic door skin, making them extremely durable. These skins are designed with ‘through colour’ making scratches are almost impossible.
Solid Core Pros
- Extremely high security
- Preferred choice by most insurance companies
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Our uPVC skinned Solid Cores are almost impossible to scratch
- Colour finish on the uPVC skins are resistant to chemicals
- Can be recycled at the end of its life
- Less chance of bowing / warping
- Available as a certified FD30 Fire Door if required
Solid Core Cons
- Slightly more expensive than GRP Composite Doors. A Solid Core upgraded door cost £200 (including VAT) more than the price for a GRP door shown on our door designer.