PVC vs Aluminium Entrance Doors: Which to Choose in 2026?

Choosing between PVC (uPVC) and aluminium entrance doors in 2026 largely depends on your budget and priorities. PVC doors are a more affordable option, offering excellent thermal insulation, ideal for energy-efficient homes. Aluminium doors are characterised by unmatched durability, modern design, and vast structural possibilities, positioning them as a premium choice. A surprising finding: poorly chosen entrance doors can increase annual heating costs by as much as 25%, meaning hundreds, or even thousands, of euros in losses. Before you make a decision that will impact your comfort and wallet for decades to come, explore 9 key differences.

How much do PVC and aluminium doors cost in 2026?

The main difference is the price — aluminium doors are on average 30-100% more expensive than comparable PVC doors. The cost stems directly from the price of the raw material and the more complex production process of aluminium. PVC doors represent the most economical choice to begin with.

Our analyses show that in 2026, standard PVC entrance doors (without transoms, in a popular colour) cost approximately €930 - €1,630. Advanced models with better anti-burglary and thermal parameters can cost up to €2,090. In contrast, the prices for aluminium doors start where PVC prices end. A basic aluminium model costs from €1,860 upwards. Models with an infill panel, concealed hinges, a fingerprint reader, or non-standard dimensions easily exceed €3,490 - €5,810. The price difference is therefore fundamental and often the primary selection criterion for many investors.

Which doors are warmer – PVC or aluminium?

Standard PVC doors typically have a better U-value (thermal transmittance coefficient) than standard aluminium doors. This is because PVC is a material with naturally low thermal conductivity. Aluminium, as a metal, is a conductor, which requires the use of special thermal breaks.

Industry experts confirm: in energy-efficient and passive building, every tenth of a U-value matters. Good PVC doors with deep profiles (over 80 mm) and a warm infill package achieve a U-value of 0.7-0.9 W/(m²K). To achieve a similar or better result with aluminium doors, it is necessary to use expensive, advanced systems with multi-chamber thermal breaks, which significantly increases their price. It is worth remembering, however, that both solutions, with the right specifications, can meet passive house standards. Want to see how the doors will look in your home? Check out our online door configurator and choose the ideal model.

What is the U-value (Ud) for thermal transmittance?

The U-value (Ud) is a key parameter that indicates how much heat escapes through 1 square metre of a door in 1 hour when the temperature difference on both sides is 1 Kelvin. The lower the U-value, the "warmer" the door and the lower the energy losses.

What about durability and resistance to damage?

Aluminium doors exhibit significantly higher durability and resistance to mechanical damage and weather conditions. Aluminium is an extremely rigid, stable, and corrosion-resistant material, ensuring consistent form and functionality for decades.

We've checked it — here are the facts: aluminium does not corrode, does not deform under extreme temperatures, and powder coating provides a durable and scratch-resistant finish. PVC doors, although very durable, are more susceptible to micro-scratches. In the case of very dark colours (e.g., popular anthracite) and intense sun exposure, they may undergo minimal thermal deformation over time. It is precisely the exceptional rigidity of aluminium that allows for the construction of very large, heavy door leaves, which is often impossible with PVC technology. So, if you are planning oversized entrance doors, aluminium is the only sensible choice.

Are aluminium doors safer than PVC?

The safety of doors does not depend on the material (PVC or aluminium) but on their construction, the hardware used, and anti-burglary certifications. Both PVC and aluminium doors can achieve the same high class of burglar resistance (e.g., RC2 or RC3).

The myth that aluminium doors are "inherently" safer is often perpetuated. In reality, the anti-burglary class is determined by specific elements that can be applied to both types of doors. Always look for certificates issued by independent testing institutes.

1. Multi-point locking system: Instead of a single central lock, the door is secured at several points along the entire height of the leaf (hook bolts, straight bolts).
2. Anti-burglary cylinder: Must be certified and resistant to drilling, pulling out, or lock-picking attempts.
3. Anti-burglary glazing: For doors with glazing, these must be high-resistance units (e.g., P4A class), capable of withstanding multiple impacts.

What design options does each solution offer?

Aluminium doors offer significantly greater design possibilities, especially in the context of modern architecture. They allow for the creation of very large doors, flush with the facade, with concealed hinges and in an almost unlimited palette of RAL colours.

PVC doors, although aesthetic and available in a wide range of wood-effect and smooth finishes (e.g., anthracite, white), have certain technological limitations regarding the maximum size and weight of the door leaf. Aluminium is the material for individualists and minimalists. It allows for solutions such as:

• Infill and overlay panels: Create a perfectly smooth, uniform door leaf surface.
• Concealed hinges: Emphasise the minimalist character of the door.
• Any RAL colour: The ability to perfectly match the door colour to the facade, garage door, or window frames.
• Wide pull handles and fingerprint readers: Modern accessories that are more often integrated with aluminium doors.

What about maintenance and care of entrance doors?

Both PVC and aluminium doors are extremely easy to maintain and do not require complicated care. Their maintenance involves regular cleaning and periodic adjustment of hardware and lubrication of seals.

Customers most often ask if the doors need painting. The answer is no. Unlike wooden doors, neither PVC nor aluminium require periodic renewal of the coating. For cleaning, a soft cloth and water with a mild detergent (e.g., washing-up liquid) are sufficient. Aggressive, abrasive chemicals should be avoided. Once a year, it is worth lubricating the hinges and locking points with a special hardware lubricant and preserving the seals with a silicone-based product to maintain elasticity.

Which material is more eco-friendly?

Aluminium is a more environmentally friendly material over its entire product life cycle because it can be 100% recycled. The recycling process for aluminium consumes only 5% of the energy required to produce it from primary raw material.

Although the production of primary aluminium is energy-intensive, its almost infinite ability to be reprocessed without loss of properties makes it an environmentally conscious choice. PVC is also recyclable, but the process is more complex, and the recovered material often has slightly different properties than the original. Data clearly shows that in the context of a circular economy, aluminium has the advantage.

What is the resistance to deformation from sunlight?

Aluminium doors are practically fully resistant to thermal deformation, even in dark colours and under strong sunlight. PVC doors, especially those with dark finishes (anthracite, black, bog oak), may exhibit thermal expansion.

This is one of the most important technical differences. Dark surfaces absorb significantly more solar radiation, heating up to high temperatures (even 70-80°C). PVC, as a plastic, expands under heat, which in extreme cases can lead to temporary problems with closing or opening the doors. Manufacturers use special steel reinforcements inside PVC profiles to minimise this effect, but aluminium, as a metal, is much more stable in this regard. If your entrance doors will be on a south or west-facing wall, heavily exposed to the sun, and you dream of a dark colour – choosing aluminium will be safer and provide long-term peace of mind. Do you have more questions about specific solutions? Request a free quote and consultation with our advisor.

Which buildings are PVC and aluminium doors suitable for?

PVC doors are a universal choice for most single-family homes in both classic and modern styles, where value for money is key. Aluminium doors perfectly complement modern, minimalist architecture, office buildings, and anywhere large glazing and a prestigious look are required.

Stylistic coherence is fundamental. The warm, wood-effect finishes on PVC doors blend beautifully with traditional buildings and homes with rustic elements. Smooth anthracite or white PVC, on the other hand, is an excellent option for popular "modern barns." Aluminium, however, is the domain of cube-shaped homes, villas with flat roofs, buildings with architectural concrete, glass, and steel facades. When selecting doors, remember to ensure consistency with other joinery, such as our energy-efficient PVC windows or sliding systems.

Comparison Table: PVC vs Aluminium Doors in 2026

5 questions you must ask the seller before purchasing

Before you sign a contract, make sure you know the answers to key questions. This will protect you from costly mistakes.

1. What exactly is the U-value for the entire door (not just the panel or profile)?
2. What anti-burglary class (RC) do the doors have in this specific configuration, and is it confirmed by a certificate?
3. What components make up the lock (manufacturer, number of bolts, type), and what class is the cylinder?
4. What is the warranty period for the profile, hardware, panel, and paint finish? What exactly does the warranty cover?
5. Is "warm installation" included in the price, and what exactly does it entail in your execution? You can learn more about this in our article on proper installation of joinery.