The short answer
A composite back door in the UK typically costs around £600 to £1,500 supply-only, and roughly £800 to £2,000 fitted, often a little less than an equivalent front door. Back doors tend to be specified more plainly, with simpler glazing and fewer decorative features, which keeps the price down. The figure still depends on size, glazing, colour, hardware and whether the frame is replaced. Where a back door includes obscured glass for privacy, a cat flap, or matches the front door's colour and style, the cost moves closer to front-door prices. Labour to fit a like-for-like back door is usually a few hundred pounds.
Back doors are often plainer than front doors, which keeps the price down, but glazing, security and matching a front door can narrow the gap.
Quick reference
- Supply-only (typical)£600–£1,500
- Fitted (typical)£800–£2,000
- Fitting labour only£200–£500
- Plain half-glazed back door£700–£1,200 supply
Typical back door price ranges
Composite back doors cover everything from a plain solid slab to a half-glazed or fully glazed design with obscured glass for privacy. The table shows indicative 2026 UK ranges; the actual figure depends on the specification and whether you buy supply-only or fitted.
A simple back door in a standard colour with minimal glazing sits at the lower end. Adding obscured or decorative glazing, a bespoke colour to match the front door, or upgraded hardware raises the price. Because back doors are frequently chosen for function over kerb appeal, they often carry a slightly lower spec, and therefore a slightly lower cost, than the front door.
| Option | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Supply-only, plain / half-glazed | £600–£1,200 | Standard colour, simple glazing |
| Supply-only, glazed / coloured | £1,000–£1,500 | Obscured glass, bespoke shade |
| Fitting labour only | £200–£500 | Like-for-like, existing opening |
| Fitted (typical) | £800–£2,000 | Door, frame, labour, sealing |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: Checkatrade and MyJobQuote composite door cost guides.
Why back doors can cost less
A back door is often specified more simply than a front door, which is the main reason it can cost less. Common differences include:
- Plainer glazing — a solid slab or a single obscured pane rather than decorative bevelled or coloured glass.
- Standard colours — many homeowners choose a common shade for the back door rather than a bespoke colour.
- Simpler hardware — a standard handle and lock rather than a statement knocker, numerals and letterplate.
That said, security should not be compromised on a back door, since rear access is a common entry point. A good multipoint lock and a solid core matter as much at the back as the front, so the saving should come from styling rather than from a weaker door.
When a back door costs more
The price climbs when the back door is more than a basic exit. Matching the colour and style to the front door for a consistent look, fitting obscured double glazing for privacy and insulation, adding a cat flap, or choosing a low or accessible threshold all add to the bill. French or double back doors onto a garden cost considerably more than a single door because of the extra material, glazing and wider frame.
Stable-style composite back doors, where the top and bottom halves open independently, also sit above a plain single door. If the rear opening has been altered or enlarged, structural and making-good work would add cost on top of the door itself, in the same way as for a front door.
Budgeting for a back door
Decide whether the back door needs to match the front or can be a plainer, cheaper specification, then price that exact door. For a like-for-like replacement into an existing opening, the cost is dependable and the work usually takes a few hours to a day for one fitter. Confirm whether a fitted quote includes a new frame, removal of the old door, sealing and VAT, and ask about the warranty on the slab, glass and fitting.
If you are replacing the front and back doors together, ask whether the installer offers a combined price, since doing both in one visit can reduce the labour cost per door. Where the back door opens onto a garden and you are considering French or double doors instead, get those priced separately, as the difference can be significant. As with any external door, an installer registered with FENSA or an equivalent scheme can self-certify the glazing work, saving a separate building control application and giving you a certificate for your records. A clear, itemised quote for the specification you want is the easiest way to budget and to compare installers fairly, and choosing function-led styling rather than a weaker door keeps the cost down without sacrificing security.
Frequently asked questions
Is a composite back door cheaper than a front door?
Often slightly, because back doors are usually specified more plainly with simpler glazing, standard colours and basic hardware. If you match the back door to the front door's colour and style, the price difference narrows.
Should a back door be as secure as a front door?
Yes. Rear access is a common entry point, so a back door should keep a strong multipoint lock and a solid core. Save money on styling and glazing rather than on security features.
Can I get a composite stable back door?
Yes. Stable-style composite back doors, where the top and bottom halves open independently, are available but cost more than a plain single door because of the extra hardware and construction.
Sources & further reading
- Checkatrade — door installation cost guide
- MyJobQuote — composite door fitting cost
- HomeOwners Alliance — front doors guide
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific door and opening. They are guidance, not a quotation.