From afterthought to centrepiece

With European influences and expanding colour and glazing options fuelling the increasing consumer appetite for entrance door personalisation, Hurst says it’s well placed to help its customers take advantage.

“Twenty years ago, entrance doors were an afterthought with respect to window sales,” says Mark Atkinson, sales director at composite door and door panel manufacturer, Hurst.

“But today’s homeowners are selecting the door first, not last. Doors have become instrumental in creating positive first impressions, channelling personal expression and creating that all-important kerb appeal.”

Mark adds that as design has taken centre stage in the home, the entrance door has followed suit. Homeowners are increasingly driven by style, colour and glazing choices, with aesthetics often shaping the decision long before they consider the technical details.

“I think aesthetics are probably the primary driver for the sale of our products,” explains Mark.

“Whilst security and specification understandably remain a key consideration, emphasis is on style, colour, glass and individuality. Homeowners ultimately go for what looks good, or what they think will look good on their property.”

European influence

With Continental trends such as bold colours, premium glazing and minimalist styles capturing the UK’s attention, demand for bespoke designs and statement entrances is greater than ever.

“I think perceptions have changed,” Mark continues. “Going back a couple of decades, it was very much glazing companies saying, ‘I’ll sell you a house full of windows, and by the way, I’ll throw in a door…’.

“But in Europe, the concept of the door as a focal point has always been more prevalent. Slowly, but surely, over the years it’s come through to the UK, and that’s what we’re really seeing here now.”

Recognising its significant impact but also acknowledging that an entrance door is “cheaper to replace than a house full of windows”, Mark outlines how Hurst has been among those companies leading the charge on personalisation and customisation.

“Our GRP and solid core composite door ranges offer a multitude of choice,” he says. “Homeowners can choose colours, glass, hardware and styles, delivering aesthetically unique and high performing doors at accessible price points.

“We offer genuinely bespoke products that can be tailored to your requirements, with almost infinite options available. It creates a real opportunity for homeowners to demonstrate true individuality through strong, stylish doors that enhance kerb appeal – and that’s a concept that sells.”

A solid option

Combining a solid timber core with elegant designs, a durable CoolSkin finish and market-leading security, the recent introduction of the S-Class range means installers can buy both GRP and solid core composite door options from one trusted supplier.

“At the moment, the entrance door market is incredibly competitive, with lots of manufacturers offering different product types,” continues Mark.

“That’s why we’ve recently launched our S-Class solid core range in addition to our GRP composites, because we know that installers are out there selling both. We wanted to give our customers that choice and ensure they can get everything they need from us, without having to go elsewhere.

“Consumers are increasingly looking to smaller, high-impact upgrades like doors to ramp up kerb appeal and add value to their homes, without the expense of more extensive home improvement work,” adds Mark. “Our design-driven range of GRP and solid core composite products provide the means for them to do this.

“Offering a unified, versatile and competitive offer for today’s style-conscious homeowner also allows installers to widen their pitch, achieve higher margins, and cover all the bases in an increasingly choice-driven market,” he concludes.