What Materials Suit Me?

Materials Guide – Choosing the Right Door for Your Home

Timber (Accoya) • Composite • Aluminium

Choosing the right door material isn’t just about looks — it affects insulation, stability, maintenance, lifespan, and long-term value. At JM Joinery, we manufacture and supply premium doors in Accoya timber, composite, and aluminium systems, giving you complete freedom to choose the best option for your home and budget.

Composite Doors

Composite is our main budget-friendly option, and we can also supply alternative composite systems on request if you have a specific brand or style in mind.

Best for:
Homeowners wanting a cost-effective, low-maintenance door with decent performance.

Strengths

  • Good thermal performance

  • Low maintenance (no repainting)

  • Wide choice of colours and styles

  • Usually, the most budget-friendly option

Limitations

  • Can bow or warp when exposed to strong sunlight

  • Surface can fade or craze over time

  • Difficult to repair — often replacement-only

  • Doesn’t have the authentic look or detailing of real timber

  • Limited design flexibility compared to handmade joinery

Ideal For

Modern estates, rental properties, and homes needing a quick, cost-effective upgrade.

Timber Doors (Accoya)

Accoya is our highest-performance timber option, but we can also manufacture in other hardwoods and softwoods where appropriate for the property and budget.

Best for:
Traditional properties, cottages, period homes, and customers wanting the longest-lasting, most natural-looking solution.

Strengths

  • The most dimensionally stable timber available

  • Exceptional longevity — 40–50+ year lifespan with maintenance

  • Authentic aesthetic unmatched by composite or aluminium

  • Highly energy efficient when paired with modern seals and multipoint locking

  • Fully repairable, adjustable and repaintable

  • Unlimited bespoke design options

Limitations

  • Requires repainting every 8–12 years

  • Slightly higher upfront cost than composite

  • Still natural timber — minimal but real seasonal movement

Ideal For

Heritage homes, character properties, conservation areas, and anyone who wants a premium, long-term, traditional entrance solution.

Aluminium Residential Doors

Origin is our preferred aluminium system because of its stability, warranty and finish, although we can work with other aluminium systems like Smart where a project requires it.

Best for:
Modern homes, extensions, exposed locations, and clients wanting an ultra-stable, contemporary entrance.

Strengths

  • Zero warping, swelling or movement

  • Thermally broken profiles for excellent insulation

  • Very low maintenance — no repainting required

  • Perfect for large, heavy, or modern statement doors

  • Long lifespan and extremely durable

  • Clean, sharp, modern lines

Limitations

  • Higher cost (similar to or above premium Accoya depending on design)

  • Less suited to traditional or heritage aesthetics

Ideal For

New builds, modern renovations, architectural entrances, and customers wanting a high-end, low-maintenance premium system.

4. Side-by-Side Comparison

5. Which Material Should You Choose?

Choose Composite if…

  • You want the most budget-friendly option

  • You prefer low maintenance and simple installation

  • You don’t need a traditional or highly bespoke design

Choose Accoya Timber if…

  • You want the best traditional look

  • Your home is older, characterful, or listed

  • You want a door you can maintain and repair for decades

  • You value long-term performance over short-term cost

Choose Aluminium if…

  • You want a modern, crisp, architectural finish

  • Your door is exposed to strong sun or harsh weather

  • You want zero movement and the lowest maintenance

  • You are investing in a premium entrance system

6. Still Unsure? We Can Help.

Choosing the right material can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t need to be.
If you’d like advice tailored to your property, simply send us:

  • A photo of your current door

  • Rough dimensions

  • Whether you prefer traditional or modern styling

We’ll recommend the most suitable material and provide a no-obligation quote.

JM Joinery – Premium doors, manufactured and installed across Herefordshire.