Case Study – Composite Door Refurbishment
Modern Satin Chrome Door Furniture & Security Upgrade (Without Replacing the Door)
If your composite front door still feels strong and secure but looks a bit dated, a refurbishment can be the perfect solution. You don’t always need a brand-new door to get that “wow” factor back – often it’s the hardware that ages first.
The
We were recently contacted by a lovely customer who wanted to modernise her entrance. Her door was in good shape, but the old brass door furniture didn’t match the look she wanted anymore.
The goal was simple: swap brass for a clean, contemporary satin chrome finish, and upgrade the lock for extra peace of mind.
What we upgraded on this composite door
To give the door a consistent, high-end finish, we replaced the full set of external furniture with matching satin chrome, including:
- Ultion 1★ euro thumbturn cylinder (key outside, thumbturn inside)
- Pad handle
- Letterbox
- Door knocker
- Door viewer
The end result was a door that looked sharper, more modern, and far more “current” – without the cost and disruption of replacing the entire door.
Why refurbish a composite door instead of replacing it?
Composite doors are designed to last. In many cases, the slab itself is perfectly fine – it’s the handles, cylinder, letterbox and other furniture that become worn, stiff, or simply look tired.
Refurbishment is ideal if:
- The door is still solid and aligned
- The finish has dated (for example, brass fittings that look old-fashioned)
- Handles feel loose, stiff, or worn
- You want improved security with a better cylinder
- You want to boost kerb appeal quickly and cost-effectively
It’s one of the most noticeable “front of house” upgrades you can do, and it usually costs far less than a replacement door.
A smarter lock choice: Ultion 1★ thumbturn cylinder
On this job we fitted an Ultion 1★ euro thumbturn cylinder, which is a popular upgrade for both security and day-to-day convenience.
A thumbturn allows you to lock and unlock the door from the inside without needing a key – ideal for quick exit and everyday use. From the outside, you still use a key as normal.
We’ll always advise on the best lock option for your door setup, whether that’s key/key, key/thumbturn, or another configuration depending on your household needs.
Signs your door furniture is due an upgrade
If you’re unsure whether refurbishment is worthwhile, these are the common signs we see:
- Discolouration, pitting, or tarnishing on brass/chrome finishes
- Wobbly handles or loose fixings
- Stiff handle lift or rough key operation
- Letterbox flap not closing neatly or letting in draughts
- A dated look that makes the whole entrance feel tired
Even if the door works fine, updating the furniture can make it look dramatically better.
How our composite door refurbishment works
Every door is slightly different, so we approach it properly:
- Assessment and measurement – correct handle sizes, fixing centres, spindle length, and cylinder size
- Compatibility check – ensuring the new furniture works with the multipoint locking system
- Neat installation – fitting and aligning for smooth operation and a tidy finish
- Final testing – lock function, handle lift, thumbturn operation, letterbox action, and viewer position
We aim for a finish that looks “factory fitted”, not patched together.
Satin chrome: a great modern finish
Satin chrome is one of the most popular choices because it looks modern, suits most door colours, and hides fingerprints better than polished chrome. If you’re after a different look, we can also advise on other finishes depending on your door style.
Want your composite door refreshed?
If your door is structurally fine but the fittings are dated, a refurbishment is a quick way to upgrade the look and feel of your entrance — and improve security at the same time.
The fastest way to get a quote is to send us:
- A photo of the door from the outside
- A close-up of the handle/lock area
- If possible, a photo of the door edge showing the locking strip
We’ll recommend suitable options and provide a clear quote based on what will fit and what will look best.
FAQ
Not usually. If the door is solid, upgrading the handles, cylinder, letterbox and other furniture can completely modernise it.
Most upgrades are completed quickly once the correct parts are selected. Time depends on the door type and what’s being replaced.
Yes, we aim to supply a coordinated set so the end result looks consistent and premium.
Often, yes – especially if the lock is older, you’ve recently moved, or you want a higher-security option.