Richard Diliberto, Sales Director, Comp Door
New sales analysis from Comp Door has revealed the composite door styles, colours and components that continue to shape installer demand across the UK, with data showing that while new finishes are gaining ground, reliability and timeless design still dominate the market.
Reviewing nationwide order volumes over the last two years, Comp Door’s figures highlight a clear preference for glazed traditional door styles, neutral colour palettes and proven component choices, with only gradual shifts emerging as installers respond to evolving homeowner tastes.
Glazed traditional door designs continue to lead the way, with styles such as Whitmore Glazed, Somerset and Buxton consistently topping order volumes. These door styles remain popular across both period and modern properties, reinforcing the ongoing demand for light-enhancing designs that deliver kerb appeal without feeling overly contemporary.
What we see year after year is that homeowners still want doors that feel established and familiar. Glazed traditional styles tick a lot of boxes for installers because they suit such a wide range of properties and buyer profiles.
Colour choice remains equally consistent. Anthracite Grey continues to dominate installer orders by a significant margin, followed by White and Agate Grey. While grey remains firmly at the top of the list, Comp Door’s data shows that lighter, softer tones are holding their own, particularly on traditional door styles where homeowners are looking for a more heritage-inspired finish.
Grey isn’t going anywhere in 2026. But we are seeing more confidence around softer neutrals. Installers who offer a broader grey and off-white palette are giving homeowners more choice without increasing complexity.
Glazing design also plays a key role in purchase decisions, with decorative options still far outperforming minimalist styles. Victorian Border, Classic and Kensington glazing designs remain the most popular choices, reflecting a continued preference for privacy, character and visual interest at the front of the home.
Hardware trends show a similar balance between tradition and modernity. Chrome remains the most specified finish by a considerable margin, valued for its versatility and compatibility across door styles. However, Graphite has established itself as a strong second choice, with Stainless Steel continuing to appeal to homeowners seeking a clean, understated look.
Chrome is leading as the installer and homeowner hardware material of choice. But graphite has really cemented itself as a popular alternative, particularly where homeowners want a more coordinated, contemporary finish.
Comp Door’s most popular hardware choices are the Lever-Lever handle styles, specifically their Balmoral handle.
While standard cassettes continue to account for the majority of orders, this remains closely linked to homeowner familiarity and its availability across the full door range. Within the door styles where ultimate cassettes are offered, they are typically specified on projects where a more premium finish or enhanced detailing is required, rather than as a direct replacement for standard options.
While standard door skins continue to account for the majority of overall volumes, Comp Door’s latest figures show that the demand for SleekSkin is steeply and steadily growing, one order in every five placed has been a request for their unique SleekSkin door finish.
This distinction highlights that SleekSkin is performing strongly, with demand increasingly driven by homeowners looking for a smoother, more contemporary finish rather than a shift away from traditional door designs.
What we’re seeing is a growing appetite for cleaner, more contemporary finishes, even on traditionally styled doors. SleekSkin gives installers the ability to offer that smoother, more refined look without moving away from the door designs homeowners already know and trust. It’s an easy way to modernise the final appearance while keeping the core style familiar.
Looking ahead to 2026, Comp Door expects continuity rather than disruption. Glazed traditional doors, grey-led colour palettes and familiar hardware choices are all set to remain installer staples, while premium finishes such as SleekSkin and darker hardware tones are predicted to continue their gradual rise.
The big takeaway for installers is that trends are evolving, not flipping overnight. Grey will likely remain dominant, traditional glazed doors will continue to lead volumes, and we’ll see incremental growth in premium finishes rather than sudden change.
