This Is How Much UK Homeowners Waste Every Year on Cheap, Poorly Fitted Internal Doors

New research reveals that low-cost doors cost homeowners up to £1,800 more over 5 years — and most don’t even realise it.

Cheap internal doors may seem like a smart way to cut costs during a renovation or build. But behind the promise of saving money lies a hidden truth: these “budget” doors are draining UK homeowners of over £300 million annually through replacements, repairs, energy inefficiency, and lost comfort.

In this guide, we’ll reveal shocking industry data, real user horror stories, and expert advice to help you avoid this false economy. Plus, you’ll discover how to calculate your true cost of ownership — and why quality doors, installed properly, offer unbeatable long-term value.

The Data: How Much Do Cheap Internal Doors Really Cost UK Homeowners?

We surveyed over 800 UK homeowners and analysed 1,200+ job quotes from installers across the UK. Here’s what we found:

• 42% of homeowners bought doors priced between £30–£60 per unit
• 63% of those reported issues within the first 3 years (warping, splitting, chipping)
• Average spend on repairs/replacement: £620 per household
• Energy inefficiency losses from gaps due to poor fitting = £190/year on heating
• Biggest regret: 76% said poor soundproofing and privacy

Estimated national cost of “cheap” internal door mistakes: £300+ million per year

These aren’t just numbers. They represent wasted money, frustration, and poor home experiences for millions across the UK.

The False Economy: Cheap vs Quality Doors

Let’s break down the true cost of doors over a 5-year period.

What looks cheaper today could cost 5–8x more just a few years later.

As the saying goes: “Buy cheap, buy twice.”

Horror Stories From Real UK Households

Sometimes, it helps to hear the frustration in people’s own words.

“I saved £25 per door buying online. Then spent £400 fixing the warped frames when they wouldn’t shut properly. Never again.” — Kerry S., Manchester

“The noise was unbearable. Our toddler’s room was right next to the lounge, and it felt like paper between us. When we visited my sister’s new build with solid doors, it was a revelation.” — Neil P., Essex

“The doors looked OK in the pictures. But when my fitter arrived, he outright refused to install them properly. Said they were too flimsy and I’d be calling him back in a month.” — Gemma D., Reading

Expert Insights: What the Pros Say

To add credibility, we asked certified joiners, acoustic engineers, and energy assessors about the impact of low-cost doors.

David H., Joiner (15+ years):

“I’ve seen hundreds of homes ruined by cheap doors. They’re usually hollow, stapled together, and have the structural integrity of a cereal box. They sag, split, and don’t hold hardware properly.”

Karen R., Soundproofing Consultant:

“People underestimate how much doors affect sound privacy. A poorly fitted hollow-core door can let 3–4x more sound through than a solid one. It disrupts sleep, focus, and comfort.”

Michael W., EPC Assessor:

“Internal air leakage adds up. Poorly fitted doors contribute to draughts and thermal inefficiency. Over 5 years, a house with bad doors could lose over £800 in heating costs alone.”

• Warping: Thin MDF and particleboard absorb humidity and twist
• Sound Transmission: Hollow cores amplify noise
• Latch & Hinge Issues: Weak frames can’t hold screws properly
• Peeling Paint: Low-grade finishes chip and degrade quickly
• Misalignment: No pre-milling means DIY fitting often goes wrong

A low price tag comes at a steep long-term cost.

What to Look for Instead

Not every door needs to cost £500. But here are the minimum standards you should aim for:

Construction:

• Solid or semi-solid core
• Fire-rated if required
• Moisture-resistant (especially for bathrooms)

Fittings:

• Magnetic latch or quality concealed hinges
• Pre-finished where possible

Source:

• UK-certified supplier
• CE-marked hardware
• Installation included or from trusted partner

Use This: Real Cost of Cheap Doors Calculator

Enter your:

• Door price
• Number of doors
• Installation cost
• Expected lifespan

And we’ll calculate your 5-year true cost vs a premium equivalent.