Basement door - existing wood or upvc?

[slewts]

We’ve just bought a house in need of updating. As the house is on a hill, the basement has an external door and window in the back garden. We are getting quotes to replace all the doors as most are not up to date security wise. We are getting composite doors for the front and back doors, new french doors and the glazing company has recommended upvc for the smaller than average basement door. I’m concerned that it may be less secure than the current wooden door (though this only has a standard lock and upper bolt, so doesn’t meet our insurance requirements). Would I be better off strengthening / updating the existing door or going with the upvc? We are hoping to convert the basement in the next five years and install bifold doors so don’t want to spend too much. Thanks!

Loads of converted basements in DDs student area. They all have metal gates over for security. As a temporary for a few years measure are they cheaper than replacing the doors?

Google says less than £150.00. They may not be the prettiest thing thing but neither is a plain white UPVC door and they are secure. Paint the wood one to match the composite and add the prettiest grill gate you can find.

Is the existing door 44mm thick? Is it flat or panelled? Is it glazed? Photos would help a lot.

Plastic doors are not very secure. But they are very profitable for installers.

I’ve only got a photo of the outside of the door but can take some more later today. I’ll also get it measured depth wise. Thanks!

It would be useful to see the inside structure of the door too.

Is it rotten, especially at the bottom?