Choosing a Solidor? Compare fully fitted vs supply only — costs, warranties, lead times, and who each option suits. Clear guidance from Timber Composite Doors.
What You’ll Learn:
- Exactly what’s included with a pro install
- What you get—and don’t get—when you order supply only
- Realistic 2026 price ranges and what the difference buys you
- How warranties and lead times change by route
(Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 Minutes)
Intro: Two ways to buy, one clear winner — the expert supplier
Buying a Solidor isn’t a “grab-and-go” purchase—it’s a precision-made entrance door where the route you take matters.
Go fully fitted for a measured, warrantied, end-to-end service handled by specialists.
Choose supply only if you (or your installer) want full control of the fitting.
Below, we break down what each option includes, what it doesn’t, how pricing compares, and how to pick the right route for your project.
1. The Fully Fitted Option – The hands-free premium
If you want total peace of mind, this is it. Our fully fitted Solidor service is the flagship route for homeowners who value convenience, accountability, and a flawless finish.
What’s included:
- Free site survey: We measure, check, and verify every dimension before manufacture.
- Professional installation: Fitted by certified Solidor installers, not general trades.
- Trim and finishing: Sills, trims, sealant, and final detailing included.
- Aftercare and warranty: Full manufacturer warranty, plus our own installation guarantee.
We manage everything — from initial quote to post-install follow-up.
If something isn’t right, you call one number: ours.
Who it’s for:
- Homeowners who want a stress-free, done-for-you experience.
- Anyone replacing an old front door and expecting a perfect finish.
- Properties with non-standard sizes or tricky openings (we handle the headaches).
2. The Supply Only Option – For trade and confident DIYers
This route is ideal for experienced fitters, builders, or confident renovators. You get the same genuine Solidor product, direct from the factory — but you handle the fitting.
What’s included:
- Factory-built, genuine Solidor door set with frame and hardware.
- Delivery nationwide, straight from production.
- Pre-hung, ready-to-fit units with instructions.
What’s not included:
- Site survey or installation labour.
- Trims, sealant, and final finishing (those are up to you).
- Installation warranty (product warranty still applies).
Who it’s for:
- Trade customers fitting doors for clients.
- Experienced DIYers managing their own home improvement projects.
- Developers and builders sourcing multiple doors at once.
3. Price Comparison: What’s the difference really worth?
The difference between Fully Fitted and Supply Only often comes down to time, tools, and trust.
Here’s a realistic 2026 comparison:
| Door Type | Supply Only | Fully Fitted |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Solidor | £838–£1,093 | £1,490–£1,745 |
| Stable Door | £1,075–£1,261 | £1,753–£1,912 |
| French Doors | £1,584–£2,094 | £2,344–£2,855 |
That extra £400–£600 covers:
- Installation by certified Solidor experts.
- Full fitting warranty.
- Zero risk of voided manufacturer warranty due to incorrect install.
In short — you’re paying for certainty, not just service.
4. Warranty & Support: The small print that matters
If you’re fitting the door yourself or via a third-party contractor, here’s what you need to know:
- Solidor’s 10-year manufacturer warranty covers the product itself (materials, colour stability, etc.).
- The installation must meet Solidor’s standards — incorrect fitting can void parts of that warranty.
When you choose Timber Composite Doors for a fully fitted door, we handle both — the door and the installation.
That means you’re fully covered, end to end, and we deal directly with Solidor on your behalf if there’s ever an issue.
5. Turnaround Time: Which is faster?
- Supply Only: Typically 10–15 working days from order to delivery.
- Fully Fitted: Allow 3–4 weeks, including site survey and scheduling.
For trade customers, that quick turnaround is gold. For homeowners, the extra time is usually worth the smoother, guaranteed outcome.
6. Hidden Costs: What DIY fitters sometimes overlook
We’ve seen it countless times — a customer orders supply-only to save money, then realises they need:
- A specialist installer.
- New trims and sealant.
- Correct fixings for composite frame types.
- Disposal of the old door and frame.
Those extras can quickly eat into the perceived “saving.”
If you’re experienced and equipped, supply-only is fantastic value.
If you’re not, you’ll often end up paying the same — just with more stress.
7. Real-World Example
A recent client in Bristol ordered a Ludlow Anthracite Grey Solidor through our fully fitted service.
The property had a slightly uneven brick reveal — a common issue in older homes.
Our team surveyed, built the frame to suit, and installed the door within 3mm tolerance.
The result? Perfect closure, flawless alignment, and zero draughts.
Had this been a supply-only fit by a general tradesperson, it would have needed adjustment and re-trimming.
Sometimes, “doing it right” costs less than doing it twice.
8. Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose Fully Fitted if:
- You want full accountability and peace of mind.
- You’re not a professional installer.
- You value speed, warranty, and a clean finish.
Choose Supply Only if:
- You’re trade, developer, or experienced DIY.
- You have tools and know-how.
- You want control over the project schedule.
Conclusion: Either way, buy from the experts
Whether you’re going fitted or DIY, the crucial detail is this — make sure you’re buying from a genuine Solidor supplier.
When you buy from Timber Composite Doors, you’re getting:
- Factory-direct Solidors, not rebranded or resold imitations.
- Real support from the UK’s leading Solidor partner.
- Experience that goes back to 2008 and spans 100,000+ doors installed nationwide.
The difference between “cheap” and “value” is who’s standing behind the sale.
That’s why we’ve been the UK’s No.1 Solidor supplier and installer for nearly two decades.
🛒 Browse online: www.timbercompositedoors.com
📞 Or Call us: 01642 309576 for expert advice
In a rush? Why not contact us via Whatsapp
Browse Our articles
- Solidor Door Hinge: Quick DIY Adjustment Guide
- Solidor vs Rockdoor: The 2026 Winner
- Solidor Door Prices: What You’re Really Paying For
- Trade Solidor Composite Doors: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village
FAQ’s
Which Solidor route should I choose?
Pick fully fitted if you want a measured, warrantied, turnkey install with one point of contact. Choose supply only if you’re trade/DIY and confident with composite door fitting and finishing.
Does the manufacturer warranty change?
Product warranty applies either way, but incorrect installation can void parts of it. With fully fitted, we cover both product and installation, and handle any claims end-to-end.
How long does each option take?
Typical timelines: Supply only ~10–15 working days from order; fully fitted ~3–4 weeks including survey and scheduling.
What hidden costs catch DIY fitters out?
Common misses: trims, sealants, correct fixings for composite frames, disposal of the old door, and time for re-squaring tricky openings. These can erase perceived savings.
