Solidor vs Rockdoor in 2026: compare cores, security, colours, efficiency and long-term value to choose the best composite door for your home.
What You’ll Learn:
- Core build and why it matters
- Real-world security differences
- Design and colour flexibility
- Upfront price vs lifetime value
(Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 Minutes)
Intro: Two giants, one winner. Let’s settle it.
Two heavyweight names, one clear choice.
If you’re weighing up Solidor and Rockdoor, this guide cuts through the hype. We’ve fitted and serviced both for years, so we focus on what actually matters on site and in daily use: core build, security, design flexibility, energy performance and lifetime value.
By the end, you’ll know which door suits your project—and why.
1. Core Construction: Timber vs GRP – and why it matters
Let’s start with what you can’t see — the heart of the door.
- Solidor: Solid timber core (48mm thick, engineered hardwood laminate).
- Rockdoor: High-density PU foam within a rigid GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) shell.
On paper, both are thermally efficient and weather-resistant.
In reality, the difference is in mass and rigidity.
A solid timber core gives Solidor:
- Heft and sound insulation.
- Greater resistance to warping under heat.
- Superior screw retention for locks and hinges.
Rockdoor’s GRP shell is lighter and won’t absorb moisture, but it’s also more brittle — impacts, accidental knocks, and hinge stress points can crack over time.
Verdict: Solidor wins on physical strength and feel. When you close a Solidor, it sounds like shutting a vault. Rockdoor feels lighter, and it is.
2. Security: Ultion vs S-Glaze – Two very different systems
Solidor: Uses the Ultion 3-Star Plus locking system — tested to PAS24 and Sold Secure Diamond standard. The cylinder is anti-snap, anti-drill, and anti-bump, and includes a £2,000 break-in guarantee.
Rockdoor: Features the S-Glaze system, which bonds glass to the door skin to prevent removal and reinforce the door structure. Its locking setup uses multipoint hooks and bolts, but not Ultion by default.
Installer insight: We’ve replaced a handful of Rockdoor locks after just five years — corrosion or mechanism fatigue. Ultion, on the other hand, is almost never the problem.
Verdict: Solidor’s lock wins outright. You can upgrade Rockdoor’s, but Solidor gives you Ultion out of the box.
3. Design & Colour Range
Aesthetics are subjective, but options aren’t.
- Solidor: Over 20 colours, including contemporary finishes like Painswick, Twilight Grey, and Peacock Blue. Dual-colour customisation is available (different inside/outside).
- Rockdoor: 13 standard colours, no dual option.
In terms of styles, Rockdoor’s collection is more traditional, whereas Solidor bridges both ends of the design spectrum — from modern (Palermo, Milano) to heritage (Ludlow, Harlech).
Verdict: Solidor wins for flexibility, colour choice, and custom design control.
4. Glazing and Detail Quality
Rockdoor’s “S-Glaze” is impressive — the glass is bonded into the frame during manufacture, which eliminates weak spots and draughts.
However, this design makes repairs and replacements more complex.
Solidor, using traditional glazing cassettes, allows for glass swaps, style changes, and easier servicing years down the line.
Verdict: Draw — Rockdoor wins for factory-sealed precision, Solidor wins for serviceability and future-proofing.
5. Thermal Efficiency and Weather Resistance
Both brands advertise excellent U-values:
- Solidor: ~1.4 W/m²K (depending on style).
- Rockdoor: ~1.5 W/m²K.
On paper, that’s close. But in real-world fitting conditions, Solidor’s composite timber density creates a slightly warmer door leaf, and its weather seals outperform most GRP rivals for long-term compression.
We’ve replaced Rockdoors that had slight edge delamination after 10+ years in sun-exposed south-facing positions. Solidor doesn’t suffer that because there’s no GRP skin to blister.
Verdict: Marginal, but Solidor takes it again.
6. Price & Lifetime Cost
On like-for-like specs and current quotes, Solidor comes in lower than Rockdoor while offering stronger hardware and broader customisation.
Here’s a quick side-by-side snapshot for 2026:
| Type | Solidor | Rockdoor |
|---|---|---|
| Standard front door | £838–£1,093 | £950–£1,250 |
| Fully fitted average | £1,490–£1,745 | £1,550–£1,800 |
| High-end glass options | £2,000+ | £1,900+ |
Why Solidor wins on value:
- Ultion 3-Star Plus cylinder as standard (no paid upgrade), reducing upgrade costs and boosting real security.
- 48mm solid timber core for long-term rigidity and screw retention at hinges/locks (fewer adjustments and call-backs).
- Serviceable glazing cassettes (easier, cheaper glass swaps vs. bonded-only approaches).
- Lower lifetime cost: fewer remedials, stronger resale appeal, and proven longevity.
Verdict:
Solidor is cheaper upfront and lower cost over its life—the clear value choice.
7. Aftercare, Warranty, and Support
This is where the supply chain matters.
When you buy through Timber Composite Doors:
- You get 17+ years of fitting experience with Solidor.
- UK-wide support and aftercare.
- Genuine factory-direct product — no rebrands or substitutes.
Rockdoor supply networks are smaller and more fragmented.
Warranty issues often get bounced between retailer, installer, and manufacturer.
Verdict: Solidor wins by a mile for support and reliability — especially when bought via Timber Composite Doors.
8. Real-World Summary Table
| Category | Solidor | Rockdoor | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Construction | 48mm Solid Timber | GRP + Foam | Solidor |
| Security | Ultion 3* Plus | S-Glaze multipoint | Solidor |
| Design Range | 20+ colours, dual option | 13 colours | Solidor |
| Glazing | Replaceable | Bonded | Draw |
| Efficiency | ~1.4 U-value | ~1.5 U-value | Solidor |
| Aftercare | UK-wide network | Limited | Solidor |
| Longevity | 20+ years | 12–15 years | Solidor |
Final Verdict: Solidor Leads the Market — and the Results Prove It
Rockdoor is a good product. Solid, stylish, and popular. But it’s outperformed by Solidor in almost every measurable category that matters — strength, security, longevity, and design choice.
If you want a door that looks good and lasts longer than the next two elections combined, Solidor is it.
And when you buy through Timber Composite Doors, you’re not just getting the product — you’re buying the experience, the fit, and the confidence that it’s installed right, first time.
🛒 Browse online: www.timbercompositedoors.com
📞 Or Call us: 01642 309576 for expert advice
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FAQ’s
Is Solidor stronger than Rockdoor?
Generally, yes. Solidor’s 48 mm solid timber core gives more mass, better screw retention and a “vault-like” close. Rockdoor’s GRP/foam build is lighter and can be more brittle at stress points.
Which has better security—Solidor or Rockdoor?
Solidor includes the Ultion 3-Star Plus cylinder as standard (anti-snap, anti-drill, anti-bump). Rockdoor’s S-Glaze bonds glass securely but typically needs a lock upgrade to match Ultion’s spec.
Who offers more colours and styles?
Solidor. Expect 20+ colours, dual-colour options and a broad mix of modern and heritage designs. Rockdoor’s palette and range are more limited and mainly traditional.
Which is warmer and more efficient?
Both are competitive (around the mid-1s W/m²K depending on spec). In practice, Solidor’s dense core and seals often edge long-term thermal consistency and compression set.
