PREMIUM vs. BASIC: Which uPVC Front Door Is Right for You?
Both lines share the same automatic locking, low threshold, and weather-proof uPVC construction. The difference is in the frame, the hinges, and the level of insulation.
Our advice: choose PREMIUM for your main front entrance, where you want the best insulation, the heaviest frame, and a statement look. BASIC is a smart, cost-effective choice for side entrances and backyard access.
Security: A Door That Locks Itself
Most American front doors rely on a single deadbolt, and it only works if someone remembers to turn it. Every European uPVC front door we install has a 3-point automatic lock. The moment the door closes, it locks at the top, middle, and bottom at the same time, with no key needed.
That means no more wondering whether you locked the door on your way to work. It also spreads the locking force across the full height of the door, which makes it far harder to pry open than a door held by one bolt.
Energy Efficiency: European Insulation for Maryland Winters
Our European uPVC front doors reach an NFRC U-factor as low as 0.21. They use multi-chambered frame profiles, insulated glass units with argon gas, warm-edge spacers, and Low-E coatings. They are designed to comply with the 2021 IECC energy code in most configurations.
For you, that means no cold draft in the entryway in January, less heat pouring in during July, and lower heating and cooling bills year after year.
Built for Maryland Weather
uPVC is steel-reinforced, 100% recyclable, and resistant to weathering, impact, fading, rotting, flaking, rusting, and corrosion. It won't swell in humid summers or shrink in winter, and termites can't damage it.
Compare that with wood doors that need regular refinishing, or steel doors that can dent and rust at the bottom edge. A uPVC door keeps its shape and its seal for decades.
A Low Threshold for Easy, Safe Entry
Both lines use a 0.72" Winstep threshold, which is ADA-compliant. It's easier to step over for kids and older family members, easier to roll a stroller or a wheelchair through, and still seals tightly against water and air.
Design Options: Made to Match Your Home
European front doors are made to order, so the door is designed around your house, not the other way around.
Colors: a broad palette, including Black Jet, anthracite gray, white, and woodgrain finishes such as Golden Oak and the newer Dark Toffee.
Panel designs: a wide range of door fillings, from clean modern slabs to classic raised designs, for contemporary or traditional homes.
Glass: insulated glass inserts with decorative, privacy, and security glass options.
Hardware: EMTEK handle prep lets you choose premium levers, handlesets, or modern pull handles.
Security that locks itself. Every European entry door has a 3-point automatic lock. When the door closes, it engages at the top, middle, and bottom at the same time, with no need to remember the deadbolt.
Year-round comfort. Multi-pane insulating glass with argon gas, warm-edge spacers, and Low-E coatings help keep winter drafts and summer heat outside. With a U-factor as low as 0.21, your entry stays comfortable in every Maryland season.
Built for Maryland weather. uPVC doesn't rust, rot, swell, or shrink with humidity and temperature changes, and it isn't damaged by insects. That makes it a smart choice for homes exposed to humid summers and freezing winters.
Nearly maintenance-free. The smooth, non-porous uPVC surface never needs painting. A simple wipe-down keeps it looking new.
Easy, accessible entry. The low 0.72" Winstep threshold is ADA-compliant, so there's less to trip over for kids, older family members, and guests.
Smart-ready. SMART remote access solutions are available if you want keyless or app-controlled entry
Ordering, Lead Time, and Warranty
Each door is custom-made in Europe to your exact opening. The typical lead time is 10–12 business weeks: about 4–5 weeks of production and 4–5 weeks of shipping and customs. Every door is backed by a 10-year manufacturer guarantee. If you're building a new home or planning a spring project, order early so your door arrives right on schedule.
Professional Installation by Our In-House Team
A premium door only performs as well as its installation. Our own crew, never subcontractors, handles every step:
Measure and inspect. We measure the opening and check the sill, frame, and surrounding wood for hidden rot.
Design your door. You choose PREMIUM or BASIC, color, glass, and hardware, and receive a clear written estimate.
Install and seal. We remove the old door, repair any damage, and install, insulate, and seal the new one.
Clean up and walk through. We haul away the old door and show you how the automatic lock works.
We install European uPVC front doors throughout our service area. Enter your ZIP code on our website to check whether your location is currently covered. If your ZIP code is outside our listed service area, you’re still welcome to call, text, or submit an estimate request — our team will review your location and let you know if we can accommodate your project.
All Dwelling Solutions works with Oknoplast on European uPVC Entry Doors projects in Maryland.
Frequently Asked
Questions
PREMIUM has a heavy-duty reinforced frame, roller hinges, a choice of classic or slim modern sash, and a U-factor from 0.21 to 0.30. BASIC uses a slim modern sash with a U-factor of 0.27. Both have the same 3-point automatic lock and low ADA threshold.
Yes. Every European uPVC front door we install locks automatically at three points, top, middle, and bottom, as soon as it closes.
No. Steel-reinforced uPVC resists rot, rust, swelling, fading, and termites, and its factory finish never needs painting.
You can choose from over 50 factory-applied finishes, and you can pick a different color for the inside and the outside. Options include classic colors such as white, brilliant white, and smooth anthracite grey; matte finishes such as Black Jet Matt, Umbragrau, and S-Bronze; metallic looks such as brushed aluminium; and realistic woodgrains such as Golden Oak, Walnut, Winchester, and Dark Toffee.
Yes. Our uPVC front doors are designed to comply with the 2021 IECC in most configurations, the energy code Maryland has adopted.
Typically, 10–12 weeks from order, because each door is custom-made in Europe.
All Dwelling Solutions installs European uPVC front doors, serving Montgomery and Howard County, Maryland, with a showroom in North Bethesda.
Projects Completed With
This Service
Explore European uPVC Entry Doors projects we’ve completed
