From timber to TimberLike: why the next generation of composite entrance doors is changing the trade

For years, timber has been the benchmark for a beautiful front door – rich grain, solid weight, and a classic look that suits everything from terraces to executive new-builds. But traditional timber also brings familiar headaches: warping, swelling, repainting and call-backs that eat into margins. TimberLike Doors have been developed to keep the warm, characterful aesthetic of wood, while using modern engineering to remove many of those drawbacks.

What is a TimberLike Door?

A TimberLike Door starts with a substantial 48 mm-thick, multi-layered timber core reinforced with layers of cross-laminated timber. This construction gives the door impressive rigidity and resists the thermal movement that causes ordinary timber doors to twist or sag over time. The core is then wrapped in two foiled PVCu skins with colour-coordinated grained edge banding, creating a convincingly timber-like surface that is also tough and weather-resistant.

This hybrid approach – timber at the heart, protected by advanced PVCu on the outside – is what sets TimberLike apart from both traditional wood and standard composite doors. Homeowners see a refined, wood-grain finish, but installers know they are working with a stable, predictable slab that behaves consistently on site.

The timber look, without the timber workload

A big part of timber’s appeal is the detail around the panel; mouldings, shadow lines and glazing all contribute to a premium feel. TimberLike Doors replicate this with engineered bolection mouldings that sit proud of the panel and frame, especially effective on raised-panel designs where depth and definition are key. These mouldings are designed to tolerate expansion and contraction without cracking or separating, which helps the door retain its crisp lines for years.

Because the exterior is foiled PVCu rather than painted timber, the finish does not require sanding, filling or repainting as it weathers. Warping, swelling and rotting – all common issues with older wooden doors – are significantly reduced, meaning fewer seasonal adjustments and fewer frustrated phone calls from customers. For busy installers, that combination of high-end appearance and low aftercare is a powerful proposition.

Performance that supports premium projects

Looks alone are not enough at the front of the home; security and thermal performance matter just as much to today’s homeowner. TimberLike Doors are built around that thick timber core, which delivers strong thermal performance to help keep heat in and draughts out. In a market where energy costs remain front of mind, being able to point to a door that genuinely contributes to a warmer, more efficient home can make the difference at survey stage.

Security options can include high-security cylinders and multi-point locking, giving homeowners reassurance without compromising the design. For trade customers, it means one door range that can comfortably meet the expectations of more demanding domestic and small-scale commercial projects.

Designed to make installation easier

While homeowners see a beautiful new entrance, installers see hinges, tolerances and time on site. TimberLike Doors have been developed with that reality in mind. The product uses pre-engineered components that are designed to fit together consistently, reducing the amount of trimming and on-the-fly adjustment that can slow an installation down.

A choice of modern adjustable hinges makes it easier to fine-tune the door once it is hung. Horizontal, vertical and compression adjustments mean that any minor settling can be corrected without removing the slab, which again helps minimise future visits. Frames can be supplied in sculptured or chamfered profiles so the system can adapt neatly to a range of opening types.

Style choice that feels genuinely bespoke

TimberLike is not a one-look product; it has been built as a complete entrance design toolkit. There are multiple distinct door styles, split across full-height and mini-glazed designs, ranging from classic panelled looks through to more contemporary layouts for modern homes.

Colour choice covers popular, timeless finishes such as White, Black, Golden Oak, Irish Oak and Anthracite Grey, all with realistic grain foils. These can be paired with decorative and privacy glasses and complemented by carefully chosen hardware suites, allowing installers to put together cohesive, high-value specifications that feel tailored to each property rather than off-the-shelf.

When to recommend TimberLike over traditional timber

Traditional timber still has its place, particularly in strict conservation settings, but many homeowners now want the aesthetic without the upkeep. TimberLike Doors are well-suited to:

Premium refurbishments where kerb appeal and perceived value are vital but maintenance needs to be minimal.

New-build developments aiming to differentiate standard plots with a higher-end entrance package.

Trade customers who want to reduce call-backs and seasonal adjustments while still selling a “timber-look” door.

By offering a door that looks and feels like solid timber but behaves like a modern composite, installers can confidently upsell without worrying that the product will come back to haunt them in a year’s time.

Bringing TimberLike into your portfolio

For fabricators and installers already working with Future Products, integrating TimberLike into existing workflows is straightforward. The range can be specified and ordered using familiar processes, making it easy to build TimberLike options into quotes, compare configurations and respond quickly to homeowner enquiries.

As expectations around entrance doors continue to rise, products that bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern performance will stand out. TimberLike Doors do exactly that, taking the best of timber’s character and combining it with engineered stability, robust security and low maintenance – a compelling next step for any installer serious about offering a truly premium front door.