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What Are the Best Front Doors for My Home?

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Accoya Timber vs Composite vs OMNIA by Fairco

 

First Impressions Start at the Front Door

It’s the first thing your guests see, the last thing you touch when you leave, and the entry point to the life you’ve built inside. Your front door is more than just a barrier—it’s a statement. It speaks to your personal style, your home’s character, and your values around security, warmth, and welcome.

Choosing the right front door is about blending form and function—a door that not only looks beautiful but performs all year round. At Fairco, we offer three exceptional front door options to suit different styles, priorities, and budgets: Accoya Timber, Composite, and our premium OMNIA by Fairco system.

In this guide, we’ll break down the benefits of each to help you find the perfect fit for your home.

 

What to Look for in a Great Front Door

Before comparing materials, it’s helpful to know what makes a front door “great” in the first place. An ideal front door should:

  • Enhance kerb appeal and match your home’s style
  • Provide strong security and peace of mind
  • Offer excellent insulation to reduce draughts and energy bills
  • Be durable, weatherproof, and easy to maintain
  • Reflect your personal taste with custom finishes and colours

All Fairco doors deliver on these essentials—but they do so in slightly different ways.

 

Accoya Timber Front Doors: Natural Beauty, Built to Last

If you love the character and warmth of real wood, nothing compares to an Accoya timber front door. Made from sustainably sourced timber and modified for superior durability, Accoya is one of the most high-performance natural materials available today.

Why Choose Accoya?

  • Stunning natural woodgrain and timeless elegance
  • Unmatched dimensional stability—resists swelling, warping, or shrinking
  • Built for Irish weather, with exceptional weatherproofing
  • A++ energy performance rating, keeping your home warm and quiet
  • Fully customisable with rich colours, decorative glazing, and period detailing

Fairco’s Accoya doors are ideal for heritage homes, architectural renovations, or homeowners who want the beauty of timber with the peace of mind of modern performance. Treated to last, these doors age gracefully and hold their finish for years with minimal maintenance.

 

Composite Front Doors: Strength, Style, and Value

Looking for a low-maintenance, high-security front door with serious curb appeal? Fairco’s composite doors are a popular choice for busy households who want the perfect balance of form and function.

Why Choose Composite?

  • Robust construction with a rigid core and aluminium subframe
  • Highly burglar-resistant, with multi-point locks and internal beading
  • Excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing
  • Wide range of colours, textures, and styles to suit modern and traditional homes
  • Weather-sealed for long-lasting performance

Our composite doors are engineered to withstand tough conditions and require almost no upkeep. They’re a brilliant option for modern homes, families, and anyone who wants long-term performance without sacrificing visual impact.

 

OMNIA by Fairco: A Seamless Design System

If you’re renovating your whole home or want every window and door to work in harmony, the OMNIA by Fairco system is your ideal choice. These front doors are part of our premium OMNIA range, which also includes casement windows, French doors, and tilt & turn options—all designed to integrate seamlessly.

Why Choose OMNIA?

  • True flush sash design inside and out
  • Ultra-modern, minimalist styling
  • A++ thermal performance with U-values as low as 0.79
  • Built-in security enhancements to exceed 2025 building regulations
  • Available in 13 colour options and 8 textured Feinstruktur foil finishes
  • Matches OMNIA windows and doors for a cohesive, contemporary aesthetic

OMNIA doors are perfect for design-conscious homeowners looking for a sleek, energy-efficient entrance that complements the full window and door system. Whether you’re modernising a classic redbrick or completing a new build, OMNIA delivers unmatched performance and polish.

 

Which Door Is Right for You?

Each of our front door styles offers exceptional performance, but your ideal choice depends on your priorities:

Door Type Best For
Accoya Timber Period properties, natural finish lovers, heritage style
Composite Busy homes, high security, low maintenance
OMNIA Contemporary homes, system matching, energy goals

Still unsure? Our team is here to guide you. We’ll help you match your door to your home’s architecture, your energy needs, and your personal style.

 

Visit Fairco and Find Your Perfect Front Door

Whether you’re upgrading your entrance for kerb appeal, insulation, or added security, Fairco has the perfect front door for your home.

Book a free consultation with our expert team.

 

How to Maintain Your Accoya Timber Front Door

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Simple Steps to Keep Your Fairco Timber Door Looking Beautiful for Years

A front door is more than an entrance—it’s the first impression your home makes. At Fairco, our Accoya timber front doors are designed to offer timeless beauty, exceptional performance, and durability that stands up to the Irish climate. But like any high-quality timber product, a little care goes a long way.

Whether you’ve recently installed your Fairco Accoya front door or are considering one for your home, here’s your complete guide to maintaining it properly, so it continues to look stunning and function flawlessly for many years to come.

 

Why Choose Accoya Timber?

Accoya is a premium, sustainably sourced timber known for its outstanding stability and longevity. It resists swelling, warping, and rotting—making it ideal for Ireland’s unpredictable weather. It also has excellent insulation properties and a long-lasting finish, helping you maintain both beauty and performance with minimal maintenance.

That said, every natural material benefits from a little care and attention. With just a few simple steps, your Accoya door can last decades – while still looking as elegant as the day it was installed.

 

Maintenance Tips for Accoya Timber Doors

1. Clean Regularly

Use a soft cloth and mild soapy water to wipe down your door, especially after heavy rain or seasonal changes. This removes dirt, grime, and airborne particles that can build up over time. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products—they can damage the protective finish.

Tip: Focus on areas around handles and lower panels, where dirt accumulates most.

2. Inspect for Minor Damage

Timber is naturally strong, but outdoor use can expose your door to occasional knocks or wear. Check for cracks, chips, or splits annually — especially after a storm or harsh winter.

If you notice any small imperfections, contact Fairco for advice or touch up using an approved finish. Catching minor issues early helps prevent larger problems later.

 

3. Refresh the Finish When Needed

Depending on your chosen finish and your home’s exposure to weather, your door may benefit from recoating every few years. This helps protect the surface and retain the colour depth, sheen, and durability.

Fairco can advise on the best finishing products for your door – whether it was originally treated with paint, stain, or oil. Maintaining your finish protects not just appearance but also the structural integrity of the wood.

 

4. Lubricate Hinges and Locks

Just like with any exterior door, light lubrication of hinges, locks, and moving parts helps maintain smooth operation. Apply a silicone-based lubricant or light oil to:

  • Hinges
  • Deadbolts
  • Latch mechanisms

This also prevents creaks or stiffness caused by changing temperatures and humidity.

 

5. Check the Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is key to keeping your home warm and energy-efficient. Periodically inspect the rubber or foam seals around the frame for wear, compression, or peeling. Replace or repair any sections that are damaged to prevent draughts and maintain your door’s A++ energy rating.

Bonus Tip: Treat It Like Fine Furniture

An Accoya timber door is a premium feature of your home. While it’s designed to stand up to the elements, it thrives with the same care you’d give to any high-end wood product. That means:

  • Avoiding slamming
  • Using handles and hardware gently
  • Keeping surfaces clean and dry when possible

The better you treat it, the longer it will serve you – both functionally and beautifully.

 

Low-Maintenance Luxury That Lasts

At Fairco, we chose Accoya timber for a reason. It offers the warmth and charm of natural wood, but with exceptional durability and weather resistance. With just a little routine care, your door will maintain its elegant appearance and outstanding performance for decades.

 

Thinking About a Timber Door Upgrade?

Fairco’s Accoya timber front doors offer:

  • A++ energy performance
  • Outstanding stability in all weather conditions
  • Premium finishes and lasting colour
  • Elegant, handcrafted design
  • Built-in security with robust hardware

Contact us today to request a quote or visit one of our showrooms in Santry or Deansgrange to explore our timber range in person.

Learn more about our front doors or explore Accoya timber options.

What’s the Right Patio Door for Me?

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Comparing Sliding, Bi-Fold, French, and OMNIA Doors for Style, Light & Living

Choosing a Patio Door Is More Than Just an Open and Shut Decision

When you’re upgrading your home or planning a renovation, few decisions are as satisfying—and as impactful—as choosing the right patio door. These doors aren’t just a functional connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. They affect how light enters your home, how rooms flow, and even how you entertain or relax.

At Fairco, we offer a complete range of premium-quality patio doors, designed not only to complement your home’s architecture, but to perform beautifully for years to come. Whether you prefer classic French doors, sleek sliding doors, space-saving bi-folds, or want a system that ties into your existing OMNIA windows, there’s a perfect patio solution for you.

All our patio doors come in high-performance uPVC or sleek aluminium finishes, with A-rated thermal performance, top-tier security, and designs that blend effortlessly into any home style.

Let’s take a closer look at your options—so you can choose the right one for how you live.

 

Understanding Patio Doors: What to Look For

When choosing a patio door, think beyond the glass. You’re also choosing:

  • How your indoor and outdoor spaces connect
  • How much light flows into your living space
  • What type of operation works for your lifestyle (glide, swing, fold)
  • Which materials and finishes complement the rest of your windows and doors

You’ll also want to consider:

  • Security: multi-point locks, internal glazing, durable materials
  • Energy efficiency: A-rated glazing, weather-sealed frames
  • Ease of use: effortless operation and low-maintenance design

At Fairco, every door—regardless of style—is built to the same high standards: robust construction, PAS 24-certified hardware, and long-lasting beauty.

 

French Doors: Classic Charm & Timeless Design

Best for: Traditional homes, symmetrical designs, formal gardens

French doors are the epitome of elegance. They offer a double-door opening with doors that swing outward or inward, providing a beautifully framed view and excellent ventilation.

Perfect for period-style or redbrick homes, French doors are a natural fit for properties where maintaining a traditional architectural style is key. They’re also a favourite in smaller homes or extensions where bi-folding doors might not suit the space.

With Fairco’s French doors, you get:

  • Slim sightlines to maximise light
  • Optional Georgian bar or heritage detailing
  • High-security multi-point locks and Yale hardware
  • Available in uPVC or aluminium, and colour-matched to existing windows—including the OMNIA range

View our full French door selection here.

Sliding Patio Doors: Light, Views & Space Efficiency

Best for: Modern homes, tight spaces, uninterrupted views

Sliding patio doors are all about maximising light and space. With one or more large panels that glide horizontally, they allow for wide openings without encroaching on your floor space.

They’re ideal for open-plan kitchens, garden rooms, or rear extensions where you want to preserve the view, let in light, and maintain a clean, contemporary finish.

Fairco sliding doors offer:

  • Ultra-slim aluminium or uPVC frames
  • Smooth glide operation and minimal maintenance
  • A++ energy-rated glazing for year-round comfort
  • Multiple panel configurations, perfect for large openings

They pair beautifully with minimalist interiors and work seamlessly with OMNIA’s slimline window styling.

View our full sliding door selection here.

Bi-Fold Doors: The Ultimate Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Best for: Entertaining spaces, open-plan living, large garden access

Bi-fold doors bring a wow factor. Designed to fold and stack neatly to one or both sides, they open up your wall almost entirely—blurring the line between indoors and out.

Whether you’re hosting summer garden parties or simply want to enjoy unbroken views, bi-folding doors offer unmatched flexibility and drama.

Fairco bi-folds feature:

  • Strong, lightweight aluminium frames
  • Double or triple glazing for efficiency and noise reduction
  • Weather-sealed tracks to guard against the elements
  • Colour options to match the rest of your windows and doors

They’re particularly striking when paired with large kitchen-living extensions, and can even be specified to match your OMNIA windows for a unified look.

View our full bi-folding range here.

OMNIA by Fairco: Flush Style, Perfect Match

Best for: Cohesive design across all windows and doors

If you’ve already upgraded your home with OMNIA by Fairco, or you’re starting fresh with a full home improvement project, choosing OMNIA French or residential doors ensures everything ties together in one seamless design.

OMNIA doors feature:

  • A flush sash appearance inside and out
  • A wide selection of colours and textured finishes, including Feinstruktur foils
  • A U-value as low as 0.79, exceeding 2025 energy efficiency standards
  • Full compatibility with casement, tilt & turn, and sash windows from the same range

They’re perfect for homeowners who want style, performance, and consistency—all from one trusted system.

View our OMNIA doors here.

 

Still Not Sure? We Can Help.

Choosing the right patio door can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At Fairco, our expert team will guide you through the options, materials, glazing, and layouts that best suit your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.

And no matter which patio door you choose, you can be confident it’s built with:

  • Unmatched quality materials
  • Advanced security features
  • Energy-saving performance
  • And the craftsmanship Fairco is known for

Contact us today to book a free design consultation or visit our Santry or Deansgrange showrooms to see our patio doors in person.

Learn more about our doors, windows, or explore the OMNIA range for total home transformation.