If you’re replacing your front door in Dublin, chances are you’ve already come across two names more than any other: Apeer doors and Palladio. Both are composite doors, both are popular across Ireland, and both are available from Thermoglaze Windows & Doors. So which one is actually right for your home?
That question comes up in our showrooms in Swords and Rathgar every single week. There’s no single right answer – it depends on your home, your priorities, and what matters most to you in a front door. This guide lays out the honest differences between the two so you can make the call with confidence.
What Is a Composite Door?
Before comparing the two ranges, it helps to understand what a composite door actually is. Unlike a standard uPVC door, a composite door is built from multiple materials – typically a fibreglass outer skin, a high-density polyurethane foam core, a timber or steel subframe, and a reinforced frame. The combination gives you a door that’s stronger, better insulated, and more weather-resistant than any single material could manage on its own.
At Thermoglaze, we stock both Apeer and Palladio because they genuinely serve different needs – and both represent a significant step up from a timber or standard uPVC front door.
Apeer Composite Doors: What You Need to Know?
Apeer doors are manufactured in Northern Ireland and have built a strong reputation across Ireland for quality, variety, and value. If you want a wide choice of styles and the ability to fine-tune your door’s appearance, Apeer is hard to beat. You can explore the full range using our Apeer Door Builder tool before you ever set foot in a showroom.
Key features of Apeer composite doors:
- 70mm door thickness – heavier and more solid than most standard composite doors on the market
- Multi-point locking system with anti-pick and anti-snap cylinders, meeting both Secured by Design and PAS24 security standards
- High-density polyurethane foam core for excellent thermal insulation and low U-values
- Fibreglass outer skin that won’t warp, bow, or crack – a common complaint with older timber and uPVC doors in Ireland’s wet climate
- Fully customisable: wide range of colours, glazing options, and hardware finishes
- Custom colour matching service for homeowners who want something specific
Apeer doors sit at a sweet spot for Dublin homeowners who want a good-looking, secure, and thermally efficient front door without moving into the very top tier of the market. They work well on everything from modern new builds to older period houses where a traditional door style is needed. Browse the full Apeer doors range on our website to see what’s available.
Palladio Composite Doors: What You Need to Know?
Palladio is an Irish-owned company – made in Ireland, for Irish homes. That’s not just a marketing line; it means the product is designed with the Irish climate in mind. See the full range on our Palladio doors page.
Key features of Palladio composite doors:
- 10-point locking system as standard – one of the most secure locking arrangements available in a residential front door
- Triple glazed glass fitted as standard across the range
- PAS 23/24 approved and Secured by Design certified
- Monocoque construction – the door is built from a single solid piece, which eliminates weak points at joins
- 28 designs across 13 colours, covering both contemporary and traditional styles
- Toughened safety glass in all glazed panels
- Outstanding U-values: the solid door leaf achieves 0.205, with a combined triple-glazed U-value of 0.98
- Fibreglass construction that won’t warp or bow over time
The Palladio U-value figures are particularly worth noting for anyone focused on energy efficiency. A door leaf U-value of 0.205 is exceptional by any standard and makes Palladio one of the better choices for homeowners serious about heat retention and keeping energy costs down.
Apeer vs Palladio: Which Composite Door Wins on Every Front?
Here’s a side-by-side look at how both doors stack up across the features that matter most when choosing a composite front door in Ireland.
| Feature | Apeer | Palladio |
| Door Thickness | 70mm | Standard composite |
| Locking System | Multi-point, anti-pick & anti-snap | 10-point locking system |
| Security Certification | Secured by Design, PAS24 | Secured by Design, PAS 23/24 |
| Glazing (Standard) | Choice of glazing options | Triple glazed as standard |
| Door Leaf U-Value | Not published | 0.205 |
| Colour Options | Extensive + custom matching | 13 colours |
| Style Options | Very wide range | 28 designs |
| Country of Manufacture | Northern Ireland | Ireland (Irish-owned) |
| Best For | Customisation & style variety | Thermal performance & security |
Which Door Is Right for Your Home?
Both doors are excellent and either would be a significant improvement on an old or worn front door. The right choice depends on what you’re prioritising.
Choose Apeer if:
- You want the widest possible choice of styles and colours
- You have a specific colour in mind and need custom matching
- You want a thicker, heavier door feel (70mm leaf)
- You’re replacing a door in a traditional Irish home and need period-appropriate styling options
Choose Palladio if:
- Thermal efficiency is your main priority and you want the best published U-values
- You want maximum security locking as standard (10-point system)
- You want triple glazing included without having to upgrade
- You prefer an Irish-manufactured product
- You want a strong, proven design range without the complexity of too many choices
If you’re still not sure, the best thing you can do is come into one of our showrooms. We have both ranges on display, and our team can walk you through the differences in person.
What About the SEAI Grant?
If you’re replacing an external door in an Irish home built before 2011, you may be eligible for SEAI support. Both Apeer and Palladio doors can qualify depending on the U-value achieved. Check our SEAI grant guide for full details on eligibility and how to apply. A better door can pay for itself faster than most people expect when grant support is factored in.
Conclusion
Apeer and Palladio are both well-made composite doors with strong security credentials, good thermal performance, and durable fibreglass construction. You won’t make a wrong choice between them – but the right choice will depend on which features matter most to your household.
Apeer is the one to go for if variety and customisation are at the top of your list. Palladio wins on published thermal performance, standard triple glazing, and the 10-point locking system. Both are available to view and order through Thermoglaze, and both come with professional installation across Dublin.
Ready to get started? Call us on 01 912 0600 or visit thermoglaze.ie to request a free quote. Our team will help you find the right door for your home – without any pressure.
Visit Our Showrooms
Both Apeer and Palladio doors are on display at our two Dublin showrooms. Come in and see them for yourself – no appointment needed.
Swords Showroom (Northside)
Unit F2, Swords Enterprise Park, Feltrim Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 WF72
Rathgar Showroom (Southside)
68 Rathgar Avenue, Rathgar, Dublin 6, D06 KN53
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between Apeer and Palladio composite doors?
The core difference is in what each prioritises. Apeer focuses on customisation – a wide choice of styles, colours, and a 70mm thick door leaf. Palladio leads on thermal performance and security, with published U-values as low as 0.205 and a 10-point locking system as standard.
2. Are both Apeer and Palladio doors available from Thermoglaze?
Yes. Both ranges are stocked and installed by Thermoglaze Windows & Doors. You can view both in our Swords and Rathgar showroom.
3. Which door has better security – Apeer or Palladio?
Both carry Secured by Design certification. Apeer uses a multi-point system with anti-pick and anti-snap cylinders and meets PAS24. Palladio goes further with a 10-point locking system and PAS 23/24 approval. For the highest number of locking points, Palladio leads.
4. Do Palladio doors come with triple glazing as standard?
Yes. Triple glazed glass is included as standard across the full Palladio range. With Apeer, triple glazing is available but chosen during configuration rather than fitted automatically.
5. Which door is better for energy efficiency?
Palladio publishes a door leaf U-value of 0.205 and a combined U-value of 0.98 with triple glazing – strong figures for any composite door. Apeer also performs well on thermal efficiency, but Palladio’s published data makes it easier to specify for grant applications or BER assessments.
6. Can I get a custom colour on an Apeer or Palladio door?
Apeer offers a full custom colour matching service, so you can specify almost any shade. Palladio comes in 13 standard colours across 28 designs. If exact colour matching is a priority, Apeer gives you more flexibility.
7. Will a composite door warp or swell in the Irish weather?
No. Both Apeer and Palladio use fibreglass outer skins that won’t warp, bow, or swell regardless of weather conditions. This is one of the key practical advantages of composite over timber or uPVC.
8. Are Palladio doors made in Ireland?
Yes. Palladio is an Irish-owned company and their doors are manufactured in Ireland. If supporting Irish-made products matters to you, Palladio is the natural choice.
9. Can I qualify for an SEAI grant with either door?
Both door ranges can potentially qualify for SEAI support depending on the U-value achieved. Visit our SEAI grant page for current requirements and to check eligibility for your property.
10. How do I get a quote for an Apeer or Palladio door from Thermoglaze?
Call us on 01 912 0600, fill in the contact form on our website, or visit either of our showrooms in Swords or Rathgar. We’ll take your requirements and give you a clear, no-obligation quote.