The rise of online window and door retailers has made it easier than ever to buy windows and doors for your home. A few clicks, and you could have a front door or bifold doors on order within minutes. Buying windows and doors online is risky, can cost you money and delay your property project.
Online websites selling windows and doors are best approached with caution. The hand-held, personal and far safer supply and install route is our recommendation for most homeowners and offers you the most protection and peace of mind.
The Door and Window Experts Website always advises to be wary of buying online. The purchase of windows and doors for your home is simply too substantial to just rely on a website alone. There is as much to look out for as there is to avoid.
If you are considering saving money buying windows and doors online, here is why you should be wary and below we explain why.
Buying Online Isn’t the Same for Every Product
Virtually all of us now buy online. However, if you are buying a washing machine or a new television, maybe a new Apple product, smartphone, or even a new car you can configure online. You generally know what you are buying. Importantly, you are confident at what you’ll receive from a reputable seller.
Even if you don’t buy it direct, purchases from Amazon, John Lewis or authorised resellers, provide a similar level of confidence. Whichever reputable retailer you use, it’s a fairly safe bet you’ll receive the product you are expecting, with the same specification, warranty, and unboxing experience.
This is not the case when buying windows and doors online.
Unlike consumer electronics or other ‘known’ products, windows and doors are bespoke products made to your specific sizes, opening configurations, colour requirements, and building needs. There is no “standard box” to open, and the final result depends on far more than just placing an order.
Do not assume there are warehouses full of ready-made windows and doors waiting to be shipped. Even if your home is similar to the one next door, your window and door sizes will almost certainly differ.
Windows and doors don’t simply ‘fit’ in the openings. They require a professional survey. Openings must be built before you can measure them — not the other way around. And nearly all windows and doors are made to order. What you see online likely hasn’t even been manufactured yet.
Correct manufacturing sizes are critical as any window professional will tell you. While many builders can take measurements, a professional window surveyor understands the exact product being installed. If an opening isn’t square or consistent, a trained surveyor can take appropriate tolerances to ensure a perfect fit.
This is especially important witn patio doors. Many people now want the low or fully flush threshold. Only when you know the exact dimensions and track detail of the specific product are you able to advise the builder what size to build your new opening or what needs to happen when replacing your old patio doors.
Always see the products first
Buying new windows and doors is a substantial investment and for a lot of people a one-time investment.
Make the time and effort to view products, try them out, see how they feel and the showrooms of window and door businesses all over the UK are generally excellent.
We understand it is very tempting to save money by buying windows and doors online. What you won’t know is just how complex the window and door supply chain is. Multiple suppliers are involved in making just a simple front door. System companies, colour coaters, component suppliers, insulation, gaskets, seals, profiles glass and accessories.
We are frequently contacted by people who thought they were getting one product only to discover it’s completely different. As window and door specialists, we strongly advise that you:
- Always get to see and try out the product. There is no good reason why this shouldn’t be possible. We can help you find where to do this.
- Ask the online seller to confirm which brand or “system” they use. A reputable company will tell you.
- Ask if they manufacture their own doors and windows. if not, they should tell you who does.
This information allows you to research the system, assess the manufacturer’s reputation, and compare with other products. If a company refuses to disclose this, we recommend walking away. You can get in touch with the Door and Window Experts Website for information about all systems and brands, verifying suppliers and checking specifications.
Every product in the UK is accompanied by technical and profile drawings and you have every right to ask for these to be sure of what you’re getting.
Warning Signs and Red Flags before you buy online
Before committing to buying windows and doors online, watch out for the following:
No mention of the “system” or manufacturer
All doors and windows in the UK, regardless of material are produced by a System Company. If the online retailer won’t reveal the brand or system they use you have no way of verifying quality or compatibility.
If they claim it’s “their own system,” it may be — but that’s unlikely. Most use rebranded mainstream products. Again we can advise you.
CGI or generic lifestyle images only
Rendered images do not always represent the exact product you’ll receive. Always ask for photographs of actual installed products or showroom images.
Very important is to understand what your door frame will look like inside and out, the appearance of your door handles and hinges. For decorative doors, such as traditional style, the glass type, and style you’ll get.
Don’t always rely on the reviews
Of course there are plenty of genuine reviews and these are often easy to spot by the tone of the language, they might mention staff names and other phrases and matters relating to their installation that read as genuine. The company also responds in a similar tone. But some of us also receive random number texts like these:
Hello! We are offering a flexible part-time or full-time remote position, with responsibilities focused on assisting merchants by providing product reviews. The work is straightforward, and we will provide full training to help you get started quickly. Work just 60–90 minutes per day. Daily earnings range from £500 to £1,000, depending on your availability, Work anytime, from anywhere If you’re interested in joining us, please contact us via WhatsApp:
We know of some failed organisations that are using the reviews from their previous businesses. From 6th April 2025 it’s a specific offence to leave or solicit fake reviews, under UK Consumer Law.
Buying online or supply only puts you at greater risk
We regularly hear from homeowners left with incorrect, incompatible, or incomplete products after ordering themsevles either buying supply only from a manuacturer, online themselves or via their builder.
Remember, with supply-only products, the responsibility for fitting, Building Regulations compliance, performance and fault resolution often falls entirely on you or your builder. Buying online for someone else to fit, is full of pitfalls and risks to your property renovation project as well.
Why supply and installation is safer
Where possible, we recommend choosing the supply and installation route. This gives you:
- Compliance with Building Regulations
- Products meeting the different requirements for new build homes or replacement of old windows and doors
- A full site survey by a qualified installer
- One point of responsibility for buying, fitting and after-care
- Proper guarantee documentation covering both product and installation
- Easier access to service, maintenance and support
- Greater confidence that your product meets regulations and performs correctly
- A clearer guarantee and better consumer protection.
Many of the UK’s most respected window and door manufacturers only sell through trained and approved installers—because their products are only as good as the installation.
Are You the Type of Person Who Should Buy Windows and Doors Online?
Buying windows and doors online can work when you know who you are and how hands on you want to be.
Some people enjoy taking control. They enjoy researching, comparing specifications, checking certifications, dealing with suppliers, and making all the decisions themselves. If something goes wrong, they’re happy to solve it.
They aren’t bothered about dealing with Building Control, chase up missing items, find the professionals to do SAP Calculations for U-values, and coordinate deliveries from different suppliers. They see the whole process as part of the challenge—and they’re willing to take the risks in return for the potential savings.
If that sounds like you, and you understand the complexity of what you’re buying, then buying windows and doors online could suit your approach.
But if you’re not that kind of person—if you’d rather not deal with things like:
- Ensuring your windows meet the various Building Control Requirements
- Getting your installation registered with Building Control
- Coordinating delivery of products from multiple suppliers
- Chasing up missing parts, trims, fixings or documentation
- Managing discrepancies between products, sizes or finishes
- Being solely responsible
Then you should avoid buying windows and doors online.
When Online Can Work
Buying online works well for simpler glazing products that don’t need you to be in the capable hands of a professional and trained installer. For example there are excellent websites selling internal steel look doors online, not needing the complexities of external windows and doors.
Of course, there are reputable online businesses in the glazing industry. Some are manufacturers, others are long-standing specialists with transparent product lines and dedicated customer service teams.
However, even in these cases, we encourage you to:
- Ask questions
- Request documentation
- Research the company, not just the website
- Avoid assumptions based on low pricing or polished imagery
Door and Window Experts Website – help when you need it.
At the Door and Window Experts Website, we regularly speak to homeowners who have lost deposits, received incorrect products, or been left without support after buying online.
If you’re unsure about a company, system, or specification, contact us. We can:
- Verify product claims
- Recommend trusted suppliers
- Suggest supply and fit professionals in your area
- Help you avoid costly mistakes.
We believe that transparency, expert advice, and a clear understanding of what you’re buying is essential—especially when dealing with complex, made-to-order products that are integral to the safety, security, and appearance of your home.
