Last Updated on 25 March 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Aluminium Sliding Doors: Are they worth it?
Yes— aluminium sliding doors are absolutely worth it for their sleek style, long-lasting durability, and ability to flood your home with natural light.
Thinking about upgrading your home with aluminium sliding doors? You’re not alone. These sleek, space-saving doors are growing in popularity for good reason—they’re stylish, durable, and can completely transform how your space looks and feels.
Whether you’re planning an extension, renovating your dream home, or just love that indoor-outdoor lifestyle, this guide will help you get it right the first time.
What You’ll Learn in This Article..
- Why aluminium is the go-to material for modern sliding patio doors
- The different styles of sliding aluminium doors
- Key benefits for your home’s light, layout, and energy efficiency
- How much aluminium sliding patio doors cost
- The importance of professional installation
- When it’s time to replace old doors
- The best alternatives to sliding glass doors
- FAQs
Why Choose Aluminium Sliding Doors?
Let’s start with the obvious: aluminium sliding doors look great. But there’s more to it than just appearance.
Aluminium is light, strong, and corrosion-resistant—so it won’t warp, swell, or rot like timber. That means minimal maintenance and a sleek frame that lasts for decades. With modern thermal break technology, slimline aluminium sliding doors also deliver top-tier insulation, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Plus, the ultra-slim frames mean more glass and better views—ideal for framing your garden or terrace.
The Main Types of Aluminium Sliding Patio Doors
At GFD Homes, we offer three expertly selected ranges:
1. Smart Visoglide Aluminium Sliding Doors
A reliable, versatile option with excellent thermal performance and customisable colour finishes. Ideal for homeowners who want great value without compromising on looks or spec.
2. Korniche Cortizo 4700 Sliding Doors
These are designed for larger apertures, with heavy-duty performance, smooth operation, and stunning architectural aesthetics.
3. Cortizo Cor Vision Slimline Sliding Door
The ultimate in minimalist style—this is our premium slimline aluminium sliding door, offering maximum glass, minimal frame, and top-tier thermal and acoustic insulation.
The Benefits of Sliding Aluminium Doors
Here’s what makes aluminium sliding patio doors so popular with UK homeowners:
1- Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Slide open and blur the line between your garden and living space.
2- Light-Filled Interiors
Slim frames and large glass panels maximise natural light, perfect for brightening up darker rooms or north-facing spaces.
3- Space Saving
Unlike bifold doors that concertina out, sliding aluminium patio doors run in-line—ideal when space is tight.
4- Modern Aesthetics
Clean lines, flush thresholds and high-performance finishes offer a contemporary look that suits any style of home.
5- Long-Term Value
Aluminium’s durability means your doors will keep looking and working brilliantly for decades with little maintenance.
How Much Do Aluminium Sliding Patio Doors Cost?
Sliding door costs depend on the size, configuration, glazing options, and your choice of system. As a ballpark:
- Entry-level aluminium sliding door: from around £1,800 (supply only)
- Premium slimline sliding patio doors aluminium: can range from £3,000 to £7,000+
If you’re after an instant ballpark figure, try our instant quote tool.
The Importance of Choosing Professional Sliding Door Installation
We get it—you might be handy, or you’ve got a friend of a friend who “does doors”. But trust us, when it comes to aluminium sliding doors, professional installation is worth every penny.
These doors are precision-engineered, and correct fitting is critical to performance. If installed even slightly out of square, you could experience draughts, drainage issues, or sluggish sliding. Plus, proper fitting ensures:
- Optimal thermal efficiency
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Longevity of the frame and hardware
- Validity of manufacturer warranties
We offer a full supply-only service at GFD Homes, delivering premium aluminium sliding doors direct to your door. If you need advice on sliding door installation or choosing the right product, just give us a shout—we’re always happy to help.
When Should You Replace Aluminium Sliding Doors?
Sliding doors are built to last—but even the best ones will eventually show signs of wear. Here’s when to consider upgrading:
- You feel a draught: Older frames may have poor insulation or damaged seals.
- They’re tough to open or close: This can indicate warped frames, worn rollers, or track issues.
- They look outdated: Modern sliding aluminium doors offer a sleeker profile and better views.
- You want better efficiency: New aluminium systems are thermally broken for improved energy performance.
If your current doors are PVC or timber and over 15 years old, now’s a great time to explore upgrading to aluminium for durability, efficiency and style.
What’s the Best Alternative to Sliding Glass Doors?
Sliding doors aren’t your only option—though we’re biased because we love them! Here are a few excellent alternatives:
1. Bifold Doors
Perfect if you want a fully open space. The panels concertina to one or both sides, offering up to a 90–100% opening. Great for entertaining or merging indoor-outdoor living.
2. French Doors
A classic option with two hinged panels that open outwards or inwards. Ideal for smaller spaces or period-style homes where traditional aesthetics are key.
3. Lift-and-Slide Doors
These function like sliding doors but allow the panels to “lift” slightly off the track for an ultra-smooth glide. They also let you lock the door in place partially open—great for ventilation.
Need help deciding? Compare bifold vs sliding doors here.
Find Your Perfect Fit with GFD Homes’ Aluminium Sliding Doors
Whether you’re renovating, extending, or starting fresh, finding the right aluminium sliding door can make all the difference to your space. At GFD Homes, we’ve carefully curated a range of systems that deliver on both style and performance—because we know it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about doors that glide effortlessly, insulate efficiently, and stand the test of time.
From the trusted and versatile Smart Visoglide, to the ultra-minimalist Cortizo Cor Vision, and now the newly introduced Korniche Cortizo 4700—designed for large openings and a contemporary look—we’ve got something for every type of home. We offer a full supply-only service, delivered direct to your door, so you can source premium sliding doors with complete confidence.
FAQs about Aluminium Sliding Doors
What are the best aluminium sliding doors?
It depends on your priorities. If you want minimalist aesthetics and ultra-slim sightlines, Cortizo Cor Vision is unbeatable. For versatility and value, you can’t go wrong with the Smart Visoglide Plus. And for larger openings, Korniche Cortizo 4700 is a brilliant performer.
How long do aluminium sliding doors last?
With the right installation and basic care, aluminium doors can easily last 30–40 years or more. They don’t rust, rot or warp—and modern coatings mean they’ll keep looking fresh for decades.
How many hours does it take to install a sliding glass door?
Installation can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours depending on complexity, access, and whether it’s a single or multi-panel setup. While we don’t offer a fitting service for our sliding doors, we’re happy to provide product guidance and technical specifications to help ensure a smooth installation with your chosen fitter or builder.
Curious minds (and doors) stay open—read more here…
- Sliding Doors: Everything you need to know for 2025
- How to Adjust Rollers on Sliding Doors: Step-by-step guide
- Trade Aluminium Sliding Doors: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village.
