Last Updated on 3 April 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Aluminium Sliding Doors: are they worth it?
Yes – aluminium sliding doors are absolutely worth it for their sleek design, durability, low maintenance, and ability to create bright, open living spaces with minimal effort.
Looking to upgrade your space with a modern touch? Aluminium sliding doors might just be your perfect match.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from cost, fitting, and maintenance, to style and energy performance. We’re here to help you make the right call, with expert guidance every step of the way.
What We’ll Cover:
- What are aluminium sliding doors?
- Benefits of aluminium doors in your home
- Are aluminium sliding doors worth it?
- Cost and pricing insights
- Common fitting and maintenance questions
- Aluminium vs uPVC: which is better?
- FAQs
What are Aluminium Sliding Doors?
Aluminium sliding doors, also known as slide doors or sliding glass doors, are a sleek and stylish way to open up your home to the outdoors. Designed to glide horizontally, these large sliding doors typically sit on double or triple tracks and are crafted from strong, lightweight aluminium frames that allow for expansive glass panels and minimal sightlines.
These external sliding doors are available in a variety of configurations and finishes. Whether you’re after backyard sliding doors that blur the line between inside and out, or modern sliding doors for your contemporary extension, aluminium offers performance and design flexibility in equal measure.
Why Choose Aluminium Doors?
Here’s why aluminium doors are a cut above the rest:
Durability
Aluminium offers more resistance to rust, corrosion and warping.
Slim sightlines
Allowing more natural light and uninterrupted views.
Design Flexibility
Customisable sizes, colours, and finishes.
Low Maintenance
No repainting, no fading.
Energy Efficiency
Most come with thermal breaks and double glazed sliding doors.
Security
Built-in multipoint locking systems for peace of mind.
And when it comes to matching your space, these sliding patio doors or sliding garden doors can be tailored to suit both urban apartments and country homes.
Are Aluminium Sliding Doors Worth It?
In short: yes.
Aluminium sliding doors strike the perfect balance between aesthetics, practicality and performance. If you’re after exterior sliding doors that look good, last a long time, and offer thermal efficiency, aluminium is well worth the investment.
They can often last for decades with minimal maintenance, and thanks to their strength, they can support much larger glass panels than other materials like uPVC or timber. This means more light, bigger views, and a real wow-factor.
How Much Are Aluminium Sliding Doors?
The cost of aluminium sliding doors varies depending on:
- Size (two-pane, three-pane, or larger)
- Type (standard slide or lift-and-slide)
- Glazing (double or triple glazed)
- Colour and finish
- Supply-only vs supply and fit
For reference:
- Supply-only: from £1,500 – £4,500+
- Supply & fit: from £2,500 – £7,000+
Looking for value? We offer discount sliding glass doors across select models without compromising on quality. Get an instant quote here.
How to Fit, Adjust & Maintain Aluminium Sliding Doors
We always recommend professional installation for our outside sliding doors, but if you’re keen to understand how things work, here’s a quick overview:
How to Fit Aluminium Sliding Doors
- Prepare the opening to size
- Position the frame, checking level
- Fix frame securely
- Insert panels and rollers
- Install lock and seal around the frame
How to Adjust Aluminium Sliding Door Rollers
When it comes to adjusting aluminium sliding door rollers, it’s important to understand that not all aluminium sliding doors on the market come with adjustable rollers, so it’s worth checking first. If yours do, they’ll most likely have adjustment screws that allow you to fine-tune the height and positioning of the rollers.
These are typically located at the base of the sliding panel. You should be able to adjust them carefully using a screwdriver – but always speak to your fitter before making any changes to avoid damaging the system.
How to Fix Aluminium Sliding Doors
Common fixes:
- Sticky sliding: Clean the track and adjust rollers
- Drafts: Check seals and weatherstripping
- Misalignment: Reposition door or adjust rollers (always contact your fitter first before adjusting anything yourself)
How to Install a Lock on Aluminium Sliding Door
Most systems come pre-fitted with multi-point locks. If adding an aftermarket one, follow the manufacturer’s guide and always choose a product compatible with aluminium frames.
How to Remove Aluminium Sliding Door
- Open the door halfway
- Lift the door up into the head of the frame
- Tilt the bottom out and lift down. Be sure to have someone help – these panels can be heavy!
How to Replace Glass in Aluminium Sliding Door
This job is best left to the pros, as it requires:
- Removing the door panel
- Taking out the internal glazing bead
- Swapping in new sealed units
- Resealing and reinserting the panel
Can I Paint Aluminium Sliding Door Frames?
While aluminium doors typically come powder-coated in your choice of colour, they can be painted using specialist metal paint. However, we always recommend choosing your finish from the start. Repainting later can void warranties and will require detailed prep for best results.
N.B. Always check with the manufacturer for specific advice before painting, as each system may have its own guidance. The good news? These finishes are designed to last for years, so you shouldn’t need to repaint anytime soon.
Aluminium vs uPVC Sliding Doors: Which is Best?
uPVC doors are generally cheaper upfront, but aluminium sliding doors deliver greater longevity, slimmer frames, and a more premium finish. They’re also more sustainable, as aluminium is recyclable and less prone to warping or fading.
In short, if you’re looking for a future-proof, low-maintenance, and beautifully designed door – aluminium wins hands down.
So, Are Aluminium Sliding Doors Right for You?
Aluminium sliding doors don’t just look the part – they deliver on performance, durability, and design flexibility too. Whether you’re opening up a kitchen extension, connecting to the garden, or simply chasing more natural light, they’re a stylish, long-term investment that transforms the way your home feels and functions.
Still weighing up your options? We’ve got you covered. Our expert team is on hand to talk you through the best solution for your space – whether that’s Smart Visoglide, Korniche Cortizo 4700, or the ultra-slim Cor Vision system.
Want to get an idea of costs right now? Get an instant quote and explore all the custom options available.
FAQs about Aluminium Sliding Doors
Do you get condensation with aluminium sliding doors?
Not usually. Modern double glazed sliding doors with thermal breaks are designed to reduce internal condensation significantly.
If you do notice condensation, it’s often a result of high indoor humidity rather than an issue with the door itself. Always check with your manufacturer for the best advice tailored to your specific system and setup.
What is the common problem with aluminium sliding doors?
Most common? Poor installation. Always go with a reputable sliding door supplier and installer. DIY issues can lead to sticking, drafts or misalignment.
What are the standard sizes of aluminium sliding doors?
Standard sizes can include:
- 2-panel: 2100mm wide x 2100mm high
- 3-panel: 3000mm wide x 2100mm high
- 4-panel: 4200mm wide x 2100mm high
But don’t worry – we also offer bespoke sizing to suit your space perfectly.
Don’t stop now—these articles are worth your time..
- Sliding Doors vs Bifold: Which door should you choose?
- Alternatives to Sliding Glass Patio Doors?
- Trade Aluminium Sliding Doors: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village.
