Aluminium and composite are both incredibly popular sliding door materials, but they're very different in terms of their construction. Aluminium doors are constructed from the strong, durable metal aluminium, and when used as a window or door, they usually contain polyamide break to act as a thermal break between the inner and outer layers. Composite doors are constructed from multiple layers of different types of materials, which might include wood, uPVC and fibreglass.
Here, we explore the differences between the two sliding door types and the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is right for your home.
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Read the common materials found in composite sliding doors.
We compare aluminium and composite sliding doors in terms of:
What materials are composite sliding doors made from?
Common materials found in composite doors include solid timber, uPVC, foam, lamination, and glass-reinforced plastic (also known as GRP or fibreglass). In the case of composite sliding doors, these materials make up the frames which house glazing units. By combining several different materials together, it is possible to harness the benefits of each one to create a high-performance door.
For example, timber is a strong material and a natural insulator, but it is susceptible to warping and rotting when exposed to the weather. In composite doors, a timber slab is often used at the door's core to provide strength and insulation. Then, a weather-resistant material such as uPVC - which when used alone is thermally inefficient and reasonably weak - forms the outside of the door.
Aluminium vs composite
Aesthetics
Aluminium sliding doors offer a sleek and contemporary look which makes them ideal for modern homes. They offer very slim frames for a minimalist effect, and they work really well in new properties or to give a fresh facelift to older properties. Composite sliding doors tend to be more traditional in their appearance as many of them are finished with a timber-effect skin that has a grained texture. Composite sliding doors are a good option for people who are very keen on the traditional look of wooden doors but want a more durable option than solid timber doors.
Both composite and aluminium doors are available in a variety of finishes and colours. The range available for composite doors depends on the type of material used as the outer skin, with some materials offering greater design flexibility than others. Aluminium doors are powder-coated and there is a huge range of customisation options available. For example, here at Origin, our aluminium Origin Sliding Doors are available in 150 RAL colours. Plus, there are matte, satin or gloss finishes available.
Want to find out more about our Origin Sliding Door range? Request a brochure here.
Practicalities
Aluminium is an incredibly lightweight yet durable material. This means it offers excellent security while being relatively easy to operate. Composite doors are also very strong but since they often include timber panels, they can be fairly heavy. Aluminium is a brilliant choice for large entranceways because it can accommodate large individual panels, and is light enough that even very big panels are easy to slide open thanks to the low weight of the aluminium frame. Composite tends to be better suited to relatively small patio door sizes so that they don't become too heavy for comfortable use.
Durability
Both options are very durable and easy to maintain since they don't usually need repainting and can simply be wiped down to keep them clean. Both materials offer reasonably long lifespans, but the longevity of composite doors depends on the materials used. Sometimes, the outer skins of composite doors can fade after prolonged sun exposure and make them look old and worn. Aluminium is resilient to rusting, warping and rotting, and the powder-coated finish on aluminium doors is weather-resistant and unlikely to fade. Find out more about the benefits of aluminium sliding doors here.
Security
Both aluminium and composite doors offer excellent levels of security and are on par when it comes to the multipoint locking mechanisms available.
Which option is more expensive?
Aluminium doors can be 40% more expensive than composite doors. High-grade aluminium - which is the most strong and durable variety of aluminium - is relatively expensive compared to timber and uPVC which are common door materials that make up composite doors.
However, it's difficult to directly compare prices accurately since composite door costs vary depending on the materials used. It's relatively easy to find cheap composite doors when you're on a tight budget, but the low price is usually a reflection of low-quality materials.
Key pros and cons of each option
Aluminium sliding doors
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Strong, durable and secure. | Relatively expensive in comparison to some alternative materials. |
Lightweight and easy to operate. | May not suit traditional properties. |
Easy to maintain. | |
Modern, elegant appearance. | |
Huge variety of colours and finishes. | |
Long lifespan. |
Composite sliding doors
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Strong, durable and secure. | Heavy and sometimes hard to operate. |
Wood-effect finishes suit traditional properties. | Lifespan may be limited if low-quality materials are used. |
Easy to maintain. | Colours can fade in time. |
Budget options available. |
Origin’s aluminium sliding doors
Our sliding door range here at Origin boasts some of the slimmest frames on the market for uninterrupted views and exceptional modern style. We use premium grade aluminium to ensure exceptional strength, security and longevity. Made in Britain to the highest standards and with 150 RAL colour finishes available, our bespoke aluminium sliding doors come with a guarantee of up to 20 years as a testament to their exceptional quality.
Learn more about our Artisan Slider OS-20, and the Patio Slider OS-29 / OS-44 / OS-77 aluminium sliding doors now.
Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of composite doors?
Composite doors tend to be strong, durable and thermally efficient thanks to their use of multiple different materials. Composite is a popular entrance door material.
Are aluminium doors or composite doors stronger?
The strength of composite doors depends on the materials used to construct them. Some composite doors may be as strong as aluminium, but cheaper varieties may be weaker.
Which sliding door is right for you?
Your choice between aluminium and composite sliding doors will depend on your aesthetic preferences, the location of the door, and your budget.
What is an aluminium sliding patio door?
An aluminium sliding patio door has at least two slim aluminium frames which house large glass panels. The panels slide open on a track.
How much are sliding patio doors?
Prices vary depending on the materials and system used. Sliding uPVC doors tend to be cheaper, with aluminium and solid wood doors being the most expensive. Composite sliding patio doors are in the middle range.
