7 reasons to use aluminium doors

Aluminium doors have several benefits over timber, composite or PVCu doors and many of these benefits are quite important when deciding on what materials for a front door.

Aluminium doors can meet the needs of most property renovation projects so here are some of the best reasons to use aluminium for front, side or rear doors.

Why aluminium doors are best for small and large sizes

One of the significant reasons to choose aluminium doors is how flexible they are on sizes. Any door material will work well in a standard size opening, but aluminium is best outside standard sizes.

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Aluminium Entrance Doors and Front Doors

Want wider and taller doors? Aluminium door leaves typically go up to 1.2m wide and many models up to 2.4m high, some higher. This is well above the size capabilities of PVCu and composite doors, typically around a metre including the frame. As a result, aluminium doors remove the need for side or top panels, often a requirement with PVCu and composite doors in certain size apertures. So if you’d like more doors and a less visible frame, aluminium is best for small or large sizes.

The same also applies to small doors. Cottages and character properties often have smaller doorways. Composite doors don’t go to these smaller sizes and many alumninium doors can. As an example, composite doors aren’t usually available smaller than 850mm wide.

Aluminium doors give more glass and cleaner lines

Only steel doors are slimmer than aluminium. The advantage of an aluminium frame is a thinner frame giving larger door sizes. The doors also have a thinner sash profile meaning larger glass sizes. Larger glass sizes mean more light and an overall better-looking door.

The slim lines of aluminium get even better when you do want doors with side or top panels or a larger combination screen. Significantly smaller profiles than PVCu doors gives far less bulk.

One of the best ways of understanding just how thin aluminium is on French doors and where they meet and lock in the middle. Many PVCu doors are well over 250mm where set of doors meets in the middle. Aluminium doors are can be more than half this dimension.

And you could have even thinner double or French doors by opting for a steel-styled door or even doors made out of slimline bifold door profiles but made as double hinged doors.

Therefore, aluminium doors provide many different solutions for style, thin lines and maximum glass with a better feeling of light and space.

Aluminium doors allow more discrete or invisible hardware

aluminium doors in a showroom in grey and maroon colours
An example of a front door with a seamless design and no visible hinges.

Thin aluminium also means smaller and more discreet door hardware such as hinges and with no loss of security or other essential functions. There are even aluminium doors designed with invisible door hinges giving even cleaner looks.

The hinges typically used on composite and timber doors are far bulkier and more intrusive than with aluminium doors.  This is because PVCu frames found in composite doors and PVCu panelled doors need reinforcement and bulkier hardware to support the weight of the door leaf.  This is not the case with aluminium which is slimmer and needs no reinforcement for hardware to have a suitably strong fixing point.

Aluminium doors integrate better with windows.

If you are already having aluminium windows installed in your home or have a porch, screen or other glazed feature that needs both windows and doors, aluminium doors are all designed to couple and integrate with windows.  This means you do not need a composite or PVCu door that will look different from your windows.  Modern aluminium window and door systems are designed to couple together if needed creating uniform and matching screens.

This is not the case with composite doors where it is a completely different product by a different manufacturer.  If you are already having aluminium windows installed you can match their slim lines perfectly with an aluminium door that was designed from the outset to work with them.  With some systems, you can even have side and rear doors that match your bifolding doors.

More colour options wiht aluminium doors

black powder coated aluminium windows & entrance door in wood effect aluminium to create the traditional design.
Black powder-coated aluminium windows & entrance door in wood effect aluminium to create the traditional design.

Polyester powder coating is the most advanced and durable way of coating aluminium profiles.  Not only do you get over 200 colour options but these are further added to with textured, metallic and even different colours inside and out. You can even have wood effect doors in aluminium as well.

PVCu and composite doors do come with some excellent wood-effect finishes and foiles. These same foils are also available in aluminium or the sublimated colour finish.

Another significant advantage of aluminium is it’s easy to match other or existing aluminium colours. It’s harder to do with a foiled pvcu door even if the RAL colour references are the same! With powder-coated aluminium doors and windows, it’s easier to get a better colour match.

Why aluminium doors provide more design options

an aluminium entrance door enhanced with timber accessories to provide a unique door
An AluK aluminium entrance door enhanced with timber accessories to provide a unique door

Composite doors and PVCu panelled doors are designed around panel slabs in set designs.  Whilst there is a large choice of door designs, did you know with the number of midrails, bottom rails, mullions and transoms available for aluminium doors you can create your own specific design? This will give you the option of designing your own door that is unique to you and not part of a stock range.

Aluminium doors are more flexible.

The nature of aluminium when used in doors means more flexibility. You don’t have to choose a standard product. Instead, a good manufacturer can create a distinctive and unique door arrangement.

Larger sizes, a greater range of profiles and colours make aluminium doors some of the best for front doors, single doors or double doors with and without fixed panels.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
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17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
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09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
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Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
David NunnDavid Nunn
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It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
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Munim ChowdhuryMunim Chowdhury
11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
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17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
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