Aluminium Patio Doors

For many different door types, opening options and sheer choice,  aluminium patio doors are hard to beat.

Not only do aluminium patio doors offer the biggest choice of door products, in aluminium, they also give you the most design options as well. Aluminium patio doors are suitable for new as well as old houses, cottages, barns and suburban homes.

Information about aluminium patio doors for the home.

Aluminium patio doors offer door solutions for large and small openings. Aluminium as a material falls within most budgets, is long-lasting, strong and secure.

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Patio Doors

Bifolding doors offer more than 50 mainstream products to choose from each with a different appearance.  Sliding patio doors are once again enjoying enormous popularity with a big number of door brands and different opening and sliding options as well. 

One of the newest and most sought-after types of patio doors are steel look systems. Ultra-slim, with both a traditional metal and industrial look, these new hinged patio doors are finding their way into all manner of houses, new and old.  They also work very well as room dividers.

When it comes to choosing aluminium patio doors for the home, expect to see several features in common across all the different door types.

  • For exterior patio doors, all aluminium extrusions are thermally insulated.
  • Toughened or laminated glass as standard. Expect to get door glass having a  soft-coat low-emissivity coating, warm edge spacer bars and argon gas fill.
  • Virtually unlimited colour choices.  Satin, matt or gloss shades, different colour in and out and even metallic and woodgrain colours in aluminium.
  • Certified security, weather performance and impressive specifications. As a result, aluminium patio doors are very reliable.
  • Innovations such as very big sizes, automatic operation and many personalisation options.
  • A choice of thresholds allowing flush floors, weather ratings even for disabled access.

Always choose a professional installer for aluminium patio doors.

schüco as fd 75 bifold door in a contemporary large house

One of the most important factors around the reliability of any patio door regardless of material is the installation.  Our experience tells us, reading many of the consumer reviews,  that dissatisfaction with a project is down to installation. Rarely is it the fault of the product.

Modern aluminium patio doors come with many standards covering design, quality of aluminium, paint, glass and manufacturing.  There is no bad product on the market.  It is badly made and fitted doors that let down the customer.  Therefore choose a professional installer and especially when having large doors.

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Understanding who makes your patio doors.

Often, homeowners don’t know where their doors come from and who makes them.  Many of the top brands of patio doors come from many different manufacturers all making the same product.  Well-known companies such as Express Bifolding Doors and Kloeber often use existing systems under their own brand names.  Even the big names like Everest and Anglian use established systems.

Other examples include the latest ultra-slim sliding doors, mainly from the Spanish Cortizo system under many different brand names. 

Then there are specialist patio door systems only made by one company in one factory.  Therefore understanding who makes the best patio doors is not easy and this is where we can help.

Finally, aluminium allows the creation of bespoke and specialist patio doors. For example, supersize sliding doors, automatic patio doors and even doors with open corners or disappearing into a wall.

steel patio door

The benefits of aluminium patio doors.

Aluminium patio doors provide several benefits over pvcu as well as timber or steel products.

First of all, aluminium provides thinner sight lines than all other materials and is virtually as thin as steel patio doors yet cheaper.  Complicated shapes are in most cases easy to create in aluminium as well.

The other advantage of aluminium is wide availability.  Most home improvement companies offer at least one suite of aluminium doors.  Aluminium patio doors work better on south facing elevations and are tried-and-tested products.

Another advantage of aluminium is a choice of profiles.  For instance, French doors come with either traditional looking profiles or contemporary flat profiles.  The same extends to bifolding doors and some patio doors. On the other hand, there are patio door products in aluminium, specially designed to complement the many PVCu windows fitted all over the UK.

As a result, and compared to timber, PVCu or steel, aluminium patio doors provide solutions for virtually any type of house and design requirement.

Bifolding Doors.

sunflex sf55 aluminium bifold 044

One of the most popular products for aluminium patio doors.  Still incredibly popular and unbeatable for creating a link from the inside to the outside.  Available from two up to eight panels and now very affordable thanks to the sheer choice available.

Bifolding doors also offer incredible flexibility, such as a traffic door, letting you use just one panel for easy access.  Bifolds also provide the best in personalisation such as integral blinds and many colours.  You can even use a bifolding door inside the home as a stylish room divider.

Slide and Turn Bifolding Doors

panoramic doors

Operating like a bifold, but with different functionality, slide and turn bifolding doors use the principle of separate door panels, sliding and then turning, revealing a full opening just like a bifold.

The slide and turn bifolding door such as the Panoramic bifold provides all the performance and style of a modern bifold but with no visible hardware, greater choice in where the door panels locate to, improved ventilation options and take up less space than conventional bifolding doors.  Frameless glass and PVCu versions are also available.

Sliding Patio Doors.

sunflexuk pocket sliding door 005

The biggest benefit of a sliding patio door is less visible aluminium, bigger glass and better views. Sliding doors are great where space is limited as they slide on a track instead of folding.

Another benefit to choosing a sliding door is for larger gardens. The bigger glass creates a sliding glass wall thanks to the impressive sizes possible.

And just like a bifold, you still get a low flush threshold with a well-designed system.  Also ideal as internal sliding room dividers.

Slimline Sliding Doors.

ass70 fd sliding pics 024

One of the newest and aspirational sliding doors are the latest breed of slimline products.  With very thin mullions and a near frameless appearance, they are perfect for modern extensions.

These new doors cost more than regular sliding patio doors and more complex to fit and live with.  However, made and fitted correctly, they transform the back of the house into a contemporary space.

These doors come structurally pre-glazed, therefore may need specialist transport and access to the back of the house.

Steel-Look Doors.

steel patio door

One of the most on-trend products, designed to replicate the look of old steel doors as well as create industrial looking patio doors and screens.

Only available as single or double doors, steel look doors are slimline hinged doors customised with aluminium glazing bars for their unique appearance.  They look stunning in any home and complemented by matching windows, internal doors and screens.

Often a steel-look door comes in a black powder coated finish with pewter or brass hardware to complete the look.  You can even have them inside the home without a threshold.  A desirable and sought-after patio door.

French Doors.

grey schuco doors 1

Still popular for smaller apertures as well as dining room doors are aluminium French doors.  The choice today extends to doors that open in or out, with traditional or slimline frames. You even get sophisticated doors with automatic locks and even invisible hinges.

French doors are not just for the back of the house.  They are a perfect complement next to a bifolding door using the same profiles as the folding version for a consistent look throughout the back of the house.  Affordable, desirable, secure and reliable patio doors for your home.

Pocket Sliding Doors.

sunflex sliding door

Mostly applicable to sliding patio doors, these are doors that slide completely into a wall, disappearing from view.  Available as single, double or triple track doors, there is no better door to completely open up the back of the house and give you a full clear opening.

Pocket sliding doors need incorporating at the design and build stage as they do not work as a replacement for old doors. Correctly designed and made, they transform a modern house or new extension with a smooth action, a low threshold and doors that are hidden from sight.

Open Corner Patio Doors.

open corner sliding doors

An open corner patio door comes as a bifolding or a sliding door. Often incorporated at the design stage, open corner patio doors are two elevations, meeting in the corner and with a movable corner post.

Open the doors to reveal a fully open corner, supported by the cantilevered ceiling above.  You get all the functionality of regular doors when closed and one of the most attractive, wow-factor doors when open in the summer.  You also get a choice of colours, thresholds and flexible opening.

Pivot Doors.

culmax aluminium doors.

Pivot doors in aluminium work as a hinged door opening in or out.  The difference with these doors is an offset floor pivot instead of traditional door hinges.

As you open the door the hinged side opens in or out into the room, creating a dramatic door rarely seen in a house.  One consideration with these doors is their lack of severe weather performance, owing to the pivoting action. Therefore these doors are recommended in sheltered locations, away from driving wind and rain.  However, they are incredibly good to live with and look very modern.

Automatic sliding patio doors.

screen shot 2012 03 25 at 08.12.58

Automatic sliding doors are for the ultimate new extension opening and closing the doors at the touch of a button. Not only are they ideal for oversize doors, they also work well with standard doors and for disabled people.

The automatic operator sits above the doors hidden in the structure, therefore needs incorporating at the build stage.

Only the premium brands offer automatic opening doors for residential properties.  However, automatic sliding and folding doors are widely available with commercial systems.

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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.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
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
Rachel LauRachel Lau
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
13:18 02 Apr 23
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
20:54 14 Mar 23
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!
Keith BarnesKeith Barnes
17:18 10 Dec 22
Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
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.
SUSAN wallaceSUSAN wallace
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.
Nick McCormackNick McCormack
20:25 14 Aug 22
Really helpful and useful came back to me on a Sunday with some invaluable information. Highly recommended.
ray addisonray addison
13:14 14 Aug 22
received a prompt reply to my query,and helpful information from ATS
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