Are you looking for a new front door? Do you want something strong, secure, stylish and durable to enhance your home’s entrance? Aluminium might well fit the bill.
We’ve previously outlined the benefits of our slimline aluminium doors as patio doors. However, aluminium is incredibly versatile, eco-friendly and energy-efficient, and customers are increasingly choosing an aluminium front door. Keep reading to learn if aluminium front doors may be the ideal upgrade for your home.
What are Aluminium Front Doors?
Aluminium front doors are aluminium doors fitted to the front entrance of your home. They are available in various styles and finishes, with or without glazing and ultra-slender frames. Typically opening outwards on hinges, they can open inwards or even slide across.
Highly popular with UK homeowners for their low maintenance, weather resistance, and durability, they also offer high visual appeal, potentially increasing your property value.
An aluminium front door is a ‘green’ choice, with a low manufacturing carbon footprint and infinite recycling potential.
Aluminium front doors are also suitable for commercial properties.
Stylish Design and Aesthetics
Aluminium is more flexible than timber or uPVC and can be used to create doors that fit most spaces. You choose the size, configuration, number of glass panels (if any), and style.
Glazing options include obscure glass for privacy, acoustic glass for ambient noise reduction, self-cleaning glass for easy maintenance in busy areas and Planitherm energy-efficient triple glazing.
Although aluminium is considered a contemporary material, our aluminium slimline heritage-style doors make an equally stunning addition to a period property.
We also offer space-saving aluminium sliding doors, which can help make a grand entranceway or delineate different spaces within your home. Since these doors slide over each other, they are ideal for areas where space is at a premium.
Recyclability
Aluminium is almost unique as a building material because it is 100 per cent recyclable. There is no limit to the times an aluminium item can be broken down and transformed into something else. For example, aluminium drinking cans can be crushed and recycled into a window or door frame, and vice versa.
Other materials such as timber can be recycled, but tend to break down with multiple uses, warping or rotting with the weather. UPVC can be recycled but only up to 10 times.
What are the Pros and Cons of Aluminium Front Doors?
Pros
- Attractive design - slimline and chic
- Strong and durable
- Weather resistant
- It doesn’t rust, warp or crack
- Secure, with airtight seals, strong locks and laminated glass available
- Sustainable material that can be recycled after use
- Long-lasting (up to 30 years+)
- Very low maintenance
- Offers design flexibility, including size, formation and finishes
Your front door is one of the first aspects of your house a potential buyer will encounter. Our sleek and stunning aluminium doors offer excellent curb appeal.
With a clean and modern look, an aluminium entrance door will blend in with most architecture to enhance your home’s appearance.
Our aluminium doors are weather-resistant and require very little maintenance.
An aluminium front door is also an eco-friendly choice. Not only is aluminium a sustainable and recyclable material, but it is also energy efficient.
Aluminium is also easily customised, so you can create the look you want while retaining all the security and durability benefits.
You can further enhance the impenetrability of the door by incorporating one of our state-of-the-art security systems. We offer the latest Ultion door barrels for British Police standard security. We can also equip doors with smart entry devices such as intercoms, finger scanners and digital keypads.
The benefits of aluminium front doors are clear to see, but are there any drawbacks?
Cons
- It might be more expensive than other front doors
- It can be dented by impact, but it is resistant to significant damage
- May not suit highly traditional properties
- Aluminium is not quite as good a natural insulator as timber or UPVC it needs thermal breaks to compete.
- The price of metal can fluctuate, making it difficult to budget
- It can get water-stained if not treated properly
The biggest con may be the upfront cost. Aluminium front door prices tend to be higher than a UPVC door of the same size and shape. However, this cost is offset by the durability of aluminium, meaning you will not need to replace it or be out of pocket for maintenance and repairs
Historically, aluminium’s thermal conducting properties made it unsuitable for an energy-efficient door. However, modern designs incorporate a ‘thermal break’ and an extra layer of insulation. The aluminium is treated to withstand water-staining.
As you can see, most of these ‘cons’ are no longer an issue. At Manchester Window Factory, all our aluminium doors are finished with a powder coating to ensure no watermarks. Our clear pricing structure and upfront quotes mean you don’t need to worry about fluctuating metal prices.
Comparing Aluminium to Other Materials
|
Feature |
Aluminium Best for modern homes seeking durability and energy efficiency. |
Timber Ideal for traditional or rustic homes but requires regular maintenance. |
Steel Well suited for industrial or highly secure applications but may lack versatility in design. It is also expensive. |
UPVC Affordable and low-maintenance but less durable and visually appealing than aluminium. |
|
Cost |
Higher initial cost but, long-term, value due to durability and low maintenance |
Typically expensive, costs vary based on wood type and treatment. |
It is expensive upfront due to material strength and production but may require maintenance over time. |
Affordable upfront but may not offer the same longevity. |
|
Durability |
Highly durable, resistant to weather, rust, and warping. |
Prone to rotting, warping, or cracking without proper care. |
Strong but susceptible to corrosion if not treated properly. |
Less durable than aluminium or steel; prone to discolouration or cracking over time. |
|
Maintenance |
Low maintenance; periodic cleaning is sufficient. |
Requires regular painting or staining to prevent decay. |
It may require rust prevention treatments or repairs. |
Minimal maintenance, but may need cleaning to prevent discolouration. |
|
Energy Efficiency |
High with thermal breaks and insulation; excellent for modern homes. |
It has good insulation but can degrade without proper sealing. |
It can be energy efficient with insulated cores. |
It has decent insulation but is not as effective as aluminium with thermal breaks. |
|
Aesthetics |
Sleek, modern designs with customisable colours and finishes. |
Warm, traditional appearance; ideal for classic or rustic styles. |
Industrial look; best suited for modern or commercial spaces. |
Basic, functional look; limited customisation options. |
|
Eco-Friendliness |
It is infinitely recyclable and environmentally sustainable. |
Renewable material, but requires significant resources for upkeep. |
It is recyclable limited times and is energy-intensive to produce. |
Limited recyclability; less eco-friendly than aluminium or timber. |
|
Security |
Naturally strong and highly secure. |
Strong but can weaken if wood deteriorates over time. |
Extremely strong and secure, often used in industrial applications. |
Secure, but not as robust as aluminium or steel. |
|
Weather Resistance |
Excellent withstands harsh weather conditions without damage. |
It can degrade in extreme weather if not well maintained. |
Resistant but can corrode without proper coatings. |
Resistant to weather but may crack or fade under prolonged exposure. |
Is Aluminium Right for Your Home?
Whether aluminium is the right choice for your home depends on the following factors:
- Budget – can you afford the initial cost? – remember to offset it against money saved on energy bills and maintenance compared to other materials.
- Climate – if you live in a coastal area, use marine-grade aluminium rather than a standard aluminium door.
- Existing architecture – Will an aluminium front door look out of place with the rest of your architecture and decor?
- Your desired aesthetic – Equally, does an aluminium front door fit the aesthetic you are trying to create?
- Do you live in a listed building or conservation area? – Check with your local authority if your choice of door is suitable.
Why Choose Manchester Window Factory?
Even the best front door will be ineffective if it is not fitted properly. We will help you create the highest quality aluminium door to your style specifications. Better yet, our in-house professional team can come and hang it for you, ensuring a perfect fit and a tight seal.
If you are looking for style, security and an excellent flow of natural light, consider adding some of our high-quality aluminium doors to your home. UPVC and timber sliding doors are also available in various styles and finishes.
Conclusion
An aluminium front door is an excellent choice for most UK homes. It is strong and durable, offers plenty of curb appeal and requires little maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Although aluminium tends to be more expensive than a UPVC door, it will also last much longer, making it a shrewd investment.
Eco-conscious customers love that aluminium is an abundant naturally occurring material with a low manufacturing carbon footprint and can be recycled indefinitely.
With customisable options, including colours and finish, glazing, hardware, and locks, you can create your ideal aluminium door, enhancing the entrance to your home.
Hundreds of UK homes have benefitted from installing aluminium doors from the Manchester Window Factory. Could yours be next?
FAQs
Due to their low maintenance durability and better green credentials, aluminium doors are often considered superior to uPVC.
Modern front door trends in 2025 include minimalist aluminium frames, black and woodgrain, and sustainable materials.
Deep, earthy tones such as reds and greens go toe to toe with modern neutrals such as charcoal grey and navy, pretty pastels and zesty brights in 2025’s front door trends.
Aluminium front doors are built to last decades with minimal maintenance, making them a long-term investment.
Yes, aluminium can be finished and powder coated in any RAL colour, with colour stability guaranteed. Our extensive range includes Scandi-style, Art Deco, and many more aesthetics. Put your stamp on the door with an extensive range of premium hardware and security features.
CERTASS is a similar certification scheme that ensures window and door installations meet building regulations and quality standards. It focuses on professionalism in the installation process and compliance with legal requirements.
How to Get in Touch
If you want to find out more about creating customised windows, doors, and conservatories, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 0161 976 4739, use our contact form or chat with us via the chat button at the bottom right of this website. If you live locally, you can also visit our Altrincham showroom, and check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
