Patio doors are unique in performing the function of internal and external doors.
A bridge from your home to your patio or garden, patio doors either create a smooth transition or disrupt the flow of your home. It is a question of complementary aesthetics and functionality.
Your patio doors must suit your decor and architecture while meeting your day-to-day requirements.
Choosing wrong can decrease your energy efficiency, throw off your aesthetic and even reduce your security.
So, how do you choose which of the three main types of patio doors – aluminium, UPVC, and timber – will best suit your needs?
In this blog, we will outline the differences, pros and cons and explain how to choose the right patio door for your home.
Aluminium Sliding Patio Doors
Overview:
Known for their sleek, modern look and durability, aluminium sliding patio doors are popular with UK homeowners who want to maximise natural light and enjoy unobstructed views.
Made from natural, recyclable materials with a low manufacturing carbon footprint, they are also a good choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Key Features:
- Durability: Aluminium is strong and resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for long-term use in most climates.
- Sustainability: Aluminium is an abundant natural material and is infinitely recyclable, so it has excellent green credentials.
- Slim Profiles: The strength of aluminium allows for slimmer frames, resulting in larger glass areas and better views.
- Low Maintenance: Aluminium requires minimal upkeep compared to other materials, with only occasional cleaning needed.
Advantages:
- Excellent durability and longevity – around 25-30 years on average
- Low maintenance and easy to clean – the powder coating resists rust, corrosion and warping
- Can be customised to any shape/size and most colours
- Slender frames maximise natural light and views
- Eco-friendly material for manufacturing and eventual recycling
- Modern, sleek design that complements contemporary homes
- Secure with multi-point locking systems and laminated glass available
- Smooth gliding motion for easy opening and closing
Disadvantages:
- Higher Cost: Aluminium doors are typically more expensive than UPVC, and some timber options
- Limited Design Styles: Aluminium doors generally have a modern, minimalist look, which may not suit more traditional home styles
- Less effective insulation: It has lower insulation properties unless thermal breaks are incorporated
When evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of aluminium sliding patio doors, it is important to note that most potential drawbacks have solutions or mitigating factors.
For example, aluminium doors tend to be more expensive than UPVC but also last longer, so you should factor in the initial costs versus having to replace UPVC much sooner.
While aluminium isn’t the best insulator on its own, most aluminium doors do incorporate thermal breaks.
It is also more versatile than often perceived. Our aluminium slimline heritage-style doors can be customised to create bespoke designs that will complement your architecture and decor, no matter the age of your property and your preferred aesthetic.
UPVC Patio Doors
Overview:
Next up, UPVC patio doors are the most popular affordable alternative to aluminium patio doors.
UPVC is the abbreviation for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, a strong and lightweight material most often used for window and door frames.
It is a good insulator and can be customised in various styles and colours.
Key Features:
- Affordability: Part of UPVC’s appeal comes from its budget-friendly pricing, typically around £100 -£150 less than aluminium.
- Energy Efficiency: UPVC provides excellent insulation, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. This, in turn, reduces your energy bills.
- Versatility: UPVC is available in an array of colours and finishes, including woodgrain effects, to match different home styles.
Advantages:
- Affordability: UPVC is generally the most cost-effective option of the three
- High energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs
- Sound insulation – UPVC doors also have some sound-reducing properties
- Security – Laminated glass and multi-point locking systems are available
- Low maintenance, with no need for painting or staining
Disadvantages:
- UPVC may not have the same premium look as timber or aluminium
- It can expand or contract slightly with temperature changes
- While durable, UPVC may not be as long-lasting as aluminium or well-maintained timber
- It can be hard to repair if damage occurs
- Colour Fading: Over time, UPVC doors can fade or discolour, especially if exposed to strong sunlight
- Limited recycling options – some UPVC can be recycled but only a limited number of times
Again, at least some disadvantages can be eliminated or the effect reduced. For example, although UPVC does not last as long as aluminium or timber, you will still get at least a 10-year insurance-backed warranty on all our UPVC doors and windows.
Paint effects and finishes have improved significantly over the last few years, and you can now purchase UPVC windows and doors that are so authentic-looking that they are suitable for listed buildings and conservation areas.
Colour fading is more prevalent with certain shades. The standard shades of white and cream usually last longer, so think carefully about colours, particularly if the door will be exposed to a lot of direct sunlight.
Timber Patio Doors
Overview:
Timber patio doors, also known as French doors, offer a timeless and natural aesthetic, perfect for traditional and rustic home designs. They provide warmth and character that other materials can’t quite match. They are also weather-resistant and good at retaining heat.
Key Features:
- Natural Beauty: Timber has a unique, natural appearance that adds charm and warmth to any home. You can choose from Sapelle, Meranti and Accoya to suit your taste and budget.
- Customizability: Timber can be painted or stained in any colour to match your home’s décor. Your choice of glazing and hardware can also alter the look of the door.
- Insulation: Wood is a natural insulator, providing excellent thermal efficiency.
Advantages:
- Aesthetic appeal with a classic, timeless look
- Made from sustainably sourced natural materials
- Solid construction for security
- Customisable with different finishes and colours, glazing, and hardware
- Excellent thermal insulation properties
Disadvantages:
- Timber requires regular maintenance, such as painting or staining, to prevent rot, warping, or insect damage.
- Generally more expensive than uPVC and some aluminium patio doors
- French doors require more space to open than sliding UPVC or aluminium models
- Timber patio doors tend to let in less light than aluminium
Conclusion
When comparing uPVC, aluminium, and timber patio doors, it is important to focus on your specific requirements, circumstances, and preferences.
If initial cost is your biggest concern, you should probably opt for UPVC, but remember that you will likely need to replace your patio doors much sooner than with timber or, especially, aluminium.
Those with a little more to spend can choose between the more modern, clean and low-maintenance minimalist look of aluminium or the traditional aesthetic of timber patio doors. If it’s the latter, factor in the added cost and effort of cleaning and maintaining the wood to prevent damage.
At Manchester Window Factory, all our patio doors adhere to British Police security standards and offer excellent insulation due to airtight seals and innovative technology.
Whichever style you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product that will enhance the look and functionality of your home.
Get In Touch Today
At Manchester Window Factory, we are experts in providing and installing the highest quality UPVC, aluminium and timber windows. We can talk you through your options and offer a free, no-obligation quote for your consideration. We also offer a pay monthly scheme to help you spread the cost. If you would like further information on any of our products or services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you!
