Aluminium French doors are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly among homeowners drawn to the black steel, Art Deco, and industrial styles often associated with the Crittall® look. Beyond aesthetics, aluminium French doors offer practical advantages, especially as replacements for older patio doors in UK homes.
This guide explains what you need to know about aluminium French doors, comparing them with other patio door styles to help you decide which is most suitable for your home.
Aluminium french doors vs other patio styles
First, your choice of patio doors depends on your project. Are you replacing patio doors, having an extension or building a new home?
The right patio door style largely depends on your project type. Are you replacing an existing door, or are you building an extension or a new home?
- For Replacements: If you’re updating an existing opening, you might be limited by the current size and configuration of your doorway unless you’re planning structural modifications. French doors work particularly well in smaller openings, providing an elegant solution without requiring major structural changes.
- For Extensions and New Builds: Larger projects often allow for more flexibility in opening size, giving you options like bifold or sliding doors. However, aluminium French doors can still deliver a “wow” factor, especially when paired with side panels or arranged in multiple sets along one wall.
Deciding how you’ll use your patio doors
Think about how you’ll use your patio doors day-to-day. Will they be a primary entrance, or are they more about creating a view of your garden? While bifolding and sliding doors can open up entire walls to the outdoors, it’s worth considering the reality of the UK climate—most doors stay closed for much of the year. French doors offer a balance between functionality and style, providing a more traditional opening mechanism while still framing views beautifully.
French doors key features comparison
| FEATURE | ALUMINIUM FRENCH DOOR ADVANTAGES | FRENCH DOORS COMPARED TO BIFOLDING AND SLIDING DOORS |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Suitability | French doors are ideal for smaller openings and straightforward to install. | Bifolding and sliding doors require larger openings, and are really only useful from 3 or more panels. |
| Cost-effectiveness | French doors are a more affordable option | Bifolding and sliding doors are typically higher in cost and installation. |
| Style and aesthetics | French doors look great in a Art Deco, black steel look which suits most UK properties | Modern bifolds or sliders may contrast with traditional properties. |
| Security | French doors have key access from outside and multi-point locking. Many have passed the PAS 24 security test and Secured by Design. | Sliding doors often lack external key access; bifolds may have more potential security points due to folding. |
| Ease of use | French doors have a familiar usage, no complex opening mechanism | Bifolds and sliders require more space and often involve complex mechanisms |
Choosing aluminium French doors for an existing opening
When replacing patio doors, the size of your structural opening will have an impact on the number of doors and fixed panels. Take a look at the door configuration options:
| DOOR OPENING WIDTH | DOOR CONFIGURATION |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 m | Single and the classic double French door works well, opening inwards or outwards. You can get away with slightly narrower options by having smaller panels. |
| Over 2 m | Double doors with one or two side panels work best for openings between two and four metres. |
| Over 4 m | Larger existing openings extend your options to multiple door sets or combinations of single and double doors with side and top panels |
Working with an experienced installer can help you find the best configuration based on your opening and requirements. Or get in touch withhttp://www.doorandwindowexperts.co.uk/about/contact-us/ us now.
Security considerations for aluminium French doors
Security is a priority for external doors, and aluminium French doors generally come equipped with robust security features. Many doors meet the latest PAS 24 standards and have achieved Secured by Design accreditation. Despite the slim profiles of aluminium, these doors are engineered to offer substantial security. Another advantage is external key access, something typically available with bifold doors but not always with sliding doors.
Four benefits of aluminium French doors
Aluminium doors offer versatility in design, including the popular black steel look, characterised by thin frames and grid patterns. These doors can be customised to reflect Art Deco, industrial, and heritage styles. With a choice of RAL colours, aluminium French doors can be tailored to your taste, whether you prefer classic black or a softer anthracite grey.
Slimmer Frames for a Sleeker Look
Aluminium frames are notably slim compared to PVCu or timber, offering a minimalist aesthetic that allows for larger glass panels and less visible framework.
More light and larger glass panels
Aluminium doors can support larger glass panels, enhancing natural light and views. The larger door leaf sizes mean you can often avoid adding a toplight, streamlining the overall look.
Match with other aluminium products
For those looking to coordinate, aluminium French doors blend seamlessly with aluminium windows and other aluminium door styles. Mixing door types within the same profile system is an option, allowing for design flexibility in various areas of the home.
Wide range of design options
Aluminium doors offer versatility in design, including the popular black steel look, characterised by thin frames and grid patterns. These doors can be customised to reflect Art Deco, industrial, and heritage styles. With a choice of RAL colours, aluminium French doors can be tailored to your taste, whether you prefer classic black or a softer anthracite grey.
Is aluminium the right choice for your French doors?
In summary, aluminium French doors are an excellent option for replacing older doors in smaller openings, while still working well in larger spaces for extensions and new builds. They offer a more traditional operation and may be a more practical and cost-effective option compared to bifold or sliding doors.
Remember, the best choice for patio doors depends on factors like budget, architectural style, and how you plan to use the doors. For more guidance on choosing between materials like steel, PVCu, timber, or composite, explore other articles on the Door and Window Experts website.
Ultimately, choosing the best patio door depends on budget, personal taste, and the overall look you want to achieve. You can find out about French doors in other material such as steel, PVCu, timber and composite on this website .
Do you have any further questions? Contact us for advice and information regarding local suppliers and installers. The goal of the Door and Window Experts Website is always to help you make the best decision for your home.
