What are anthracite grey sliding doors?
Anthracite grey sliding doors are aluminium sliders finished in RAL 7016, a deep blue-grey that sits between charcoal and slate. RAL is the colour reference system used across European building products, so specifying 7016 means the frame should match anthracite windows, fascias or garage doors bearing the same number, though the finish texture and the material underneath can still make neighbouring products look slightly different side by side.
The colour is applied by powder coating. The aluminium profiles are cleaned and chemically pretreated so the coating bonds properly, then a dry polyester powder is sprayed on with an electrostatic charge that pulls it evenly around every face and corner. The profiles go through an oven, where the powder melts and flows into a hard, continuous film. Done properly, it is far tougher than wet paint and does not need repainting; it just needs washing.
You can choose a fine textured finish, which feels slightly grainy and is forgiving of fingerprints and small scuffs, or a smooth satin or matt finish, which looks sleeker but shows marks more readily. Because thermally broken aluminium frames are built from separate inner and outer sections, they can also be dual colour: anthracite outside to match the windows, with white, cream or another shade inside to suit the room. Our colours and finishes guide covers the options in more detail.
Who are they for?
Best suited to
- Matching existing anthracite windows
- Modern rendered or brick extensions
- Homes wanting a softer look than black
- Dual colour with a lighter interior
Worth considering
- Anthracite on aluminium can look a touch different from anthracite foil on uPVC windows, even when both are labelled RAL 7016.
- A smooth anthracite finish shows dust, water spots and fingerprints more than a textured one.
- Dark frames get warmer than white ones in direct sun, so the frame can feel hot to touch on a south-facing elevation.
Why choose anthracite grey sliding doors?
- RAL 7016 is a widely used reference colour for windows and doors, which makes it easier to tie new sliding doors in with existing frames, fascias and garage doors.
- A blue-grey tone frames the garden view without the hard contrast of black, so the door reads as part of the elevation rather than a dark outline.
- Powder coating is cured in an oven into a continuous film, giving a hard-wearing finish that does not need repainting, only occasional washing with mild soapy water.
- The textured version of anthracite has a fine grain that hides fingerprints, light scuffs and the dust that collects on sills, which suits a busy family kitchen door.
- Dual colour lets you keep anthracite on the outside for kerb appeal while choosing white or a soft neutral inside, so the frame suits the room you see every day.
- Grey sits comfortably with a wide range of materials, from buff and red brick to white render, timber cladding and stone, which keeps future redecorating options open.
- Because the colour is part of the frame, not a film over it, small marks on aluminium can usually be touched in with a matched repair kit rather than replacing the section.
- Anthracite frames pair well with dark grey handles, interlocks and track covers, giving a coordinated finish where no bright metal parts catch the eye.
Typical specification
| Colour reference | RAL 7016 anthracite grey |
|---|---|
| Finish texture | Fine textured, or smooth satin or matt, depending on the system |
| Coating | Polyester powder coating, cured in an oven |
| Dual colour | Available: different colours inside and outside |
| Frame | Thermally broken aluminium |
| Typical whole-door U-value | Around 1.2–1.6 W/m²K double glazed, depending on the system and glass |
| Hardware | Handles and track covers in matching or contrasting colours |
Figures are typical and vary by system and size; your quote confirms the exact specification.
How much do anthracite grey sliding doors cost?
Anthracite grey is a standard colour on our aluminium doors, so the guide price for a 2.4 m two-panel door is £4,295–£5,295, fitted, inc VAT at standard 2.1 m height, with the final price fixed in a written quote after survey.
| Overall width | Typical panels | Guide price (fitted, inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 m | 2 panels | £3,295–£4,095 |
| 1.8 m | 2 panels | £3,695–£4,495 |
| 2.1 m | 2 panels | £3,995–£4,895 |
| 2.4 m | 2 panels | £4,295–£5,295 |
| 3.0 m | 2 panels | £4,995–£6,095 |
| 3.6 m | 3 panels | £5,595–£6,895 |
| 4.0 m | 3 panels | £6,095–£7,395 |
| 4.8 m | 4 panels | £6,995–£8,495 |
| 6.0 m | 4 panels | £8,295–£10,095 |
Guide prices for a standard 2.1 m high door, supplied and fitted, including VAT and removal of an old door of similar size. Your price is fixed in a written quote after survey.
Options and extras
- Textured anthracite. A fine-grain finish that is the more forgiving choice for marks and everyday wear.
- Smooth anthracite. A flat satin or matt finish for a crisper, more architectural look.
- Dual colour frame. Anthracite outside with white, cream or another standard colour on the room side.
- Matching hardware. Handles, interlock caps and track covers in grey so the whole door reads as one colour.
- Contrast handles. Black, brushed or chrome-effect handles to lift the grey frame slightly.
- Solar-control glass. Coated glass that limits summer heat gain behind a dark frame on sunny elevations.
Lead times and fitting
Lead time: Typically 4–6 weeks after survey sign-off; dual colour can add a little time.
Fitting: Typically 1 day for a 2-panel door, 1–2 days for larger doors.
Nothing is ordered until you confirm the surveyed specification in writing. See how it works.
Rules and approvals
England
In England, a replacement sliding door is a controlled fitting under the Building Regulations. In an existing home, a door with more than 60% glazing must reach a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better (or a Doorset Energy Rating of band C) under Approved Document L, and glass in doors must be safety glazing under Approved Document K. We arrange compliance through a competent person scheme installer or by notifying Building Control, and you receive the certificate.
Wales
In Wales, replacement doors are covered by the Building Regulations as applied in Wales, including the Welsh Part L energy requirements and safety glazing rules. Compliance is arranged through a competent person scheme installer or your council's Building Control, and the certificate is kept with your property records.
Scotland
In Scotland, replacing a door like for like in a house does not usually need a building warrant, but the new door must still meet the Scottish building standards for energy and safety. Forming or widening an opening is different: that needs a building warrant from the council before work starts.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) apply through your district council's building control service, with energy guidance in Technical Booklet F1. Work in Northern Ireland is by arrangement, and we confirm the approval route for your property at survey.
Anthracite grey sliding doors: common questions
What colour is RAL 7016?
RAL 7016 is anthracite grey, a dark grey with a slight blue undertone. It is one of the most widely specified colours for aluminium and uPVC windows and doors in the UK. On a sliding door it looks lighter in bright daylight and closer to charcoal on an overcast day, so it is worth seeing a physical sample outdoors before deciding.
What is the difference between textured and smooth anthracite?
Textured anthracite has a fine grain you can feel, while smooth anthracite has a flat satin or matt surface. Textured finishes hide fingerprints, light scratches and water marks better and suit doors that get heavy use. Smooth finishes look sleeker and more minimal but show dust and marks more readily. Both are durable powder coatings applied the same way.
How does powder coating work?
Powder coating is a dry finishing process that bonds coloured polyester powder to the aluminium with heat. The profiles are cleaned and pretreated, the powder is sprayed on with an electrostatic charge so it clings evenly, and the frame is baked until the powder melts into a smooth, hard film. It resists chipping and fading far better than wet paint.
Can I have anthracite outside and white inside?
Yes, a dual colour frame lets you have anthracite grey outside and white or another colour inside. Thermally broken aluminium frames have separate inner and outer sections joined by an insulating bar, so each side can be powder coated in its own colour before the frame is assembled. Dual colour adds a modest percentage to the price, which your quote shows.
Will anthracite aluminium match my anthracite uPVC windows?
It should be close, but it may not be identical. uPVC windows usually get their colour from a laminated foil, while aluminium is powder coated, so the texture and sheen can differ even when both are RAL 7016. Lighting also affects how each looks. Bringing a sample from the door to the window is the most reliable check.
Do anthracite grey frames fade?
Good-quality polyester powder coatings are formulated to resist UV fading, so an anthracite frame should keep its colour for many years with routine cleaning. Some gradual change in sheen is normal on very exposed, sunny or coastal elevations. Washing the frames a few times a year removes salt and grime that can dull the finish over time.
How do I clean anthracite sliding doors?
Wash anthracite frames with warm water, a little mild detergent and a soft cloth, then rinse and dry. Avoid abrasive pads, solvents and strong household cleaners, which can dull or mark the powder coating. Vacuum grit out of the track before wiping it, because dirt in the track wears rollers and makes the door feel stiff to slide.
Is anthracite grey more expensive than white?
On our aluminium doors anthracite grey is a standard colour, so a single-colour anthracite door normally costs the same as white. A dual colour frame, or a non-standard RAL shade, adds to the price. The guide price for a 2.4 m two-panel aluminium door is £4,295–£5,295, fitted, inc VAT at standard 2.1 m height.