uPVC sliding doors cost less, while aluminium sliding doors have slimmer frames, larger panels, wider maximum sizes and a far bigger choice of colours. Both can be thermally efficient and secure, so the decision usually comes down to budget, the size of the opening and how much frame you are happy to look at.
This guide sets the two side by side on cost, sightlines, size, colour, upkeep and insulation, with a summary table at the end, so you can decide which material fits your opening and your budget.
What is the difference between aluminium and uPVC sliding doors?
A uPVC sliding door is made from extruded plastic profiles with several internal chambers, usually stiffened with steel reinforcement inside. An aluminium sliding door is made from extruded aluminium profiles with a polyamide thermal break between the inner and outer halves, which stops the metal conducting cold into the room.
Aluminium is much stiffer than uPVC, so it can carry larger, heavier glass panels on narrower frames. uPVC needs bulkier sections to stay rigid, which is why uPVC doors look chunkier and stop at smaller sizes.
Which costs more, aluminium or uPVC?
uPVC is the lower-cost material, and on our current guide prices a uPVC sliding door costs around half as much as an aluminium door of the same width. The table shows entry guide prices for common widths, fitted, inc VAT, at standard 2.1 m height, into an existing opening.
| Overall width | uPVC guide price | Aluminium guide price |
|---|---|---|
| 1,800 mm | £1,895 | £3,695 |
| 2,400 mm | £2,195 | £4,295 |
| 3,000 mm | £2,495 | £4,995 |
| 3,600 mm | £2,895 | £5,595 |
These are entry guide prices for a standard specification. Foiled colours on uPVC, dual colour or special RAL finishes on aluminium, triple glazing and taller doors all add to the figure, and the final price is fixed in a written quote after a free survey. Full ranges are on our guide prices page.
Which has slimmer frames and better sightlines?
Aluminium, clearly. Its strength lets the outer frame and the meeting stiles be far narrower, so more of the opening is glass. A standard aluminium slider has a noticeably slimmer centre than a uPVC door, and slimline aluminium systems bring the interlock down to around 20–25 mm.
uPVC frames are deeper and wider because the profile needs internal chambers and steel to stay rigid. On a small door that matters less; on a wide opening the extra frame becomes a visible part of the view. Our slimline sliding doors guide covers the narrowest options.
How big can each type go?
Aluminium goes much bigger. We offer aluminium sliding doors up to 6 m wide and uPVC sliding doors up to 3.6 m wide. Standard aluminium panels can be up to roughly 2.5–3 m wide and 2.5–3 m high depending on the system, while uPVC panels are generally smaller, because the frame has less stiffness to carry the weight of the glass.
For openings wider than about 3.6 m, or doors taller than the standard 2.1 m, aluminium is usually the practical choice. For a straight swap of an old 1.8 m or 2.4 m patio door, uPVC is often all you need.
What colours can you get?
uPVC comes in white as standard, with woodgrain and colour foils such as anthracite grey and black laminated onto the profile. Foils cost extra, the choice is set by the foil range, and some systems limit sizes in dark foils because dark frames absorb more heat in strong sun.
Aluminium is powder coated, so it can be almost any RAL colour, in matt, satin or textured finishes, and it can be dual colour: one shade outside and another inside. If you want an exact colour match, a dark frame with crisp edges, or white inside with a dark exterior, aluminium gives you more freedom.
How long do they last and how much upkeep do they need?
Both materials are low maintenance. Lifespan depends on the quality of the system, how well it is fitted, how exposed it is and how it is looked after, so treat any single figure with caution. Powder-coated aluminium resists fading and does not warp or bow; uPVC is durable too, though white uPVC can discolour slightly over many years.
For either, wash the frames a few times a year, vacuum grit out of the track, keep the drainage slots clear and have the rollers and locks adjusted if the door starts to drag. Manufacturer guarantees on frames, hardware and sealed units are passed to you, and our workmanship guarantee is set out in writing in your quote.
Which is more energy efficient?
Both can meet the energy standard. In England a new or replacement door in an existing home with more than 60% glazing must achieve a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better under Approved Document L. Good thermally broken aluminium double glazed sliders typically achieve a whole-door U-value around 1.2–1.6 W/m²K depending on the system, so the system and glass are chosen to meet the requirement, and triple glazed versions typically reach around 0.8–1.1 W/m²K.
uPVC is naturally a poor conductor of heat, so a good uPVC slider can perform as well as aluminium of a similar specification. Because most of a sliding door is glass, the glazing makes the biggest difference for either material. Ask for the whole-door U-value of the exact door in your quote, not a figure for the glass alone.
Aluminium or uPVC: which should you choose?
| Factor | uPVC | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|
| Guide price at 2.4 m | £2,195 | £4,295 |
| Frames | Wider, bulkier sections | Slimmer frames, more glass |
| Maximum width in our range | 3.6 m | 6 m |
| Colours | White, plus foiled colours | Almost any RAL colour, or dual colour |
| Upkeep | Wash frames, clean the track | Wash frames, clean the track |
| Typical lead time | 2–4 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
Choose uPVC sliding doors for a like-for-like swap of a standard patio door on a tighter budget. Choose aluminium sliding doors for wide openings, extensions, slim frames or a specific colour. Prices in the table are guide prices, fitted, inc VAT, at standard 2.1 m height, and lead times are typical, counted from survey sign-off.
Common questions
Are aluminium sliding doors worth the extra cost?
They are worth it if you want slim frames, a wide opening or a specific colour, because aluminium carries larger glass on narrower sections and can be powder coated in almost any shade. For a standard-size replacement where budget matters most, uPVC does the job well. As a guide price, a 2.4 m aluminium door is £4,295–£5,295 fitted, inc VAT, at standard 2.1 m height.
Is uPVC or aluminium warmer?
Neither is automatically warmer. uPVC is a naturally poor conductor of heat, and modern aluminium uses a polyamide thermal break to stop cold passing through the frame. On a sliding door the glass covers most of the area, so the glazing specification usually matters more than the frame material. Compare the whole-door U-value quoted for each door.
Can uPVC sliding doors be coloured?
Yes. uPVC sliding doors can be finished in woodgrain or colour foils, including anthracite grey and black, which are laminated onto the profile at the factory. The choice is set by the foil range, foils add to the price, and some systems limit sizes in dark colours. For a specific RAL shade or a different colour inside and out, aluminium is more flexible.
Which lasts longer, aluminium or uPVC?
Both are durable, and lifespan depends more on the quality of the system, the fitting, exposure and care than on the material alone. Powder-coated aluminium does not warp and resists fading, while uPVC is tough but can discolour slightly over many years. Keeping the track clean and having rollers and locks adjusted when needed helps either type last.