What are timber and alu-clad sliding doors?
A timber sliding door is a sliding patio door whose frames and panels are made from engineered timber: several layers of wood laminated together with the grain running in different directions, so the section stays straight and stable. An alu-clad version adds a powder-coated aluminium shell to the outside face, leaving natural wood inside the room while the weather side does not need repainting in normal use. Both types slide on rollers like other sliders, and many timber systems use a lift and slide mechanism for larger panels.
Timber suits period properties, barn and rural conversions, oak-framed extensions and homes with natural wood floors, beams or joinery inside. Stained, painted or clear-lacquered finishes are applied in the factory, and alu-clad doors can pair a coloured exterior with a wood finish inside. Wood is a natural insulator, and well-made engineered timber systems perform comparably with good thermally broken aluminium once glazed.
Timber and alu-clad sliders sit towards the upper end of the price scale because of the joinery, the finishing and the longer manufacturing time, typically 8–10 weeks. Width, panel count, timber species and finish, whether the outside is clad, the glass and the hardware all affect the price. We survey new and replacement doors free of charge and fix the price in a written quote before anything is made.
Who are they for?
Best suited to
- Period homes and barn conversions
- Oak-framed and timber-clad extensions
- Interiors with natural wood floors or beams
- Wood inside with low upkeep outside
Worth considering
- Timber and alu-clad doors cost more than aluminium or uPVC sliders of the same size.
- Unclad timber needs re-coating outside every few years, depending on exposure and the finish system.
- Lead times are longer, typically 8–10 weeks, because each door is joinery-made and factory finished.
Why choose timber and alu-clad sliding doors?
- Engineered timber is laminated from several layers with the grain opposed, so frames resist the twisting and warping that solid timber can suffer as the seasons change.
- An alu-clad exterior shields the wood from rain and sunlight, so the outside needs only washing while the inside keeps a natural timber finish.
- Wood is a natural insulator, so timber frames feel warm to the touch in winter and help keep condensation off the inside face of the frame.
- Stains, paints and lacquers are sprayed in the factory under controlled conditions, giving a more even and longer-lasting coat than a finish brushed on site.
- A timber sliding door sits comfortably beside brick, stone, render or weatherboarding, which helps where a modern metal frame would look out of character.
- The inside face can be finished to match existing oak floors, stair parts or window boards, so the new door feels part of the room rather than an addition.
- Many timber systems use lift and slide hardware, letting large, heavy panels glide easily and then settle onto compressed seals for a tight closure.
- Scratches and dents on internal timber faces can usually be sanded and refinished locally, rather than needing a whole panel replaced.
Typical specification
| Frame material | Engineered (laminated) timber, with optional aluminium cladding outside |
|---|---|
| Overall width (our range) | About 1.5 m to 4.8 m, in two to four panels |
| Typical panel size | Set by system and glass weight; larger panels usually move to lift and slide hardware |
| Typical whole-door U-value | Comparable with good thermally broken aluminium, around 1.2–1.6 W/m²K double glazed, depending on system |
| Finish | Factory-applied stain, paint or lacquer; powder-coated aluminium outside on alu-clad |
| Operation | Inline sliding, or lift and slide on larger panels |
| Security | Multi-point locking; systems available tested to PAS 24 |
| Exterior upkeep | Re-coat unclad timber every few years; alu-clad needs washing only |
Figures are typical and vary by system and size; your quote confirms the exact specification.
How much do timber and alu-clad sliding doors cost?
As a guide price, a 2.4 m two-panel timber or alu-clad sliding door is £6,495–£7,995 fitted, inc VAT, at standard 2.1 m height; a 3.6 m three-panel door is around £8,395.
| Overall width | Typical panels | Guide price (fitted, inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 m | 2 panels | £5,095–£6,195 |
| 1.8 m | 2 panels | £5,595–£6,795 |
| 2.1 m | 2 panels | £5,995–£7,395 |
| 2.4 m | 2 panels | £6,495–£7,995 |
| 3.0 m | 2 panels | £7,495–£9,095 |
| 3.6 m | 3 panels | £8,395–£10,295 |
| 4.0 m | 3 panels | £9,095–£11,095 |
| 4.8 m | 4 panels | £10,395–£12,595 |
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
- Timber species. Oak or another hardwood for a visible grain, or engineered softwood where a painted finish is planned.
- Alu-cladding. A powder-coated aluminium outer shell in a standard or RAL colour, with timber left on show inside.
- Interior finish. Clear lacquer, a wood stain or a painted colour, chosen to match floors, beams or kitchen units.
- Glass. Double or triple glazed safety glass, with slim glazing bars available for a period look.
- Sliding hardware. Inline rollers on smaller doors, or lift and slide gear for larger and heavier panels.
- Handles. Traditional or contemporary handles in bronze, black, satin chrome or brass-effect finishes.
Lead times and fitting
Lead time: Typically 8–10 weeks from survey sign-off.
Fitting: Typically 1 day for a two-panel swap; 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.
Timber and alu-clad sliding doors: common questions
How much do timber sliding doors cost?
Timber and alu-clad sliding doors start from a guide price of £5,095 for a 1.5 m two-panel door, fitted, inc VAT, at standard 2.1 m height. A 2.4 m door is a guide £6,495–£7,995, and a 4.8 m four-panel door is around £10,395. Species, cladding, finish and glass all affect the figure, and the final price is fixed in a written quote after survey.
What is the difference between timber and alu-clad sliding doors?
The difference is the outside face: a timber sliding door is wood inside and out, while an alu-clad door has a powder-coated aluminium shell fixed over the exterior timber. Alu-clad needs only washing outside and comes in any RAL colour; all-timber needs periodic re-coating but keeps a natural wood look on both faces. The inside is timber either way.
How long do timber sliding doors take to make?
Timber and alu-clad sliding doors typically take 8–10 weeks to make after survey sign-off, longer than metal or uPVC, because each door is joinery-made, factory finished and allowed to cure before delivery. Fitting typically takes 1 day for a two-panel swap and 1–2 days for larger doors. These are typical timescales, confirmed once your order is placed.
How big can a timber sliding door be?
A timber sliding door in our range is typically about 1.5 m to 4.8 m wide overall, in two to four panels, at standard 2.1 m height or taller on request. Individual panel sizes depend on the system and glass weight; larger panels usually move to lift and slide hardware so they stay easy to open. Sizes are confirmed after survey.
Are timber sliding doors secure?
Timber sliding doors are secure when built with multi-point locking, laminated glass and robust sections, because engineered timber gives the locking keeps a solid, dense fixing. Timber systems are available tested to PAS 24, the UK enhanced security test standard for doorsets. Internally beaded glass and a key-locking handle add further resistance to forced entry.
How often do timber sliding doors need treating?
Timber sliding doors need the outside re-coated every few years, depending on how exposed the elevation is and which finish system is used; doors facing full sun or coastal weather need attention soonest. Alu-clad doors avoid this, needing only an occasional wash outside. Inside, timber only needs wiping and an occasional refresh of the lacquer or oil, and a clean track protects the rollers.
Can I fit timber sliding doors to a listed building or in a conservation area?
Timber sliding doors can suit listed buildings and conservation areas, but listed buildings and properties under an Article 4 direction may need consent before any door is changed, so check with your local planning authority first. In England, replacing doors on an ordinary house with similar-looking ones is usually permitted development. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own planning rules.
Are timber sliding doors energy efficient?
Timber sliding doors are energy efficient because wood insulates naturally, and engineered timber systems typically achieve whole-door U-values comparable with good thermally broken aluminium, depending on the glass. In England, a new or replacement door in an existing home with more than 60% glazing must reach 1.4 W/m²K or better, and the glazing is specified to meet that. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland set their own energy rules.