Are timber and alu-clad sliding doors right for homes in Gloucestershire?
These are the points a surveyor will go through with you when you choose timber and alu-clad sliding doors for a home in Gloucestershire:
Whether you live in Gloucestershire or elsewhere in Gloucestershire, an exposed coastal or hilltop elevation makes a strong case for alu-clad rather than all-timber outside.
If your Gloucestershire home is a period property or a barn conversion, timber and alu-clad sliding doors can bring in more light without the modern look of a metal 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.
- 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.
Guide prices for timber and alu-clad sliding doors in Gloucestershire
Pricing is transparent and does not change because you are in Gloucestershire. The ranges below cover a standard-height door, fitted, with VAT; options are itemised in your quote.
| 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 |
| 3.0 m | 2 panels | £7,495–£9,095 |
Every size is on the timber and alu-clad sliding doors page.
Daylight and glass in Gloucestershire
In Gloucestershire the shortest day has roughly 7 h 47 min of daylight and the longest about 16 h 41 min. The noon sun sits near 15° above the horizon in winter and 62° in summer — so glass that faces south collects useful warmth from October to March, while a west-facing door may need solar control to stop it overheating in July.
Towns we cover in Gloucestershire
We survey and fit timber and alu-clad sliding doors in 12 towns across Gloucestershire, including the BS15, BS16, BS35, BS37, GL1, GL11 postcode districts.
Approvals in 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.
Questions about timber and alu-clad sliding doors in Gloucestershire
Do I need building approval for timber and alu-clad sliding doors in Gloucestershire?
In England a replacement door is a controlled fitting, so compliance is arranged through a competent person scheme installer or Building Control; new openings need a Building Regulations application. We confirm the right route for your property at survey, so the paperwork is in place before fitting.
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 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.

