Timber and alu-clad sliding doors across Kent
Before you settle on a door type, it helps to know what timber and alu-clad sliding doors do well and what to check before you order.
Because timber and alu-clad sliding doors typically take 8–10 weeks to make, a Kent building programme runs more smoothly when the survey happens as soon as the opening size is fixed.
For a listed building or a house in a conservation area in Kent, check with the local planning authority before choosing any new door; timber frames are often closer in character to the original joinery.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Guide prices for timber and alu-clad sliding doors in Kent
The table shows guide prices for common sizes, supplied and fitted, including VAT. Your exact price is fixed in a written quote once the opening in your home has been measured.
| Overall width | Typical panels | Guide price (fitted, inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 m | 2 panels | £5,095–£6,195 |
| 2.1 m | 2 panels | £5,995–£7,395 |
| 3.0 m | 2 panels | £7,495–£9,095 |
| 4.8 m | 4 panels | £10,395–£12,595 |
Every size is on the timber and alu-clad sliding doors page.
Daylight and glass in Kent
The midday sun over Kent ranges from about 15° at the winter solstice to about 62° at midsummer. Low-angle winter light reaches further into a room through a tall door, which is one reason taller panels are worth considering; on south or west walls, pair them with solar-control glass.
Towns we cover in Kent
We survey and fit timber and alu-clad sliding doors in 24 towns across Kent, including the CT1, CT10, CT11, CT13, CT14, CT16 postcode districts.
Approvals in England
English Building Regulations treat a new or replacement external door in an existing home as a controlled fitting: it needs a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better (or Doorset Energy Rating band C) if more than 60% of it is glazed (Approved Document L), and safety glass in a critical location (Approved Document K). Compliance is arranged through a competent person scheme installer or a Building Control notification, so you get a certificate for your records.
Questions about timber and alu-clad sliding doors in Kent
Do I need building approval for timber and alu-clad sliding doors in Kent?
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.
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.
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.