Are timber and alu-clad sliding doors right for homes in West Sussex?
Most homeowners choosing timber and alu-clad sliding doors want the same things: more light, a clear view and a door that is easy to live with.
Oak floors, exposed beams or a timber kitchen in your West Sussex home? Matching the inside finish of the door ties the new glazing into the room.
Whether you live in West Sussex or elsewhere in West Sussex, an exposed coastal or hilltop elevation makes a strong case for alu-clad rather than all-timber outside.
- 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.
- 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.
- A timber sliding door sits comfortably beside brick, stone, render or weatherboarding, which helps where a modern metal frame would look out of character.
Guide prices for timber and alu-clad sliding doors in West Sussex
Guide prices are the same across West Sussex: the fitted price depends on the size, system and specification, not your postcode. These figures are for a standard 2.1 m high door, fitted, including VAT and removal of an old door of similar size.
| Overall width | Typical panels | Guide price (fitted, inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8 m | 2 panels | £5,595–£6,795 |
| 2.4 m | 2 panels | £6,495–£7,995 |
| 4.0 m | 3 panels | £9,095–£11,095 |
| 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 West Sussex
The midday sun over West Sussex ranges from about 16° at the winter solstice to about 63° 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 West Sussex
We survey and fit timber and alu-clad sliding doors in 14 towns across West Sussex, including the BN11, BN17, BN18, BN43, GU28, GU29 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 West Sussex
Can you match other doors and windows in my West Sussex home?
Usually, yes. Most aluminium and uPVC systems come in standard RAL colours and finishes, and we can quote dual colour where the inside and outside need to differ. Bring photos of existing frames to the survey.
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.
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.
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.