Aluminium vs uPVC sliding patio doors: compare the choices

Choosing between aluminium and uPVC sliding patio doors starts with the opening and the way you want the panels to work. Material matters, but the exact choices are set by the product you order. Here is a comparison using two made-to-measure doors currently sold by Swift Aluminium: a two-pane aluminium sliding door and a black uPVC sliding door.

Start with the layout

The aluminium range includes two-, three- and four-pane doors and a triple-track model. Start by comparing the pane arrangements and the width available in your opening. The two-pane aluminium configurator asks which side is the master sliding door when viewed externally and whether both doors should slide. The black uPVC product also asks which side is the master door, but its options are different. Review the drawings and selections on each listing before assuming the same operation across the range.

Check exactly which dimensions to enter

Both example product pages ask for dimensions in millimetres and tell you to include the cill in the overall height. The aluminium listing labels its fields “Outside Frame Width” and “Outside Frame Height”; the uPVC listing uses “Width” and “Height”. Measure the opening carefully and ask your installer to confirm the required order dimensions if you are uncertain. A small error matters more than a general preference for one frame material.

Compare colours and finishes

The aluminium two-pane product presents external colour choices including anthracite grey, black, white and a custom RAL option, with an internal colour choice. The black uPVC product offers black externally with either a white or black internal finish. Check the live selections for each product, since the choices and any extra cost may change.

Look beyond the frame material

The aluminium product lets you select a cill and handle finish, and whether both panels slide. The black uPVC product lists a cill, handle finish, trickle vent, anti-snap cylinder upgrade, fixing kit and decorative options. These are product-specific selections; they do not mean one material is automatically better for security, ventilation or insulation. Compare the final specification for the exact door set you plan to buy.

Which should you shortlist?

• Browse the aluminium sliding patio door range if you want to compare two-, three- and four-pane layouts.
• Open the black uPVC sliding patio door if its finish and listed configuration options fit your project.
• For either option, check the order size, pane operation, cill, hardware, current price and delivery information before checkout.

If you need help with a particular configuration, contact Swift Aluminium with the product link and your opening measurements.