Choosing an aluminium commercial sliding door design for your project development
Origin is the UK’s leading manufacturers of bespoke aluminium sliding doors. We’re often asked how aluminium sliding doors are suitable for project developments, and how to select the right product for your needs.
Here, we explain the key benefits of choosing these glass doors for your commercial development and design options to consider.
In this guide:
Read the key benefits of choosing aluminium sliding doors for your project development.
Find out whether aluminium sliding doors are the ideal solution for your development.
Read how aluminium compares to other materials commonly used for sliding doors.
Find out the popular colour options, configurations, hardware and accessories.
Read about the different types of accessories available for aluminium sliding doors.
Benefits of an aluminium sliding door
Aluminium sliding doors are strong and durable patio doors, making them reliable options for large-scale residential or commercial developments. They’re available in a wide range of colours, configurations, and designs, meaning that you can achieve a bespoke look.
Thermal Efficiency
Origin’s sliding aluminium doors feature innovative polyamide thermal breaks and can achieve ultra-low U-Values (as low as 0.78W/m2K), making them highly energy-efficient. Paired with double or triple-glazing, you can achieve and exceed the current building regulations. This also makes them an environmentally friendly alternative to other commercial sliding doors, contributing to an eco-conscious reputation.
Security Features of Aluminium Sliding Doors
External sliding patio doors are all fitted with robust and weather-tight security mechanisms. This includes a multipoint lock, featuring a combination of hooks and hook keeps, as well as shoot bolts and high-security cylinders. Moreover, the frames manufactured from high-quality aluminium are resilient to impact, tampering and harsh weather conditions.
"We are so happy and pleased with the sliders. We use them every day and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with them. We would most definitely use Origin again - the products speak for themselves!"
- Denise and Family
Low-Maintenance Sliding Doors
Marine powder-coated sliding doors are ideal for minimal maintenance and a long-lasting finish. Resistant to rust, weathering, stains and corrosion, the aluminium frames will maintain their sleek design for many years. More maintenance will be required in certain areas, so please see our terms and conditions for more details.
Natural Light and Easy Access to the Outdoors
Origin aluminium sliding doors are designed with practicality in mind, without compromising the appearance of the doors. Owing to the large glass panels, you can achieve wide openings, making outdoor spaces easily accessible. The concealed track and option to have it recessed into the floor make for an even more seamless transition. Your installer may need to make drainage allowances in order to achieve a flush threshold so please speak to them about this.
Origin’s inline sliding doors also feature weighted bearings, which support smooth operation and allow the doors to remain in place while open. Finally, even while the doors are closed, residents can benefit from fantastic views of your outdoor space and year-round natural light with minimal aluminium profile in view.
View the commercial case study here
Read more about the benefits of aluminium sliding doors here.
Are sliding doors, bifold doors or French doors the best option for your project?
The decision of choosing between Sliding aluminium doors, bi-fold doors and French doors is crucial, especially when developing multiple properties. You will need to weigh up practicality, cost and visual impact.
Sliding doors occupy less living space than other types of doors (as they don’t require space to open in or out), making them a good option if you're working with limited living space. They also offer very slim frames – for example, the Origin OS29+ comes with sightlines of just 29mm.
Find out more about Origin’s commercial services here.
Bifold doors provide a completely uninterrupted view when open because the door panels can almost entirely fold away. However, when closed, there is more profile in view. On the other hand, French doors require space to the left and right of the aperture to open fully.
How do aluminium sliding doors compare to other materials?
The most common materials used to manufacture sliding doors are uPVC, steel, engineered timber and aluminium. Aluminium is a popular choice for commercial sliding doors because it’s strong while being lightweight and also provides better thermal performance compared to steel. Timber is another option, but it can be heavy and difficult to manoeuvre and requires consistent care in order to stand the test of time. Meanwhile, uPVC can be prone to warping, and it is not as strong as aluminium. Ultimately, the best type of material for a sliding patio door will also depend on the specific needs and requirements of .
Compare the sliding door materials in the table below:
| Aluminium | Steel | Timber | uPVC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Durability | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate: can warp and rot | Good but can warp and lose alignment |
Weight | Moderately Lightweight | Heavy | Moderately heavy | Lightweight |
Cost | Moderately high | High | Affordable | Affordable |
Design flexibility | Excellent | Excellent | Low | Good |
Find out more about our aluminium sliding doors here.
Customisation options for Bespoke Sliding doors
Sliding door size and configuration options
When working with a bespoke supplier, such as Origin, you can specify the exact size and configuration required. Origin Sliding Doors can be fitted to apertures over 13m wide, which makes them ideal for larger openings. The precision engineering, high-quality materials, and meticulous manufacturing allow the doors to accommodate large glass areas and maintain slimmer frames without compromising performance.
Colour options and design considerations
The most important factor to consider is the style and aesthetic of the property. Powder-coated colours such as Anthracite Grey (7016M), Jet Black (9005M) and Light Silver Metallic (9006M) are popular colours which create a sleek look with maximum impact. They are also available with fast lead times for your project.
Alternatively, select from one of 150 RAL colours if you want something truly unique. Explore our case studies for sliding door colour inspiration.
Read more about the colour options available for Origin Sliding Doors here.
The design of your sliding door goes beyond just configuration and colour. You can include glazing bars, which add an industrial-inspired look or heritage charm to your new doors. Explore Soho Style inspiration.
Accessories and hardware
Each sliding door offers an excellent range of exquisitely designed aluminium handles. These finishing touches are what bring your sliding door system together.
Pocket handles are also available on the OS29+, allowing the sliding door sashes to achieve flush stacking to minimise the profile visible when open.
Find out more in the OS29+ specification guide.
Choosing the right lock is equally important for your door’s security. The Patio Sliders come with a multi-point locking system; and you can choose to include or exclude an external lock.
All models - including the OS29+, as well as the OS29, OS44, and OS77 - feature a minimum of six locking points and come equipped with a wide range of security and safety enhancements. The OS29+ goes one step further and utilises a 3-Star Diamond cylinder and achieves a PAS 24 accreditation.
Read more about our sliding door lock options here.
At Origin, optional extras for sliding doors also include discreet trickle vents, cill options that can be powder-coated to match the doors, and frame extenders.
Why choose Origin as a sliding commercial doors supplier?
Origin offers customers an extensive range of commercial aluminium doors, ensuring that there's something to suit everyone's needs. Secondly, there is a strong focus on green credentials and ahead-of-the-curve energy efficiency - all its products are made using environmentally friendly materials and production methods. Origin products also meet the highest possible security standards, meaning that you can feel confident about using them in your property development. Our popular powder-coating colours can also be manufactured and delivered with unbeatable lead times. Finally, at Origin, we offer a guarantee of up to 20-years on parts, on all our products, giving you peace of mind that your project will offer your customers longevity.
Do you want to use Origin as a door supplier for your project development? Discuss your project with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sliding patio doors need additional planning permission?
No, you generally don’t need additional planning permission for installing sliding doors for a development. However, you should always check the rules in your area.
What's the difference between Inline sliding doors and lift and slide doors?
Inline sliding doors, such as those manufactured by Origin, slide seamlessly along a track. Lift and slide doors need to be lifted onto the track before they can slide open. Albeit minimal effort, they require an extra step to operate.
How much do aluminium sliding doors cost?
Premium aluminium sliding doors provide many benefits that traditional materials cannot. However, they are more expensive than uPVC. On the other hand, they are more affordable than steel sliding doors and much lighter to operate.
Do you get condensation with aluminium sliding doors?
You will naturally experience condensation when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cooler surface. However, because aluminium is very thermally stable and the door frames feature polyamide breaks, they stay at a relatively stable temperature. Triple or double glazing is also effective at resisting heat loss, so there shouldn’t be problems with excessive condensation on the inside of the door.