Sliding, Bi-Fold, or Hinged? Choosing the Right Aluminium Glass Door

classic sliding door in modern home.

Choosing the right aluminium doors is one of the most important design decisions you can make for your home. The right glass aluminium door can open up your space to natural light, improve airflow, and keep your home secure. The wrong choice, however, can limit how you use your space, reduce energy efficiency, increase ongoing costs, and restrict future renovation options.

In Perth and across Western Australia, indoor-outdoor living plays a major role in how homeowners design and update their homes. Whether it is linking a kitchen to an alfresco area or creating views between the lounge and garden, your door system directly affects how you move, entertain, and relax. The right aluminium door can help to create a spacious feel while complementing modern homes and Australian conditions.

When selecting from sliding doors, bi-fold doors, or a hinged door, it is important to choose a style that suits your lifestyle, your space, and how you want your home to function. From connecting multiple panels to maintaining security and performance, here are the key considerations when choosing an aluminium glass door for your home.

Why Choose Aluminium Glass Doors?

Aluminium has become the leading choice for modern door systems, and it’s easy to see why.

Its natural strength-to-weight ratio allows for larger, wider glass panels without compromising stability, giving homeowners the freedom to create brighter, more open spaces. This makes aluminium ideal for Perth homes where generous views, natural light and indoor-outdoor connections are important.

Choosing an aluminium frame for your glass door works exceptionally well in challenging coastal conditions. Unlike timber, aluminium will not swell, rot or warp, and its corrosion resistance makes it a reliable option for suburbs by the ocean.

Why Installation Quality Matters

Even the highest quality aluminium door systems can only perform at their best when installed correctly. Poor alignment, inadequate frame preparation or incorrect sealing can lead to issues such as rattling, water ingress, reduced security and premature wear. These problems often appear months or years later, costing homeowners more in repairs than the initial installation would have.

At Custom Screens, all of our windows and doors are manufactured locally in Perth, and we offer wholesale options and reliable installation services for those located in Perth or surrounding suburbs. For more information or reliable advice, give one of our team members a call.

Sliding Doors for Open Views and Flexible Living

Aluminium sliding doors remain one of the most popular choices in modern Perth homes, particularly for wide openings and entertaining areas. Their smooth operation and streamlined design make them ideal for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces without compromising on usable floor area.

Sliding doors can be configured as multi-stacking systems, with three or four panels stacking neatly to one side or splitting from the centre and stacking outwards on both sides. This flexibility makes them well-suited to large openings, helping to create a wider, more open feel and a seamless transition between living zones.

Large glass panels maximise natural light and provide clear, uninterrupted views of your garden, pool area, or outdoor entertaining space. When fully opened, multi-stacking sliding doors help open up your home and create a larger, more connected space for entertaining family and friends. When paired with security screens and double glazing, your home will be more secure and energy efficient.

When Sliding Doors Work Best

Sliding doors are an excellent option when:

  • You want to suit large openings with flexible multi-panel configurations
  • You want to maximise views with wide glass panels
  • Accessibility is a priority, particularly for homes requiring smooth threshold transitions
  • You want to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living areas

Whether opening out to an alfresco, extending a living area, or creating a wide entertaining opening, multi-stacking and aluminium sliding doors offer a practical and visually appealing solution.

Popular upgrades include:

  • Double glazing, for better insulation and to reduce outside noise
  • Invisi-Gard Security screens that meet AS5039 performance requirements for added security

Bi-Fold Doors for Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

Aluminium bi-fold doors are ideal for homeowners who want to fully open their home to the outdoors. By folding neatly to one side, the panels create a wide, unobstructed opening that’s perfect for entertaining, family gatherings, and enjoying Perth’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Enjoy a premium feel to living areas, kitchens, and alfresco spaces. When open, aluminium bi-fold doors remove visual and physical barriers between spaces, and while closed, still allow generous light into your home.

When Bi-Fold Doors Work Best

Bi-fold doors are an excellent option when:

  • You want to create a wide, uninterrupted opening between indoor and outdoor areas
  • Entertaining and hosting are a priority in your home
  • There is enough clearance for panels to fold and stack neatly to one side
  • Bi-fold doors are commonly used to connect kitchens to alfresco areas, open up living spaces to backyards, or improve the functionality of servery windows.

Popular upgrades include:

Hinged Doors for Defined Spaces and Secure Entryways

Hinged doors are a timeless and practical choice, offering a dependable solution for main entrances and smaller doorways throughout the home. Their straightforward swing design makes them easy to live with every day, while sleek aluminium frames add a modern touch that works beautifully in both new homes and renovations.

Aluminium hinged doors are especially popular for front and rear entrances, where strength and security really matter. They can also be tailored with sidelights or highlights to bring in extra natural light, without needing to widen the doorway.

Paired with the right glazing and security screens, hinged doors deliver excellent insulation, durability, and the reassurance of a safe, comfortable home.

When Hinged Doors Work Best

Hinged doors are an excellent option when:

  • You need a secure, solid door for a main entry or side access
  • The opening size does not suit sliding or bi-fold systems
  • You want a defined doorway with flexible design options
  • Hinged doors are commonly used for front doors, laundry exits, garage access points, and smaller patio connections where space is limited.

Popular upgrades include:

Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right aluminium door comes down to how you want your home to look, feel, and function every day. Whether you prefer the clean lines of sliding doors, the open flexibility of bi-fold doors, or the practicality and security of a hinged door, the right system can transform your space with better light, improved airflow, and seamless movement between indoors and out.

By working with an experienced door manufacturer, you can be confident your doors are measured, manufactured, and installed to the right standard. Contact our team today for more information.