Aluminium Sliding Door Configurations and Sizes (UK 2026)
Single, double, centre and side sliding door layouts explained, with typical aluminium sliding door sizes, spans and starting prices, and how to choose.
Aluminium sliding doors come in four main layouts, and the right one depends on the width of your opening and which way you want the glass to move. This guide explains each configuration, typical sizes and spans, and what you can expect to pay, so you can pick the layout that suits your room before you configure an exact price online.
The four sliding door configurations
All of our aluminium sliding doors are made to measure, include VAT and come with free UK mainland delivery. Prices below are the online starting price for each layout.
| Configuration | How it works | Best for | From price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single slider | Two panels, one fixed and one sliding | Standard openings around 2.4m to 3m | £2,306 |
| Double slider | Two sliding panels that part in the middle or stack to one side | Wider openings where you want a large clear walk-through | £2,779 |
| Centre slider | Three panels with a central opening | Symmetrical openings and a balanced look from inside and out | £3,156 |
| Side slider | Three panels that slide and stack to one side | Maximising an uninterrupted view to one side | £3,379 |
Sliding door sizes and spans
Because every door is made to your exact opening, size is flexible rather than fixed. As a guide, a two-panel single slider suits openings from about 2.4m to 3m wide, while three-panel centre and side sliders comfortably span 3m to 6m and beyond. Standard door heights run to around 2.1m to 2.5m. Larger spans use fewer, bigger panes of glass, which is exactly what gives sliding doors their signature slim-framed, wall-of-glass look.
Sliding doors are the natural choice when you want the maximum glass and the slimmest sightlines. Unlike bifolds, the panels slide behind one another rather than folding, so the frame stays minimal and the view stays clear even when the doors are closed.
Which layout should you choose?
- Single slider: the most cost-effective way into aluminium sliding doors, ideal for a standard patio or garden-room opening.
- Double slider: choose this when you want a big central or side opening and a generous walk-through.
- Centre slider: best where the opening is symmetrical and you want the doors to meet neatly in the middle.
- Side slider: the pick for an uninterrupted panoramic view, stacking all the glass to one side.
What affects the price
- Size: wider and taller doors use more glass and aluminium, so price rises with the opening.
- Number of panels: three-panel centre and side sliders cost more than a two-panel single slider.
- Glass specification: upgrades such as solar-control or acoustic glass add comfort and cost.
- Colour and finish: standard RAL colours are included, dual-colour or bespoke finishes can add a little.
Get your exact sliding door price
You do not need to wait for a quote. Choose your configuration, size, glazing and colour and see the price instantly on our aluminium sliding doors page. Every door is made to measure in Britain, includes VAT and comes with free UK mainland delivery. If you are still weighing sliders against bifolds, our bifold vs sliding doors guide compares them side by side, and the sliding door cost guide breaks down prices in full.
Sliding door configuration FAQs
What is the difference between a single and double slider?
A single slider has one fixed panel and one sliding panel, so half the opening clears. A double slider has two sliding panels, giving a larger clear opening for the same overall width.
How wide can aluminium sliding doors go?
Made-to-measure three-panel sliders comfortably span 3m to 6m and larger. Because the panels slide rather than fold, you keep slim frames and a clear view even at big widths.
Are sliding doors better than bifolds for the view?
When closed, yes. Sliding doors have fewer, larger panes and slimmer sightlines, so the view stays clearer. Bifolds open the whole wall but have more frames across the opening.
Do the prices include VAT and delivery?
Yes. Every online price includes VAT and free UK mainland delivery. Installation by your builder or fitter is separate.
Author at Smartaview, writing about aluminium glazing, home improvements and the buying process.
