Aluminium vs Wood Sliding Door Frames: Pros & Cons

Choosing between aluminium and wood frames for your sliding wardrobe doors impacts aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and cost. Both materials offer distinct advantages that suit different Gauteng homes, design styles, and budgets.

With 25+ years installing both aluminium and wood-framed sliding doors across Johannesburg, Pretoria, and East Rand, Mirror Robe provides honest, experienced guidance on which frame material best serves your needs.

Aluminium Frames

What Are Aluminium Frames?

Material:

• Lightweight metal alloy
• Corrosion-resistant
• Extruded into profiles
• Powder-coated or anodized finish

Construction:

• Hollow profile design
• Corner joining systems
• Integrated tracks possible
• Standardized profiles

Aluminium Frame Advantages

1. Durability & Longevity

Lifespan: 20-30+ years with minimal maintenance

Characteristics:

• Won't rot, warp, or crack
• Impervious to moisture
• Termite-proof
• Dimensionally stable

Gauteng Climate Benefits:

• Handles temperature fluctuations well
• Unaffected by dry conditions
• No shrinking/expanding with humidity changes
• Ideal for highveld climate

2. Low Maintenance

Minimal Care Required:

• Wipe with damp cloth
• No painting needed
• No sealing required
• Virtually care-free

Maintenance Schedule:

• Monthly: Quick wipe (2 min)
• Annually: Deep clean (15 min)
• Lifetime: No refinishing needed

Time Savings: 95% less maintenance than wood

3. Modern Aesthetic

Visual Characteristics:

• Clean, contemporary lines
• Sleek, minimalist profiles
• Slim sightlines
• Professional appearance

Design Versatility:

• Suits modern interiors
• Works with minimalism
• Contemporary luxury
• Urban style

4. Color & Finish Options

Powder-Coated Finishes:

• White (most popular)
• Black (on-trend)
• Silver/natural aluminium
• Bronze
• Champagne gold
• Custom colors (special order)

Finish Durability:

• Won't chip or peel (quality coating)
• UV-resistant
• Color-fast
• Long-lasting appearance

5. Cost-Effective Value

Initial Investment:

• Lower than quality wood
• Competitive pricing
• Widely available

Long-Term Value:

• Minimal maintenance costs
• No refinishing expenses
• Extended lifespan
• Excellent ROI

6. Lightweight Construction

Benefits:

• Easier installation
• Less wall stress
• Smooth operation
• Efficient hardware

Practical Impact:

• Lower installation costs
• Suitable for more wall types
• Better for DIY projects

7. Eco-Friendly Options

Sustainability:

• 100% recyclable
• Low environmental impact
• No deforestation
• Sustainable choice

Aluminium Frame Disadvantages

1. Limited Warmth

Aesthetic Concerns:

• Cold, industrial appearance (to some)
• Less homey feeling
• Not suitable for traditional decor
• Can feel impersonal

Design Limitations:

• Doesn't suit classic interiors
• May clash with traditional furniture
• Limited texture variety

2. Thermal Conductivity

Temperature Transfer:

• Metal conducts heat/cold
• Frames feel cold in winter
• Warm in direct summer sun
• Less comfortable to touch

Practical Impact:

• Minor discomfort
• Not typically significant issue for wardrobe doors
• More relevant for exterior doors

3. Dent Susceptibility

Durability Concern:

• Can dent from impacts
• Not repairable (usually)
• Replacement section needed
• Permanent damage

Risk Factors:

• Moving furniture
• Rough handling
• Child impacts
• Accidental knocks

4. Limited Profile Designs

Design Constraints:

• Standardized profiles
• Limited ornamental options
• No hand-crafted detail
• Industrial aesthetic only

Aluminium Frame Costs

Entry-Level Aluminium:

• R2,200 - R3,800 per door
• Silver or white powder-coat
• Standard profiles
• Basic quality

Mid-Range Aluminium:

• R3,800 - R5,500 per door
• Custom colors available
• Better quality powder-coating
• Slim profile options

Premium Aluminium:

• R5,500 - R9,000 per door
• Designer finishes (gold, bronze, black)
• Ultra-slim profiles
• Superior quality

Wood Frames

What Are Wood Frames?

Materials:

• Solid timber or engineered wood
• Various species available
• Natural or veneer finish
• Crafted construction

Construction:

• Joinery techniques
• Mortise and tenon
• Reinforced corners
• Traditional craftsmanship

Wood Frame Advantages

1. Natural Beauty

Aesthetic Appeal:

• Warm, organic appearance
• Grain patterns add character
• Timeless elegance
• Luxury feel

Visual Impact:

• Creates homey atmosphere
• Sophisticated appearance
• Classic elegance
• High-end aesthetic

2. Design Versatility

Style Compatibility:

• Traditional interiors
• Classic elegance
• Country/farmhouse style
• Heritage homes
• Contemporary wood aesthetics

Customization:

• Various wood species
• Stain options unlimited
• Paint any color
• Custom profiles possible

3. Repairability

Damage Management:

• Scratches can be sanded
• Dents can be filled
• Refinishing possible
• Restoration options

Long-Term Flexibility:

• Change color by painting/staining
• Refresh appearance
• Adapt to new decor
• Renewable finish

4. Insulation Properties

Thermal Benefits:

• Natural insulator
• Doesn't transfer temperature
• Comfortable to touch year-round
• Energy efficiency

5. Prestige & Value

Perceived Quality:

• Premium material perception
• Traditional craftsmanship
• Luxury status
• High-end appeal

Property Value:

• May enhance home value
• Appeals to certain buyers
• Classic investment
• Timeless choice

6. Tactile Experience

Physical Characteristics:

• Warm to touch
• Pleasant texture
• Natural feel
• Sensory appeal

Wood Frame Disadvantages

1. Higher Maintenance

Regular Care Required:

• Periodic cleaning
• Annual inspection
• Refinishing every 5-10 years
• Seal/protect finishes

Maintenance Schedule:

• Monthly: Dust and clean (10 min)
• Annually: Deep clean, touch-ups (2-3 hours)
• 5-10 years: Full refinishing (R3,000 - R8,000)

Time Investment: Significant compared to aluminium

2. Moisture Sensitivity

Gauteng Considerations:

• Dry climate generally favorable
• BUT: Bathroom applications risky
• Can warp with moisture
• Requires proper sealing

Problem Areas:

• Ensuites (high humidity)
• Rooms with poor ventilation
• Leak-prone areas
• Ground-level bedrooms (moisture from ground)

3. Dimensional Changes

Seasonal Movement:

• Expands with humidity
• Contracts when dry
• Can affect operation
• May require adjustment

Gauteng Impact:

• Moderate concern
• Dry climate limits expansion
• Quality wood less affected
• Proper installation critical

4. Termite Risk

South African Reality:

• Termites present in Gauteng
• Treated wood essential
• Regular inspection needed
• Potential costly damage

Mitigation:

• Professional pest control
• Treated timber
• Regular inspections
• Barrier treatments

5. Higher Initial Cost

Investment Required:

• More expensive than aluminium
• Quality wood significantly more
• Custom work adds cost
• Skilled labor pricier

Long-Term Costs:

• Refinishing expenses
• Repair/restoration
• Treatment costs
• Maintenance materials

6. Weight

Practical Considerations:

• Heavier than aluminium
• Requires robust wall mounting
• Heavy-duty hardware needed
• Installation more complex

Implications:

• Higher installation costs
• Not suitable for weak walls
• Professional installation essential

Wood Frame Costs

Entry-Level Wood (Pine):

• R3,500 - R5,500 per door
• Basic pine construction
• Simple profiles
• Standard finish

Mid-Range Wood (Oak/Ash):

• R6,000 - R10,000 per door
• Quality hardwoods
• Better grain patterns
• Professional finish

Premium Wood (Exotic/Custom):

• R10,000 - R18,000+ per door
• Exotic species
• Custom profiles
• Superior craftsmanship
• Hand-finished details

Veneer Options (Cost-Effective):

• R4,000 - R7,000 per door
• Real wood veneer over engineered core
• Good appearance
• Better stability than solid wood
• More affordable

Side-by-Side Comparison

Durability

Aluminium: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

• 20-30+ year lifespan
• No rot, warping, or termites
• Exceptional durability

Wood: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

• 15-25 year lifespan
• Requires maintenance
• Susceptible to moisture/termites

Winner: Aluminium

Maintenance

Aluminium: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

• Virtually maintenance-free
• Occasional cleaning only
• No refinishing

Wood: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

• Regular maintenance essential
• Periodic refinishing
• Ongoing care required

Winner: Aluminium

Aesthetics

Aluminium: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

• Modern, contemporary
• Sleek and minimal
• Limited to modern styles

Wood: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

• Natural beauty
• Works with any style
• Timeless appeal
• Warm, inviting

Winner: Wood (broader style compatibility)

Cost (Initial)

Aluminium: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

• R2,200 - R9,000 per door
• Affordable to mid-range

Wood: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

• R3,500 - R18,000+ per door
• Generally more expensive

Winner: Aluminium

Cost (Long-Term)

Aluminium: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

• No ongoing costs
• No refinishing needed
• Excellent value

Wood: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

• Refinishing every 5-10 years
• Maintenance materials
• Treatment costs

Winner: Aluminium

Customization

Aluminium: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

• Color options good
• Profile options limited
• Standardized designs

Wood: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

• Unlimited stain/paint options
• Custom profiles possible
• Highly adaptable

Winner: Wood

Climate Suitability (Gauteng)

Aluminium: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

• Perfect for dry climate
• No issues with temperature
• Ideal for Gauteng

Wood: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

• Good in dry climate
• Risk in bathrooms
• Requires proper treatment

Winner: Aluminium

Eco-Friendliness

Aluminium: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

• 100% recyclable
• Manufacturing energy-intensive
• Long lifespan reduces waste

Wood: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

• Renewable resource (if sustainably sourced)
• Carbon storage
• Requires treatment chemicals
• Natural material

Winner: Tie (different benefits)

Combination Approach

Mixed Material Doors

Concept:

• Wood frame with aluminium internal structure
• Aluminium frame with wood veneer overlay
• Best of both worlds
• Compromise solution

Benefits:

• Wood aesthetic
• Aluminium durability
• Balanced cost
• Reduced maintenance

Cost: R5,500 - R11,000 per door

Room-by-Room Strategy

Smart Selection:

• Aluminium: Bathrooms, ensuites, high-moisture areas
• Wood: Bedrooms, living areas, traditional spaces
• Mix throughout home for best results

Decision Framework

Choose Aluminium If:

✅ You prefer modern/contemporary style ✅ Low maintenance is priority ✅ Budget is moderate ✅ Bathrooms or moist areas ✅ Long-term durability critical ✅ Termite concerns exist ✅ You want color consistency

Choose Wood If:

✅ Traditional/classic interior style ✅ Natural warmth important ✅ Budget allows premium investment ✅ Dry areas only (bedrooms, living rooms) ✅ You enjoy maintenance/care ✅ Customization desired ✅ Prestigious appearance valued ✅ Can handle ongoing costs

Still Unsure?

Consider:

• Primary room style
• Your maintenance tolerance
• Budget (initial + long-term)
• Climate exposure
• Personal aesthetic preference

Get Expert Frame Advice

Choosing the right frame material ensures satisfaction for decades. Call Mirror Robe at 063 868 0510 for personalized guidance.

Our frame specialists will:

• Assess your space and style
• Discuss your priorities
• Show material samples
• Recommend optimal choice
• Provide transparent pricing
• Ensure perfect selection

Serving Johannesburg, Pretoria, and East Rand with expert sliding door frame solutions since 1997.

The right frame transforms your space—let us guide your decision with 25+ years of experience.