Aluminium Hinged Doors: A Practical Guide to Types and Features

Timber may be the traditional choice for an exterior entrance, but it is not the only option. Aluminium hinged doors provide the familiar swing-open operation of a conventional door while offering a wide choice of glazing, finishes, frame profiles and configurations.

What Are Aluminium Hinged Doors?

There are quite a few different types of aluminium doors. Unlike sliding door, which move along a track, or stacking and folding systems that use multiple moving panels, a hinged door follows the familiar swing-open format that we are all used to seeing around our homes. Hinged doors are particularly versatile for front, back and side entrances, where a straightforward single- or double-door opening tends to make the most sense. They come in several configurations, which we will unpack shortly.

Why Choose Aluminium Hinged Doors?

There are a number of practical advantages to an aluminium hinged-door format. Unlike their timber counterparts, aluminium doors are immune to moisture-related swelling and warping, and typically require less routine maintenance than timber doors. This means that aluminium hinged doors hold up well across the varied weather and climate conditions found across Southern Africa. Our aluminium hinged doors feature a range of designs and finishes, which gives you a lot of flexibility when matching a door to the rest of the property.

Although there are advantages to using aluminium instead of other materials like steel or timber, that is not to say that aluminium is automatically the best material for every single project. Architectural style, exposure, budget, and the type of opening all play a part, and should be factored in when considering what material to use when choosing an exterior door.

We take a closer look at those considerations in detail in our guide about whether aluminium doors are still worth the investment.

What Types of Aluminium Hinged Doors Are Available?

Aluminium hinged doors come in quite a few distinct configurations, each suited to different kinds of openings and day-to-day use. These are the types of aluminium hinged doors you can find at Doors Direct.

Aluminium Single Hinged Doors

These are one of the most common types of hinged doors. Single hinged doors use one door leaf. They work well for front, back and side doorways where a single opening provides enough access and where there is sufficient space for the door to swing comfortably. Single hinged doors are available in several designs and are highly adaptable to entrances with different requirements for natural light, visibility and privacy.

Aluminium Double Hinged Doors

Double hinged doors use two door leaves to create a wider opening. They best suit larger entrances where a single door would feel undersized or where broader access is needed. The wider opening makes it much easier to move bulky furniture and other large items through the doorway.

Aluminium Stable Doors

Stable doors are traditionally associated with timber, but the same split-door format is also available in aluminium. These types divide the door horizontally into upper and lower sections that can be operated separately, which gives them a different kind of flexibility from a conventional single hinged door. Opening the upper section allows more air and light through while the lower section remains closed, which is useful in scenarios where some separation still needs to be maintained, such as when needing to keep children or pets indoors.

Full Glass, Half Glass or Panelled: Understanding the Different Designs

Once you’ve settled on the type of door your space calls for, the next difference to look at is how much of the door is glazed. Full-glass doors allow the most natural light through and maintain clear sightlines between the spaces on either side. This type works best where brightness and openness are priorities, particularly at entrances overlooking a scenic garden, patio, or other outdoor area. Half-glass and other partially glazed designs provide a happy middle ground. The glazed section still allows some natural light into the space, while the solid portion of the door limits visibility and creates more visual separation. Panelled or boarded doors provide the greatest degree of visual privacy because more of the door leaf is solid. They can make sense where direct views through the doorway are less desirable, or where the entrance simply calls for a more enclosed design. The right balance depends on what sits on either side of the door. A full-glass design may make perfect sense between a living area and a private garden, for example, while the same level of visibility could feel far less practical for the more private areas of a home.

Where to Shop for Different Types of Aluminium Hinged Doors

Want to see how those options compare in practice? Browse our range of aluminium hinged doors to explore the different configurations, glazing options and finishes available here at Doors Direct.

How Do Aluminium Hinged Doors Open?

An inward-opening door needs clear space inside the room or entrance area. Furniture, cabinetry and nearby walls all influence whether that arrangement will work or not. An outward-opening door, on the other hand, uses space on the exterior side of the opening, so the area immediately outside needs enough clearance for the door to move freely. Our aluminium hinged-door range includes both inward- and outward-opening configurations, which gives you some flexibility when working around different layouts.

Left-Hand or Right-Hand Opening?

When choosing between opening directions and handle positions, picture the door in the actual space. Which direction will the leaf swing? What sits beside it? Which side gives you the most natural route through the doorway?

What Does ‘Pre-Hung’ Mean?

If you’ve spent any time browsing aluminium doors, you’ve probably come across the term pre-hung. It means that the door is supplied already fitted into its frame, rather than as a separate door leaf that still needs to be matched with a frame. Our aluminium doors are supplied pre-hung, with the glass, locks and handles already fitted. This simplifies some of the preparation involved, but pre-hung does not mean DIY-ready. Keep in mind that the frame still needs to be fitted into a correctly prepared opening and installed square and plumb. The weight and size of the unit, as well as the alignment, sealing and the conditions at the opening also need to be taken into account. Final adjustment of the door, lock, hinges and seals may still be required during installation. We supply the doors themselves, but we do not offer installation or site-measurement services. You’ll therefore need to arrange your own carpenter, builder or installer. Given the requirements involved in fitting an aluminium door correctly, and how easily things can go wrong, this is a job best planned with an experienced installer rather than assumed to be a straightforward DIY project.

Other Features and Details Worth Understanding

Door type, glazing and opening direction often get most of the attention, but some of the less obvious details can make a meaningful difference to how an aluminium hinged door performs and fits into the wider property.

Glass, Seals and Weather Protection

Many of the glazed doors in our range are fitted with safety glass. Some inward-opening doors are also supplied with a weather bar designed to reduce water entering at the base. These features can vary from one door to another, so make sure to check the specifications of the particular model that you are considering.

Hardware and Security

Our aluminium doors are supplied pre-hung, with the glass, locks and handles already fitted. For an exterior entrance, think beyond the door leaf itself. The frame, hinges, lock and any additional security barrier all form part of the entrance as a whole. Food for thought: If you’re planning security around your doors and other access points, our guide to security gates as part of a broader home security plan explores that wider setup in more detail.

Finishes and the Rest of the Property

Aluminium hinged doors are available in a range of finishes, including options such as bronze, charcoal, silver and white across many models. Nearby aluminium windows are an obvious reference point, but gutters, garage doors and other exterior finishes can also influence whether you want the entrance to blend into an existing palette or create a deliberate contrast. Our article on the advantages of aluminium doors in modern architecture looks more closely at how aluminium fits into the wider architectural design of a property.

FAQs About Aluminium Hinged Doors

Are aluminium hinged doors suitable for coastal homes?

Aluminium does not swell or warp because of moisture and is generally well suited to humid and coastal conditions. However, salt deposits can affect aluminium finishes and metal hardware over time, so regular cleaning is important in coastal locations. Check the specifications of the particular door and hardware being considered.

Are aluminium hinged doors only suitable as exterior doors?

No. Aluminium hinged doors can also be used for internal openings, depending on the door system and the requirements of the space. However, the aluminium hinged doors in our current online range are listed for exterior applications. If you’re looking for an aluminium door for an internal opening, please get in touch with us before ordering so we can help you find a suitable option.

How do you maintain an aluminium hinged door?

Routine care is fairly straightforward. Clean the aluminium frame and glass with mild soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding harsh abrasives that could damage the finish. Hinges and other moving components may also need occasional lubrication, while seals and hardware should be checked for wear over time.

Do you deliver aluminium hinged doors across South Africa?

We offer nationwide delivery, so aluminium hinged doors can be ordered for projects around South Africa. Delivery requirements and lead times can vary by product, particularly for made-to-order or custom items, so check the relevant product page or contact us if you need details for a specific order.

Do you deliver aluminium hinged doors outside South Africa?

Yes. Doors Direct can provide delivery quotes for selected Southern African countries, including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. Cross-border shipping depends on destination, item size and transport method. The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact us and share your delivery address and a list of the products you want to purchase.

Do aluminium hinged doors come with the frame, glass, locks and handles?

Yes. All of our aluminium doors are supplied pre-hung in their frames, with the glass, locks and handles already fitted. The complete unit must still be installed correctly into a prepared opening by an experienced installer.

Need Help Choosing the Right Aluminium Hinged Door?

Already have a clear idea of what you need? Browse our aluminium hinged doors to explore the different configurations, finishes and designs in our range. Need a little help figuring things out? Feel free to reach out to us and provide us with the dimensions and details of the opening, together with any specific design, glazing, finish or opening-direction requirements.