What are the standard sizes of aluminium sliding doors?

Width: Ranges from 1.8m to 6.0m (6 to 20 feet), but the most common sizes are between 2.4m and 3.6m (8 to 12 feet).

Height: Typically 2.1m (7 feet) or 2.4m (8 feet).

Common Configurations: Most standard doors are 2-panel (one fixed, one sliding) or 3-panel (two fixed, one sliding).

Detailed Breakdown of Standard Sizes

1. Residential Standard Sizes (Most Common)
These are the sizes you'll find "off-the-shelf" or with short lead times from window and door companies.

Width (Single Unit):

2-Panel Door (1 sliding, 1 fixed): 1.8m, 2.4m, 3.0m (6', 8', 10')

3-Panel Door (1 sliding, 2 fixed): 3.6m, 4.2m, 4.8m (12', 14', 16')

4-Panel Door (2 sliding, 2 fixed): 4.8m, 5.4m, 6.0m (16', 18', 20')

Height:

Standard Door Height: 2.1m (7 feet)

Common Alternative: 2.4m (8 feet) – often used for higher ceilings or a more dramatic view.

Standard Rough Opening (for installers):

The framed opening in the wall is typically ~50mm (2 inches) wider and ~25mm (1 inch) taller than the door unit itself to allow for leveling, shimming, and insulation.

2. Custom-sized Doors

One of the greatest advantages of aluminum is its strength, allowing for much larger, custom-sized openings than materials like vinyl or wood.

Maximum Sizes (Vary by Manufacturer & Profile System):

A single sliding panel can often be made up to ~1.2m wide x 2.4m high (4' x 8').

Entire door assemblies can be engineered to span over 6 meters (20+ feet) in width and over 3 meters (10 feet) in height for spectacular, floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

3. Commercial Standard Sizes
Commercial projects (offices, apartment buildings) often use different standard sizes based on larger structural openings and performance requirements.

Width: Can be modular, starting at 1.2m or 1.5m increments.

Height: Often taller, ranging from 2.4m to 3.0m (8' to 10').

Key Factors That Influence Size
It's crucial to understand that the final size is not arbitrary. It depends on:

Manufacturer's Profile System: Each brand (e.g., Reynaers, Schüco, Aluk, Xingfa) has its own aluminum profile systems with defined maximum dimensions for structural integrity and performance.

Glass Weight and Thickness: Larger panels require thicker, often double or triple-pane, insulated glass units (IGUs). The sliding hardware must be rated to support this significant weight.

Structural Integrity: Wider openings may require a reinforced header above the door. Very large installations might need heavier-duty aluminum profiles with reinforced corners.

Building Codes and Regulations: Egress (emergency exit) requirements often dictate a minimum opening size (e.g., in the US, IRC code requires a minimum 0.62 sqm opening that is at least 610mm wide and 810mm high).

How to Determine the Right Size for You:
Measure the Existing Opening: If replacing a door, measure the width and height of the rough opening.

Consider the Space: Think about the desired view, furniture placement, and traffic flow. A wider door creates a more seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Consult a Professional: This is the most important step. A reputable door supplier or installer will:

Take precise measurements.

Discuss your needs and aesthetic goals.

Recommend a manufacturer and profile system that fits your project's size, performance, and budget requirements.

In summary, while common residential sizes exist, the flexibility of aluminum means you are rarely limited to them. Always consult with your supplier or installer to determine the best size and configuration for your specific project.