Aluminium sliding doors for balconies are the natural choice for flats, townhouses and upstairs bedrooms: they open without swinging into a small room or out onto a narrow balcony, and they let in as much light as possible. But a balcony door faces more wind and rain than a ground-floor patio door, so the range, threshold and size matter. This guide explains how to choose aluminium sliding doors for balconies, with sizes, prices and the rules for glazing at height.
In this guide
Why sliding suits a balcony
- No swing space. The panel slides, so furniture can sit close to the door inside and out.
- Light and view. Large glass panels bring daylight into an upstairs room.
- Ventilation. Open the door a little or all the way.
- Low maintenance. Powder-coated aluminium does not rot or need painting, even when exposed.
Wind and weather at height
Upper floors catch more wind and driven rain than the ground floor. For aluminium sliding doors for balconies on an exposed elevation:
- Choose a weather-sealing threshold. StormSeal comes with a choice of low or high threshold; the high threshold suits a door that faces the weather with little overhang.
- Choose the size carefully. Larger panels carry more wind load; see wind loads on aluminium windows.
- Keep drainage clear so water escapes from the track instead of entering the room.
The manufacturer also notes that external glazing more than 10 m above ground level must be signed off by a competent person (glazing), which applies to many apartment balconies.
Choosing a range
| Range | Heights | Notes for balconies |
|---|---|---|
| Patio | 2 100, 2 400 mm | Entry level; best on sheltered balconies |
| StormSeal | 2 100, 2 400 mm | Low or high threshold; good for exposed balconies |
| Elite | 2 100 to 2 700 mm | Heavy-duty frame for larger, taller doors |
| Premier | 2 100 to 2 700 mm | Slimline frame for a cleaner look |
Prices for a 2 panel door at 2 400 × 2 100 mm in White, excluding VAT, at the time of writing (October 2026): Patio R5 369, StormSeal R12 723, Elite R14 188, Premier R16 972. See aluminium sliding door sizes.
Sizes for balcony doors
Most openings for aluminium sliding doors for balconies take a 2 panel door from 1 500 to 2 400 mm wide, or a 3 or 4 panel door for a wide living-room balcony. Remember the frame is 10 mm smaller than the catalogue size each way. A wider opening can also take fixed sidelights beside the door; see aluminium doors with sidelights.
Glass and safety
Balcony doors are large panes at floor level, so safety glass is required. Most sliding ranges use 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass; many Patio sizes and a few tall Elite sizes use toughened safety glass, as each product page shows. See aluminium sliding door glass and SANS 10400-N, published by the South African Bureau of Standards. The balcony balustrade is a separate item from the door.
Getting the door upstairs
For aluminium sliding doors for balconies, the frames are assembled on site by the installer, and frames wider than 6 000 mm are joined on site, so the parts can go up a stairwell. Glass panels are heavy and must be carried upright by at least two people. Check access, lifts and stair widths before delivery. In a sectional title scheme, check the body corporate’s rules on frame colour first.
Planning aluminium sliding doors for balconies
- Check exposure: sheltered balconies can take any range; exposed ones need a weather-sealing threshold.
- Measure the opening in three places each way.
- Choose the range and size within the standard grid.
- Confirm sign-off if the glazing is more than 10 m above ground.
- Plan access for delivery and installation.
Ordering
Coetz™ supplies aluminium sliding doors for balconies; your builder or installer fits them. We deliver across South Africa, or you can collect free from Laser Park. For locks and handles, see aluminium sliding door lock; for the full range, see aluminium sliding doors.
Aluminium sliding doors for balconies: frequently asked questions
Which sliding door is best for an exposed balcony?
A StormSeal sliding door with a high threshold, which suits a door facing the weather.
What size is a balcony sliding door?
Usually a 2 panel door from 1 500 to 2 400 mm wide, at 2 100 mm high.
Does glazing high up need approval?
External glazing more than 10 m above ground must be signed off by a competent person (glazing).
Can the door be carried up stairs?
Yes. Frames are assembled on site, and glass panels are carried upright by two people.
Do you supply the balcony balustrade?
No. The balustrade is a separate item from the door.
Coetz™, Unit 2, 84 Ridge Road, Laser Park, Johannesburg. Call 010 412 0062, WhatsApp 076 613 4418 or use our contact page.
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