Frames vs. Frameless

Where to use metal, plastic, wooden or frameless doors ...

What's most important to you? Looks, longevity, low maintenance, practicality, price, the WOW factor to impress friends and neighbours?

Looks. Individual tastes vary - some people love the natural look and warmth of wood, some the cool unobtrusive white coated aluminium ... others the fresh and daring blues and greens available with powder-coated aluminium frames. Alternatively, frameless clear glass curtains can be loved by many for the absense of frame choice whereas others seem to fear the open-ness.

Longevity. Any of the framed or frameless styles can last a long time if it's a good quality installation of a good quality product and, of course, not abused.

Low maintenance. This is where wooden frames often lose out. The cheaper softwood options that look so appealing in the indoor showroom will need treating at least every 2 years, whether stained and varnished or painted. Even the more expensive hardwood doors will need care to keep looking good. Operating wooden doors can often be a problem as weather can have a significant effect causing swelling and splintering. Wood is beautiful but you have to love it and care for it till death do you part. Any doors, including plastic, metal and frameless, that have been manufactured with inferior parts will require more maintenance than a good quality product.

Practicality. Again, wood can be less than practical in winter if the cold air rushes in between the inevitable gaps that appear with warping and shrinking. Cheaper plastic frames that are not reinforced can be more 'flexible' than you might wish. Metal is undoubtedly the stongest frame. So, if strong frames are important, how can glass curtains work without any frames at all? In fact, there are top and bottom frames and the glass is ultra-strong. The frameless glass curtains that have been available in Europe for the past couple of years are single-glazed thick glass, suitable for enclosing Mediterranean balconies and terraces and excellent as internal room dividers. The manufacturers have been working on a double-glazed version that will meet British Standards.

Price. There are two costs to consider: the initial cost of purchase and installation plus the ongoing cost of maintenance.

The WOW factor! Glass Curtains, obviously, if they meet the practicality challenges: new and clutter-free. Second place, powder-coated aluminium with narrow frames for a good view - double the wow factor with integral blinds! Third place, wood - if you keep it looking good and don't wrestle with it in front of its admirers.

This is our Glass Curtains information blog - if you would like more information on framed bifolding doors and to read about our customers' experiences, please visit our bifolding doors blog.

;-)