When you’re purchasing new sliding wardrobe doors, you’ll be presented with the choice between several different frames. For someone with no prior knowledge, this can be a difficult decision to make.
Although the aesthetic (the way they look) is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only aspect you consider. Throughout this guide, we’ll explain the different types of wardrobe frames and compare the two most common materials used– this is steel and aluminium.
Different Styles of Sliding Wardrobe Door Frames
Shaker Wardrobe Frames
The classic shaker design doesn’t only look great but is rooted in history dating back to the 18th century. Back then, this style was imagined by the shaker sect of the Christian church.
They created the minimalistic style that millions of us still use to this day. The shaker style was adopted due to its adherence to its three core values – simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. This is why it’s remained a staple within our homes across the country.
All of our shaker frames are made from steel with a width of 75mm, creating a bulky, exaggerated look to your wardrobe. If you would prefer the thicker frame of our shaker range, you can choose from the following colours:
- White
- Oak
- Walnut
- Stone Grey
- Light Grey
The shaker wardrobe frames are an excellent choice as they’re suited to both modern and traditional room aesthetics.
Traditional Wardrobe Frames
Our traditional wardrobe frames are thinner and much more subtle compared to our shaker frames so these are perfect if you’re looking for a softer touch.
Similar to the shaker frames, our traditional wardrobe frame is constructed using steel. One benefit to choosing traditional over shaker is that there are more colour options available. These are:
- White
- Silver
- Black
- Oak
- Walnut
- Graphite
- Cashmere
An interesting feature of our traditional frames is that they are different in width size, depending on the colour you choose.
Our white traditional frames have a width of 25mm, while all other options are 35mm wide. You may also prefer the white frame due to its difference in shape compared to all other colours, as you can see from the above image.
Ali & Minimalist Wardrobe Frames
Our range of ali and minimalist wardrobe frames are a popular choice for our customers. These gorgeous designs are constructed using aluminium, which bring a range of benefits over steel (we’ll discuss this more later).
The ali frames have a width of 25mm, while the minimalist frames are our thinnest option at only 12mm. If you’re looking for a lighter look, we highly recommend our minimalist frames.
If you would rather either of our aluminium frames, you can choose from three colours:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Minimalist
Steel vs Aluminium Wardrobe Frames
Steel and aluminium are two of the most common materials used for wardrobe frames. Both materials have their own unique benefits that make them more attractive to different people.
When it comes to choosing between steel and aluminium wardrobe frames, it is important to consider factors such as durability, cost, and aesthetic appeal.
Strength & Durability
Steel is known for being stronger than aluminium. It has a higher tensile strength meaning it can withstand more stress and force without bending or breaking. Steel frames are also less likely to warp or twist over time
Aluminium, on the other hand, is a lightweight material that is less dense than steel. While it may not be as strong as steel, it is a more durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. One of the benefits of aluminium is that it is resistant to rust and corrosion, which can be a problem with steel frames over time.
We recommend choosing an aluminium frame if the wardrobe doors will be used more, for example, in the main bedroom or a child’s bedroom. Alternatively, if you’re upgrading a spare bedroom which will go through much less wear and tear, steel is our recommended choice.
Longevity
When considering the longevity of your wardrobe doors, both materials are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
However, steel frames may be more prone to rust and corrosion over time, which can shorten their lifespan. Aluminium frames, on the other hand, are highly resistant to rust and corrosion and can last for many years without any issues.
Cost
If you’ve ever considered sliding wardrobe doors, you’ll have found that steel is more attractive to those on a budget than aluminium. For many people, this is often the deciding factor.
The higher costs are due to aluminium’s longevity and durability compared to steel.
Visual Appeal
Both materials offer a different visual appeal. This aspect is ultimately down to the individual’s personal preference.
Steel frames can be coated with a layer of paint or powder coating, which offers much more personalisation to your sliding wardrobe doors. Additionally, as you saw above, steel frames can be made to mimic wood, which is a popular choice for more traditional home interiors.
On the other hand, aluminium frames can bring a more modern look to your home. They are often used to complement minimalist surroundings.
Conclusion
Overall, the design, aesthetics, and costs of wardrobe frames are an important consideration for any homeowner. You want your new sliding wardrobe doors to match your interior, so taking time to consider your frame choice is an important aspect of the process.
When choosing between steel or aluminium, while they both bring their own benefits, it’s ultimately down to the person’s personal preferences.
If you’re looking to upgrade your home with new sliding wardrobe doors, visit our website by clicking here. We offer a range of great looking, functional, and affordable pre-designed doors. Alternativley, you can create your own wardrobe doors using our online builder.
