The Ultimate Sliding Doors and Windows Buying Guide

Whether you’re building or renovating, one of the most important decisions to make is that of your doors and windows. Doors and windows play a vital role in any home; they connect the indoors to the outdoors, provide essential light, and they also play a role in structural stability for your home.

Buying doors and windows for a whole house is a major expense and can take up a big part of your budget. Thus, making the right decision is important; after all, you’re stuck with them for at least 15-20 years!

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we supply first-class doors and windows in a range of styles, colours, and configurations, and we’re one of the few suppliers in Perth with a wide range of aluminium doors and windows in stock (in Silver Lustre only) that you can pick up off the shelf. Therefore, we know what you need to be conscious of in buying to arm you with consumer confidence.

Buying Considerations

There are various considerations to make before shopping for sliding doors and windows in Perth. Most importantly, the different types, materials, and energy efficiency are offered. So, let’s look closer at these factors.

Types of Sliding Doors

When considering sliding doors for your home renovation, the primary options include standard sliding doors, stacking doors, and bi-fold doors. Standard sliding doors are a timeless choice, providing space-saving functionality and a sleek, minimalistic look. Stacking doors, with their multi-panel design, create a wider opening, perfect for blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Bi-fold doors, though less common, fold away neatly, offering a stylish and flexible alternative. Each type slides smoothly along a track, making them a practical and versatile addition to any home.

Standard Sliding Doors

Sliding doors come in various configurations, including single slider, single slider, single slider with two fixed lites, single slider with two fixed lites, single slider with two fixed lites, and double slider with two fixed lites. These are then available in various sizes. There are many advantages of aluminium sliding doors, such as easy operation, space-saving design, and ample natural light. As such, sliding doors are the most common type of door installed in living areas and bedrooms.

Sliding Doors at Ross’s Discount Home Centre

Ross’s Discount Home Centre stocks a range of sliding aluminium doors from Jason Windows, which you can walk in and walk out with. Just be sure to call ahead to ensure we have the size you need in stock—stock moves quickly due to demand.

Of course, you can order other sliding doors in different colours from our online store or by placing a special order. Colour options for special orders, which can be purchased via our website, include Silver Lustre, White Lustre, Charcoal Lustre, and Pearl White. Each sliding door can be configured to open right to left or left to right (from the outside).

Shop for Single Sliding Doors Shop for Double Sliding Doors

Stacking Doors

Stacking doors are similar to sliding doors but comprise three or more panels, which stack on the fixed panel for maximum opening. They are generally available in a 3, 4, or 6-panel stacking door with one fixed panel configuration and in many sizes. Stacking doors are a popular choice for living rooms as they offer wide openings to the outdoors. They are a more affordable alternative to bi-fold doors and also offer better soundproofing.

Are you in need of a replacement door that isn’t a standard size? Ross’s Discount Home Centre has got you covered with our custom options. Contact us for a quote!

Shop for 3-Panel Stacking Doors Shop for 6-Panel Stacking Doors

Can’t decide between stacked and sliding doors? Read our comparison of Stacked Sliding Doors vs. Standard Sliding Doors to see which is ultimately the better choice.

Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors are a contemporary option whereby the panels fold up against one another like a concertina. They come in a range of configurations and sizes and can consist of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and even 8 panels. Bi-fold doors provide seamless integration of indoor and outdoor areas, such as that of a living room and patio area.

See how bi-fold doors stack up (no pun intended) against sliding doors here, and if you’re in the market for bi-fold doors, be sure to read our handy buying guide.

French Doors

French doors are not at all sliding doors but have grown to be a popular alternative. French doors feature double-hinged doors that go outwards. They come in an array of configurations, such as single or double doors, with optional side lites and midrails. French doors are a fantastic choice for bedrooms, living areas, and entrance doors.

Ross’s Discount Home Centre supplies affordable double French doors via special order, which can also be purchased from our website.

Struggling to find the right size French door for your space? Ross’s Discount Home Centre can help! We offer custom windows tailored to your needs. Drop us an email for a quote.

Shop for Double French Doors

When it comes to buying sliding doors and windows, there’s much to consider, from materials to design and functionality. For more insights on sliding doors, look at these resources:

• Sliding Doors: The Ultimate Bridge to the Outdoors
• 7 Reasons Perth Homeowners Love Sliding Glass Doors
• Aluminium Sliding Glass Doors: The Pros & Cons You Need to Know!
• 8 Key Features of Aluminium Sliding Doors
• 4 Sliding Door Solutions for the Ultimate Home Renovation

Types of Sliding Windows

In terms of Windows, there are just as many options, namely standard sliding aluminium windows and double-hung windows. There are also bi-fold windows, awning windows, fixed windows, and louvre windows available in our window range on special order.

Windows are a much-needed fixture for any home and can make a massive impact on a home’s light factor, security, acoustic sound factor, privacy, and design.

Sliding Windows

Standard sliding windows are traditional windows that are a staple for all homes. They feature one or more fixed and sliding sashes that slide horizontally to provide airflow. They are available in a range of configurations, namely single sliders, double sliders, centre sliders, offset sliders, and sliders with silicon joint fixed sashes. They, too, come in a range of colours and often have additional options for security, glazing, couplers, colonial bars, screens, etc.

If you’re unsure if a sliding window is right for a certain room in your home, be sure to read our comparison articles below:

• Sliding Windows vs. Fixed Windows

Sliding Windows at Ross’s Discount Home Centre

Ross’s Discount Home Centre stocks a range of sliding aluminium windows from Jason Windows, which you can walk in and walk out with (Silver Lustre colour only). Just call ahead to ensure we have the size you need in stock; stock moves quickly due to demand.

Colour options for special orders, which can be purchased via our website, include Silver Lustre, White Lustre, Charcoal Lustre, and Pearl White. Each sliding door can be configured to open right to left or left to right (from the outside). Silver Lustre is usually in stock and can be dispatched fast. Other colours may need to be manufactured, and a supply period of 10-15 days should be allowed.

At Ross’s, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we offer custom sliding windows to ensure a perfect fit for your home. Email us for a quote!

Shop for Sliding Windows

Double Sliding Windows

Double sliding windows are similar to single/standard sliding windows; the only difference is they feature two sliding panels rather than one. The configuration features three panels: a fixed centre panel and two siding panels on either end that open towards the centre panel. Double sliding windows are fantastic for bedrooms and living rooms as they allow a lot of light to enter the space and allow a little or a lot of airflow ventilation.

Ross’s Discount Home Centre supplies affordable double sliding windows via special order, which can be purchased from our website. Colour options include Silver Lustre, White Lustre, Charcoal Lustre, and Pearl White.

Shop for Double Sliding Windows

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows feature two glass sashes that stack on top of one another, where the bottom sash lifts vertically to provide airflow. They are a popular choice for bedrooms and come in a range of colours, sizes, and configurations, the most common being single or double, with the additional options of fixed lites, low lites, and multiple hitlites. Double-hung windows feature spiral spring balancers to ensure effortless operation.

Ross’s Discount Home Centre supplies affordable double-hung windows via special order, which can be purchased from our website. Colour options include Silver Lustre, White Lustre, Charcoal Lustre, and Pearl White.

Shop for Double Hung Windows

Bi-Fold Windows

Bi-fold windows are considered a wow factor of many homes. Large and grand, bi-fold windows feature three or more sashes that connect with hinges to create a concertina-style design. They are fantastic for serving areas and connecting kitchens to outdoor areas. Bi-fold windows are available in a range of colours and sizes.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are dissimilar to other windows as they do not rely on a track or slide. They are hinged from the top and swing outwards like an awning. Awning windows come in a range of sizes with additional lite options.

Fixed Windows

Fixed windows provide light but no airflow. They comprise a fixed sash that does not open, providing only light to a room.

Wondering how fixed windows stack up against sliding windows? Read our Sliding Windows vs. Fixed Windows comparison to find out more.

Louvre Windows

Louvre windows have grown in popularity of late. They feature louvred constructions, where a series of horizontal glass panels run vertically to the window frame. The louvres can be tilted mechanically or manually to allow or block airflow. Suitable for most home areas, they are particularly popular in entrances, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

There are pros and cons to consider for each type of door and window. Some will be better suited for an opening than others. Consider not only the design but also functionality and also draft.

Doors and Windows Materials

Sliding doors and windows come in timber and aluminium frames; however, the latter is the better choice based on affordability and maintenance requirements. Aluminium sliding doors and windows require no painting and no ongoing maintenance. Plus, they’re more affordable than timber. However, timber sliding doors and windows are more eco-friendly as they are a sustainable source.

You can read more about aluminium sliding doors and windows by reading one of our earlier articles, ‘5 Perks of Opting for Aluminium Windows and Doors’.

Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s aluminium sliding doors and windows

Ross’s Discount Home Centre is a stockist of the best aluminium sliding doors and windows in Perth. Our range surpasses Australian standards to deliver the highest quality possible. Each door and window undergoes vigourous testing from the manufacturing line to post-construction. This includes a tensile and compression strength test rig to test durability, strength, and compression to a load cell capacity of 200-500 kg.

Doors and Windows Energy Efficiency

Sliding doors and windows can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, allowing you to choose energy-efficient seals and/or glass.

There are various glass options when choosing doors and windows; some offer higher energy-efficiency ratings than others. Our range, for instance, offers annealed glass, toughened glass, laminated glass, toned glass, low-E glass, and double glazing. The latter two offer the highest energy-efficiency provisions.

Low E glass has a thin, transparent metallic coating that reduces the transfer of heat or cold through the glass, meaning in winter, your home stays warmer, and in summer, it stays cooler. Double-glazing glass, on the other hand, consists of two panels of glass that are separated by a layer of air and then sealed. This layer of air creates the insulation break, which in turn dramatically reduces both heat flow and thermal conductivity.

The energy efficiency provisions significantly impact the door and window selection.

The U Value (U_w) measures how readily a door or window conducts heat. It measures the rate of non-solar heat loss or gains through the assembly. The lower the U Value, the higher the resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC_w) measures how readily heat caused by sunlight flows through a window.

With the most important considerations taken into factor, you can confidently place an order for your sliding doors and windows and prepare for their installation.

Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s sliding doors and windows’ energy rating

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we prioritise our reputation by stocking only the highest quality aluminium sliding doors and windows. Our range is rated under the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS), which evaluates each window and door for U_w and SHGC_w, along with the Visible Transmittance (T_vw), which is the whole window’s visible (light) transmittance.

Doors & Windows at Ross’s Discount Home Centre

As mentioned, Ross’s Discount Home Centre is a stockist of quality aluminium sliding doors and windows. We have a vast range available, and we are the only Jason Window stockist to have select doors and windows in stock, ready to walk out the door (Silver Lustre colour only). If you choose to purchase your doors and windows from us, you can be confident that there will be no ordering or waiting period—just visit our showroom, choose your desired doors and windows from our recently updated display, and walk out the door with them!

Our range includes standard sliding windows, double sliding windows, and double-hung windows. For doors, we have standard sliding doors, double sliding doors, and double French doors. Our doors and windows are available in various colours, including Silver Lustre, Pearl White, Charcoal Lustre, and White Lustre, with fly screens to suit available. You can view the colours here.

You can view our entire range of doors and windows online by clicking here. Our range features the most common types of doors and windows, but we can also take special orders for other products such as bi-fold windows, awning windows, louvre windows, fixed windows, stacking doors, and bi-fold doors. Simply talk with our friendly staff about your needs. And don’t forget we can also provide you with custom doors and windows, ensuring a perfect fit for your unique and personalised home. Just contact us for a free quote.

If you’d like to see our range in person, simply head into our showroom at 57 James Street, Guildford. We have a new door and window display so you can see the quality of the products firsthand.

View Our Range

Conclusion

A house is not a home without doors and windows; they bring in light, connect us to the outdoors, and provide both structure and security, which is why it’s so important to choose wisely.

When shopping for sliding doors and windows, the main consideration areas are the type of door and window, the material of the door and window frames, and the energy efficiency of each.

There are many types of doors and windows. For sliding door options, there are standard sliding doors, stacker doors, bi-fold doors, and French doors. For windows, there are even more options: standard sliding windows, double-hung windows, bi-fold windows, awning windows, fixed windows, and louvre windows.

The most common materials for doors and windows are timber and aluminium; however, aluminium windows and doors are more affordable and provide lesser maintenance, which is why we choose to stock them here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.

The final consideration, energy efficiency, is important and shouldn’t be overlooked for design. An energy-efficient door or window can reduce heating and cooling costs and also improve sound acoustics.

If you’re shopping for sliding doors and windows in Perth, then look no further than Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Come in and view our doors and windows display in our Guildford showroom. You can find us at 57 James Street, Guildford, Perth.