When you’re building or renovating a home, picking out your windows and doors can feel like a small detail, until you realise how many choices are involved. From glazing types and frame profiles to colours and hardware, there’s a lot to think about.
But let’s start with the basics: what your frames are actually made of.
This article focuses on helping you choose the right window and door frame material for your project, whether it’s a sleek modern addition or a heritage restoration in the heart of Sydney. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of the four most common materials: steel, timber, aluminium, and uPVC.
Steel Frames: Bold, Minimal and Built to Last
If you love sharp lines, thin profiles, and that contemporary industrial feel, steel might be your material. It’s strong, really strong, which means you can create large glass openings with barely-there frames. Steel doors and windows are often used in luxury renovations to create that wow-factor connection between indoor living and outdoor spaces.
Why people love it:
- Incredibly slim sightlines for a high-end architectural look
- Super durable and secure when maintained properly
- Great for big openings, think floor-to-ceiling sliders or steel-framed French doors
- Works beautifully in both modern homes and character-filled renovations
Things to keep in mind:
- It’s one of the pricier options (expect to pay 2 to 3 times more than an aluminium frame)
- Needs regular maintenance (especially in coastal areas) to avoid rust
- Without thermal breaks, it can conduct heat or cold
- Specialised fabrication, often imported from overseas means lead times could stretch circa 10 to 14 weeks
Timber Frames: Warm, Textured, and Timeless
Timber brings warmth and character that’s hard to beat. It’s often the go-to in heritage homes or where a natural, softer look is needed. Whether you’re restoring old sash windows or installing oversized bi-folds, timber gives you flexibility and beauty if you’re happy to give it a bit of love over the years.
Why people love it:
- Beautiful, natural appearance—perfect for traditional or custom-designed homes
- Excellent insulation (both thermal and acoustic)
- Easy to sand, repaint or repair if damaged
- Works well with curved or unique frame shapes
Things to keep in mind:
- Needs maintenance, paint or seal every 3 to 5 years (depending on exposure) to keep it looking sharp
- Can swell or shrink depending on the weather
- Expect to pay 20% to 50% more than aluminium, depending on design and timber species.
- Premium timbers (like Accoya or hardwoods) cost more, but last longer
- Not ideal for every climate unless properly treated
- Lead times typically range from 6 to 8 weeks
uPVC Frames: Efficient, Quiet, and Cost-Effective
uPVC has grown in popularity thanks to its excellent insulation properties and budget-friendly price point. While it may not scream “luxury” at first glance, modern profiles are far more refined than they used to be—and the performance benefits are hard to ignore.
Why people love it:
- Top-notch thermal and sound insulation
- No painting or sealing needed—easy upkeep
- Can be budget-friendly for double-glazed systems
- Great option for rear façades, bathrooms, or less visible areas
Things to keep in mind:
- Fewer colour and style choices than other materials
- Can discolour or warp in harsh Aussie sun if not UV treated
- Not ideal for very large openings or ultra-slim aesthetics
- May lack the visual refinement of steel or timber in high-exposure areas
Aluminium Frames: Clean, Reliable and Low Fuss
Aluminium is the all-rounder. It’s popular in both standard and high-end homes thanks to its slim profile, weather resistance, and lower maintenance. Powder-coated aluminium frames come in a huge range of colours, making it easy to match your look.
Why people love it:
- Lightweight and strong, with lots of modern style
- Powder-coated finishes in just about any colour
- Low maintenance, no need to paint or seal
- Good for large openings and sliding systems
- Generally short lead times of 4 to 6 weeks
Things to keep in mind:
- Not as insulating unless thermally broken (worth checking for energy efficiency)
- Can feel cold to touch in winter
- Cheaper aluminium systems can look mass-produced
- Can dent or scratch more easily than timber or steel
Mixing Materials: A Smarter Way to Build
Here’s something we see a lot: using different frame materials in different parts of the house. It’s a great way to get the look and performance you want without blowing the budget.
- Use steel for that dramatic living room courtyard connection
- Go for timber in your street-facing façade to complement a heritage style
- Install aluminium upstairs or in utility areas
- Add uPVC where insulation and cost-efficiency matter most
A blended approach lets you prioritise where it counts, and keeps your project practical. We typically recommend mixing no more than two or three materials, always considering practicality and constructability.
Final Thoughts: Start With the Frame, Then Build From There
Don’t forget, your choice of windows and doors also needs to comply with local council regulations and Australia’s energy efficiency standards. What looks great on paper may need to be adapted to meet BASIX, heritage overlays, or bushfire zone requirements.
Windows and doors do far more than open and close. They shape how your home looks, feels, and performs for years to come. Choosing the right frame material early on sets the tone, and the budget, for everything that follows.
