When you start researching slimline aluminium sliding doors, you’ll often come across two terms: bonded, partially bonded and beaded.
These describe how the glass is fixed within the aluminium frame, and both methods are widely used in today’s high-end, premium and more affordable sliding patio doors.
At CBP, we work with some of the most respected manufacturers in Europe, including Internorm, Solarlux, Sunflex, Schüco and Smart Systems.
These are companies with decades of experience and the scale to back their products long into the future. Here is an explanation of bonded vs beaded sliding doors, which one is best for you. One thing we can assure you of, is that we have been trading for many years and have relationships with suppliers having precise records of all products made. For you this means our doors can be replaced or serviced years later with no risk to you as a homeowner, as long as the products are still current or parts are available.
What is an ultra slim Bonded Sliding Door?
A bonded door is made around the glass which is bonded directly into the aluminium frame using advanced adhesives. The glass and frame effectively become one solid structure.
The advantage when comparing bonded vs beaded sliding doors is that you see no internal shadow line where the glazing bead would normally be, because they have none. The sightlines are often slimmer, giving a minimal, all-glass appearance. Bonding allows for larger, stronger panels as well.
Examples of bonded products include Cortizo Sliding Doors, ultra minimal sliding doors, our Cero Sliding Door Collection which are considered the best sliding doors on the market and set the benchmark for premium patio door products.
What is a beaded sliding door?
Beaded doors are made in the factory without the glass. They come to your home as an unglazed frame and we fit the glass ourselves. To secure the glass we use aluminium strips (called glazing beads) and these are always on the inside and prevent removal of glass from the outside.
Beaded doors are just as secure as you need to cause a lot of damage to the door (and have time to do it). The external gaskets you see are also designed to hold the beads tight into position and internally these cannot be removed easily. Examples of our beaded sliding doors in our overal range include Smart Systems Visoglide, Rationel, Velfac and Internorm. Other brands that come as beaded doors include Aluk, Reynaers, Origin.
Other types of slimline patio doors glazing and design
The other types of sliding doors include partially bonded and wrap-around designs.
Partially bonded is where some of the door is beaded, but where they come with a very slim central profile, that central profile only is bonded to the frame. Examples of partially bonded include the Sunflex SVG20, Smart Systems Invisoglide and other sliding doors on the market which offer a standard frame and sash, but a slimline interlock or mullion.
Wraparound sliding doors are not bonded. Instead they are made around the glass. This is simply how the doors are designed. Our Schüco ASE 51 PD latest generation sliding door is a wraparound design. Should the glass ever need replacing in the future, the doors would need to come apart as they don’t have any beads.
Pros and Cons of Bonded vs Beaded Sliding Doors
| Bonded Sliding Doors | Beaded Sliding Doors |
|---|---|
| Pros | Pros |
| Slimmest possible sightlines – very minimal look | Glass can be replaced without changing the whole sash |
| Seamless all-glass finish – no visible beads | Lower cost for future servicing or glass changes |
| Structurally stronger, allowing very wide and tall panels | More serviceable by local trades, not only the original manufacturer |
| Often considered the most contemporary, high-end style | A proven, reliable method used for decades |
| Flexible if your needs change over time | |
| Cons | Cons |
| Glass can’t be replaced separately – sash replaced as one piece | Slightly thicker frames, less minimal appearance |
| Heavier panels – may need specialist handling | Frames not fully flush – subtle differences at base/top/sides |
| Replacement requires the original manufacturer to supply a new sash | Not as slim as bonded systems at large sizes |
| May be a higher cost option overall | Still needs professional installation for best results |
Bonded vs Beaded Sliding Doors. Which Should You Choose?
Some marketing plays on the idea that bonded doors are risky because you can’t change just the glass. In reality, this only becomes a problem if you choose a supplier without the systems to back up their products long-term.
At CBP we work only with the the best in UK, European and Global names. We have a strong reputation in installing some of the most complex sliding door designs and often at extreme sizes. When you buy from a professional installer with a strong relationship with their manufacturing partners, there is nothing to worry about with either product.
Correctly specified, well-made and properly installed bonded, beaded or partially bonded doors will all serve you well and come with quality guarantees. And buying from CBP means you are buying sliding door brands supported by decades of proven manufacturing, installation and aftercare. All our suppliers hold complete records, colour references and design data, ensuring serviceability when required.
Choose bonded sliding doors if you want the very slimmest sightlines, the cleanest look, and are working with a premium brand or luxury brand.
Choose beaded sliding doors if you want easier glass replacement, slightly more flexibility, and don’t mind a little extra frame thickness. If you are a landlord or doing property renovations, these doors are the more affordable as well.
The expertise of your installer matters most. The key to a long-lasting, reliable installation isn’t just bonded versus beaded. It’s about who makes the doors and who installs them.
The CBP Showroom in Wiltshire showcases some of the finest sliding doors available today. Contact us to arrange an appointment and let us help you with your sliding door project. Our brands have stood the test of time, and when combined with our expert installation, give you peace of mind that your new sliding doors will look and perform as intended for years to come.