Wooden shutters are solid timber window coverings fitted with adjustable louvres that control light, privacy and airflow while becoming a permanent part of a home’s architecture. Unlike curtains or blinds, they’re built into the window frame, offering better insulation, longer lifespan and a natural, sustainable finish suited to South African homes.

Did you know?

• Wooden shutters are permanent, made-to-measure window coverings, not a swap-out décor item like curtains or blinds
• They insulate well, helping keep rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter
• Quality solid-timber shutters can last decades with basic upkeep
• Wood is a style-first choice; it isn’t built for security the way dedicated security shutters are
• Sourcing FSC-certified timber makes wooden shutters one of the more sustainable window covering options available
• They suit most interior rooms but aren’t ideal for very damp spaces like bathrooms
• Pricing depends on size, finish and configuration, and typically costs more upfront than blinds while adding more long-term home value

What Are Wooden Shutters?

Wooden shutters are interior window coverings made from solid timber panels with horizontal slats, known as louvres, that tilt open or closed. This lets you manage light and airflow while keeping full control over privacy. Because they’re fixed directly into the window frame rather than hung in front of it, they read as part of the room’s architecture rather than a temporary covering. Most are custom-manufactured to the exact dimensions of a window or door, and can be configured as hinged, sliding or bi-fold panels depending on the space.

Why Choose Wooden Shutters?

South African homes deal with a wide climate range, from coastal humidity to dry inland heat, and wooden shutters are built to handle that variation. The adjustable louvres let you soften harsh sunlight without losing natural light entirely, which matters in rooms that get direct afternoon sun. Closed, they act as an insulating barrier, helping keep interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

They also hold up better over time than fabric alternatives. Timber doesn’t sag, fade or need periodic replacing the way curtains and some blinds do. And because the finish can be restained or repainted, a set of wooden shutters can look refreshed years after installation rather than needing to be swapped out. On top of the practical case, timber brings a warmth and texture that most other window coverings can’t match, which is part of why they’re a popular upgrade for homeowners planning to add resale value.

Pros and Cons of Wooden Shutters

Pros:

• Strong natural insulation against heat and cold
• Durable; well-made timber shutters last for decades
• Timeless look that suits both modern and traditional interiors
• Precise light and privacy control via the louvres
• Can be custom-shaped for arched or unusual windows

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than blinds or curtains
• Not designed for security; if that’s a priority, security shutters are the better fit
• Not recommended for very humid rooms like bathrooms, where moisture can affect the wood
• Requires occasional care to maintain the finish

Wooden vs Aluminium Shutters

Choosing between wood and aluminium usually comes down to where the shutters are going and what job they need to do.

At House of Supreme, we’ve installed custom shutters across South African homes for over 25 years. In our experience, homes in humid coastal areas do best with aluminium shutters in bathrooms and kitchens, while timber remains our most requested option for living areas and bedrooms, largely for its warmth and the way it ages compared to painted alternatives.

Are Wooden Shutters Suitable for South African Weather?

Generally, yes, for interior use. Solid timber handles the heat and temperature swings common across South African regions well, and it’s naturally suited to interior climates from Highveld dryness to coastal warmth. The main caution is humidity: bathrooms, kitchens and other consistently damp rooms can cause timber louvres to swell or warp over time, so aluminium is usually the better call there.

Sourcing matters too. Reputable suppliers use timber that meets FSC-certified sustainable forestry standards, meaning the wood comes from responsibly managed plantations rather than unregulated logging. This is part of what makes wooden shutters a genuinely sustainable choice, not just a marketing label.

How Long Do Wooden Shutters Last?

With proper installation and basic care, quality timber shutters can last for decades. Their lifespan depends on the grade of wood, the finish applied, and how well they’re maintained, but a well-built set is designed to outlast most soft furnishings several times over, which is part of the value case compared to curtains or blinds that typically need replacing every few years.

Cost Factors for Wooden Shutters

Because every set is custom-made, pricing varies based on a few key factors:

• Size and number of openings: larger windows and multiple rooms increase material and labour
• Timber finish: natural stains, paint-coated finishes and custom colours affect cost
• Configuration: hinged, sliding and bi-fold systems have different manufacturing requirements
• Complexity: arched, angled or non-standard window shapes require additional custom work

Wooden shutters typically cost more upfront than blinds, but the combination of longevity, insulation savings and added home value tends to offset that over time. For an accurate figure, it’s worth getting a quote based on your specific space rather than relying on generic pricing.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Wooden shutters are low-maintenance but not zero-maintenance. Regular dusting with a soft cloth or microfiber duster keeps them looking fresh. For a deeper clean, wipe the louvres and frame with a slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately, avoiding harsh chemicals or excess water that can damage the finish. In coastal or humid areas, good airflow around the shutters helps prevent moisture build-up, and an occasional wood polish or conditioner keeps stained finishes looking rich. It’s also worth checking hinges and moving parts periodically to keep everything operating smoothly.

Best Rooms for Wooden Shutters

Wooden shutters work well in most living spaces, particularly living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas and home offices where light control and atmosphere matter. They’re a strong choice anywhere privacy is a priority without wanting to block out natural light entirely; for rooms or outdoor areas where you need a more flexible room-divider setup, privacy shutters offer a configuration built specifically for that purpose. Bathrooms and kitchens are the main exception, where humidity makes aluminium the safer material choice.

Are Wooden Shutters Worth the Investment?

For most homeowners, yes. The combination of insulation, durability and timeless style tends to justify the higher upfront cost compared to blinds or curtains, especially in rooms where you’re not planning to change the décor for years. The main consideration is matching the material to the room: timber for living areas and bedrooms, aluminium for anywhere consistently damp. Get it right, and wooden shutters are one of the few window coverings that add lasting value rather than just covering a gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wooden shutters better than blinds?

Wooden shutters generally last longer, insulate better and add more resale value to a home than blinds. Blinds are more affordable upfront but tend to need replacing sooner.

Do wooden shutters help with heat and insulation?

Yes. Closed, they act as a barrier that reduces heat transfer, helping keep rooms cooler in summer and retaining warmth in winter.

Can wooden shutters be installed in bathrooms?

It’s not recommended. Humidity can cause timber to swell or warp over time, so aluminium shutters are a better fit for bathrooms and kitchens.

How much do wooden shutters cost in South Africa?

Cost depends on the size of the opening, timber finish and configuration chosen. Since every set is custom-made, the most accurate way to get a figure is a personal quote.

Are wooden shutters a sustainable window covering?

They can be, provided the timber is responsibly sourced. Look for suppliers using FSC-certified wood from managed plantations rather than unregulated sources.

Every home is different, which is why all House of Supreme wooden shutters are custom manufactured to fit your windows perfectly. If you’re considering shutters for your home, request a free consultation and we’ll help you choose the right solution for your space and budget.

Have more questions first? Email info@houseofsupreme.co.za or call our head office on 011 462 7096.

Bypass shutters, also called sliding shutters, are panels that slide along a track system rather than swinging open like hinged shutters. This lets you cover large openings, sliding doors and room dividers without the panels intruding into the room, while still offering full light, privacy and insulation control.

Key takeaways:

• Bypass shutters slide along a track instead of swinging open, so panels never intrude into the room
• They’re the practical choice for large openings like sliding doors, where hinged panels would need too much swing clearance
• Closed, they insulate a space effectively, helping regulate heat in summer and retain warmth in winter
• Available in wood or aluminium, with material choice depending on whether the opening is interior or exterior
• Well suited to room-divider applications in open-plan homes
• Fewer moving parts than bi-fold shutters, which can mean less to maintain over time
• Pricing depends on track length, panel count and material

What Are Bypass Shutters?

Bypass shutters are part of House of Supreme’s Privacy & Bypass Shutters range, built around a sliding-track mechanism rather than hinges. Each panel runs on its own track, mounted above the opening, and slides past the others to stack neatly to one side.

That’s where the name comes from: the panels bypass each other as they move, rather than folding away like a bi-fold shutter or swinging open like a hinged one.

This mechanism makes them especially useful for large openings, sliding glass doors, and situations where you want the full opening accessible without any panel swinging into the room.

If there’s enough track space on either side, panels can slide completely clear of the opening; if space is limited, at least one panel typically stays overlapping the opening.

Benefits of Bypass Shutters

The biggest practical advantage is space efficiency.

Because panels run parallel to the opening rather than swinging outward, bypass shutters work well in tight spaces, like balconies or narrow patios, where a hinged or bi-fold configuration would need clearance you don’t have.

They’re also less prone to wear over time. With fewer moving parts than bi-fold shutters and no hinges to maintain, there’s simply less that can loosen or need adjustment years down the line.

And because panels are top-hung rather than resting on their own weight, they’re less likely to sag, which means individual panels can be built taller and wider than a hinged equivalent allows.

Beyond function, bypass shutters double as a flexible room divider. Sliding a set of panels across an opening can create privacy in an open-plan home, screening off a study nook or dining area, then sliding back to reopen the space entirely.

How Bypass Shutters Improve Insulation

Closed, bypass shutters act as a solid barrier between a room and the outside, in the same way other quality shutters do.

The panels fit closely along the track, which limits draughts more effectively than curtains and reduces heat transfer through the opening. In summer, this helps keep direct heat out; in winter, it helps retain warmth that would otherwise escape through an uncovered sliding door.

The insulation performance depends partly on material. Solid timber panels tend to offer stronger natural insulation than aluminium, though a well-fitted aluminium set with minimal gaps still performs considerably better than an uncovered opening.

Bypass vs Hinged vs Bi-fold Shutters

For most large sliding doors or room-divider applications, bypass shutters are the more space-efficient choice. Hinged shutters suit standard windows where swing clearance isn’t a concern, while bi-fold shutters strike a middle ground for wide openings where you still want the panels to fold flat rather than slide.

Best Rooms and Openings for Bypass Shutters

Sliding patio and glass doors are the most common application, since the track system handles wide spans without needing swing room on either side.

Open-plan living and dining areas are another strong fit, particularly where bypass shutters double as a room divider between the two spaces. Larger bedroom windows also work well, especially where a hinged configuration would swing into a tight layout.

Materials: Wood vs Aluminium

Bypass shutters are available in both timber and aluminium, and the right choice depends on where the opening sits.

For interior applications, wooden shutters bring warmth and natural insulation, and suit living rooms, bedrooms and interior room dividers well.

For patios, sliding doors facing the weather, or coastal properties, aluminium shutters are the more practical choice, since they resist humidity, salt air and temperature swings without warping.

If you’re unsure which material and placement suits your specific opening, our guide on interior vs exterior shutters breaks down the decision in more detail.

Maintenance

Bypass shutters are low-maintenance regardless of material. Regular dusting keeps the louvres and track clear, and an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth handles anything dust alone won’t shift.

It’s worth checking the track periodically for dust build-up, since a clogged track is the most common cause of stiff or uneven sliding. Wooden panels benefit from an occasional polish to maintain the finish; aluminium panels need little beyond a wipe-down.

Cost Factors for Bypass Shutters

Pricing depends on a few variables:

• Track length and panel count: wider openings need more panels and longer tracks
• Material: wood typically costs more upfront than aluminium
• Application: room-divider installations spanning a full open-plan area cost more than a single sliding door
• Finish: custom colours or stains affect the final price

Because every set is custom-made to the opening, the most accurate way to get a figure is a personal quote rather than a generic price list.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common issue is underestimating stacking space. If there isn’t enough clear track on either side of the opening, panels can’t slide fully clear, which limits how much of the opening you can actually open up.

Choosing wood for an exposed exterior application is another frequent mistake, since timber isn’t built to handle constant weather exposure the way aluminium is. Finally, skipping regular track cleaning can lead to sticking or uneven sliding over time, an easy problem to avoid with a few minutes of maintenance.

Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Order

• Measure the full stacking space available on either side of the opening
• Decide on material based on interior vs exterior exposure
• Consider whether the opening also needs to function as a room divider
• Check that the track can be mounted securely to your existing frame or ceiling
• Get a custom quote based on your specific opening rather than relying on standard sizing

Are Bypass Shutters Worth the Investment?

For large openings and sliding doors, bypass shutters are usually the most practical option available. The track-based design saves the swing clearance a hinged shutter needs and holds up well over time thanks to its simple mechanism. The main decision is matching material to exposure: timber for interior warmth, aluminium for exterior durability.

At House of Supreme, we’ve been manufacturing and installing custom shutters, including bypass configurations, across South African homes since 1999.

In our experience, bypass shutters are most requested for large patio doors and open-plan room dividers, where their space-saving slide mechanism makes the biggest practical difference.

House of Supreme is also a proud affiliate member of the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), a standard that speaks to the quality and design integrity behind our custom shutter installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are bypass shutters?

Bypass shutters are panels that slide along a track system to cover an opening, rather than swinging open on hinges. They’re commonly used on large sliding doors and as room dividers.

Are bypass shutters better than bi-fold shutters?

For very large openings, yes, since bypass shutters need less stacking clearance. Bi-fold shutters suit openings where you want the panels to fold flat rather than slide past each other.

Do bypass shutters help with insulation?

Yes. Closed, they form a solid barrier that reduces heat transfer and draughts, similar to other quality shutter types, with solid timber offering the strongest natural insulation.

Can bypass shutters be used outdoors?

Yes, particularly in aluminium. Aluminium bypass shutters handle weather exposure well, making them a practical choice for patios and other exterior openings.

How much do bypass shutters cost?

Cost depends on track length, panel count, material and application. Since every set is custom-made, the most accurate way to get a figure is a personal quote.

What maintenance do bypass shutters need?

Very little. Regular dusting and an occasional wipe-down keep panels looking good, and periodically checking the track for dust build-up prevents sticking.

Do you have more questions about our bypass shutters, or would you like to request a quote? Email info@houseofsupreme.co.za or call our head office on 011 462 7096 for help.

Aluminium security shutters are reinforced extruded-aluminium window and door coverings designed to resist forced entry, harsh weather and tampering while providing adjustable light, privacy and ventilation control. As anti-burglary shutters built specifically for high-risk properties, they’re engineered to perform under sustained pressure, not just casual tampering.

What Are Aluminium Security Shutters?

Aluminium security shutters are reinforced extruded-aluminium barriers designed to protect windows and doors from forced entry, storms and environmental damage. They combine locking louvres, rigid frames and corrosion-resistant finishes to provide a durable, low-maintenance security solution suitable for residential, commercial and high-risk properties.

Key Takeaways

• High resistance to forced entry and tampering
• Suitable for high-crime and coastal areas
• Withstands storms, wind and heavy rain
• Low maintenance with a long service life
• Offers ventilation and light control alongside security
• Custom-fitted for any window, door or patio opening
• Suited to residential, commercial and high-risk applications

Ready to secure your property? Get in touch for a free measure and quote.

Why They’re Effective Against Forced Entry

The security performance of a forced-entry aluminium shutter comes down to how the frame and locking mechanism work together under pressure, not just the strength of the aluminium itself.

Reinforced locking louvres distribute force across multiple points rather than relying on a single latch, which makes prying or forcing the shutter open significantly harder than with a standard lock-and-frame design.

Because every shutter is custom-manufactured to the exact dimensions of the opening, there’s no gap between the shutter and the frame to work a tool into from outside, which is one of the more common ways lower-grade security barriers get defeated. There are also no horizontal rails or footholds for an intruder to climb, unlike open burglar bars, which adds a layer of resistance beyond the lock itself.

Built for Storm & Coastal Protection

Extruded aluminium has a strong strength-to-weight ratio, which keeps the frame rigid under wind load without adding unnecessary bulk. That rigidity matters during storms, since a shutter that flexes under pressure is also easier to compromise.

Heavy rain and hail are handled the same way: the aluminium frame doesn’t absorb moisture, warp or swell the way timber can.

For coastal properties, this performs double duty as a storm-proof shutter for South African conditions. The powder-coated finish that protects against salt air and UV exposure is the same finish that holds up under wind-driven rain, so you’re not trading one form of weather resistance for another.

As a coastal aluminium shutter, the frame is built to resist corrosion over years of salt exposure rather than just surviving a single storm season.

How Secure Are They, Really?

It’s worth being specific about what “high-security” means here rather than leaving it vague. Compared to open burglar bars, a locked aluminium security shutter removes the footholds and gaps that make bars climbable or pry-able, while also sealing the opening completely, which bars never do.

Compared to a roller shutter,, and unlike a roller shutter, it doesn’t need to be fully closed to stay locked, so you’re not forced to choose between airflow and security.

No physical barrier is unbreakable, and we’d avoid using an invented numeric “security score” since there’s no independent, recognised certification specifically rating forced-entry resistance for shutters of this kind in South Africa.

What we can say plainly: the combination of a flush, custom-fitted frame and multi-point locking louvres makes this one of the more difficult barrier types to defeat without power tools and time, both of which are exactly what an intruder is trying to avoid.

Who Should Choose High-Security Shutters?

High-security aluminium shutters are worth prioritising if any of the following apply to your property:

• You’re in a high-crime suburb, particularly with ground-floor windows or doors facing the street
• Your property is a holiday home or sits vacant for extended periods with no one on-site to notice tampering
• You run a commercial premises (shop, office, warehouse) that needs to stay secure overnight and over weekends without supervision
• You’re in a coastal or storm-prone area and need security and weather resistance from the same installation
• You want security without giving up ventilation, light control or privacy, which standard burglar bars can’t offer

Where High-Security Shutters Are Best Used

Aluminium Security Shutters vs Roller Shutters vs Burglar Bars

Roller shutters match aluminium security shutters on forced-entry resistance but block ventilation and light completely when closed. Burglar bars allow airflow but offer none of the privacy, light control or storm performance a sealed aluminium shutter provides, and typically cost less precisely because they do less.

Security Construction & Materials Explained

The frame is built from extruded aluminium, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to rust, warping and general wear.

The locking louvres are reinforced and adjustable, giving you one mechanism that controls both security and airflow rather than separate hardware for each. A powder-coated finish protects against UV exposure, salt air and general weathering, which matters for long-term security as much as appearance, since a corroded frame or hinge is a weaker one.

Every shutter is custom-manufactured to the exact dimensions of your window, patio door or opening, which is what allows the flush fit that removes the gap a tool could otherwise be worked into.

Installation Process & Lead Times

Getting a high-security shutter installed starts with an accurate measure. After your initial enquiry, one of our consultants will assess your opening and confirm final measurements on-site before manufacturing begins, since security shutters depend on a precise, gap-free fit to perform as intended.

Once measurements are confirmed, your shutter is custom-manufactured to those exact dimensions rather than adjusted from a standard size.

Installation is carried out by our own trained teams rather than subcontracted labour, which matters for a security product specifically, since incorrect installation can undermine even a well-built shutter by leaving a flex point or gap at the frame.

Lead times depend on your specific configuration, the number of openings being fitted, and current production volumes, so we’d recommend confirming an estimated timeline with your consultant at the quote stage rather than assuming a fixed turnaround.

Maintenance & Longevity

Despite the reinforced construction, maintenance stays simple. A periodic wipe-down keeps the frame and louvres free of dust and salt residue, and the powder coating means there’s no repainting required under normal conditions.

It’s worth checking locking mechanisms occasionally, particularly in coastal or high-humidity areas, since hardware can be affected by salt air faster than the aluminium frame itself.

Warranty & Compliance

Every shutter we manufacture is backed by a warranty covering workmanship and material defects. Because terms can vary depending on the specific range and any reinforced or commercial-grade features, we’d recommend confirming the full warranty terms for your configuration with your consultant when you request a quote.

Aluminium-framed products in South Africa are generally measured against performance criteria set by the Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa (AAAMSA), the industry body responsible for testing aluminium framing against wind, water and air resistance.

That accreditation speaks to the frame’s structural and weatherproofing performance, which underpins the storm and coastal durability claims on this page.

Forced-entry resistance itself comes down to the locking mechanism and custom fit rather than the AAAMSA criteria specifically, so it’s worth asking your consultant how the two combine for your particular configuration.

Why Choose House of Supreme

House of Supreme has been manufacturing and installing shutters, screens and blinds in South Africa for over 25 years.

As a local manufacturer with multiple branches nationwide, every high-security shutter we make is custom-built to your exact measurements and fitted by our own trained installation team rather than subcontracted labour.

If you’re also comparing this product on appearance and everyday comfort, our companion guide on aluminium security shutters: durability, strength and aesthetic appeal covers that side in more depth. You can read more about House of Supreme and our manufacturing history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are aluminium security shutters better than burglar bars? Yes, in most respects. They offer comparable or stronger forced-entry resistance while also adding storm resistance, privacy and light control, none of which burglar bars provide. Bars remain a lower-cost option if security is the only requirement.

Can they withstand coastal weather?

Yes. The powder-coated aluminium resists corrosion from salt air and humidity, and the rigid frame holds up under the wind and rain that coastal storms bring.

Do they require maintenance?

Minimal maintenance is needed beyond occasional cleaning and periodic hardware checks, particularly for the locking mechanism in coastal or high-humidity areas.

What affects the cost of high-security aluminium shutters?

Cost depends on the size and number of openings, the specific security or reinforcement features you choose, and whether you’re fitting a single window or a full property. Because shutters are custom-made rather than off-the-shelf, we always recommend a personalised quotation rather than a flat price list.

Is there a recognised security rating for these shutters?

There’s no single independent rating specifically for forced-entry resistance on aluminium shutters in South Africa, in the way AAAMSA rates wind, water and air performance for the frame itself. What we can confirm is the construction approach: reinforced multi-point locking louvres and a custom, gap-free fit, both of which directly address the most common ways lower-grade barriers are defeated. If insurance discounting is a factor for you, it’s worth checking with your insurer directly, since requirements vary by provider.

Quick Summary

High-security aluminium shutters combine a rigid extruded aluminium frame with reinforced, multi-point locking louvres, giving genuine resistance to forced entry alongside storm and coastal durability. They outperform burglar bars on weather, privacy and light control, and match roller shutters on security while keeping ventilation available.

Best suited to high-crime areas, vacant or holiday properties, commercial premises, and coastal homes that need security and weather resistance from the same installation.

Next Steps

Do you have more questions about our high-security aluminium shutters, or would you like to request a quote?

Get in touch, email info@houseofsupreme.co.za, or call our head office on 011 462 7096 for help.

Sliding screen doors are retractable mesh doors that let fresh air into your home while keeping insects, leaves and debris outside. They’re custom-made for patios, stacker doors, French doors and entertainment areas, and they’re one of the easiest ways to stay cool through a South African summer without relying on air conditioning, especially handy during load shedding.

What Is a Sliding Screen Door?

A sliding screen door is a retractable mesh door that runs on rollers in a bottom track, usually fitted in front of a sliding or stacking patio door. It’s made from PVC-coated fibreglass mesh inside an aluminium frame, with a headrail and bottom track guiding the movement. It lets fresh air and natural light in while keeping insects, leaves and debris out, and slides out of the way completely when you don’t need it.

Key Takeaways

• Keeps insects, leaves and debris outside while letting fresh air in
• Helps you stay cool during load shedding without relying on air conditioning
• Custom-made to fit your exact patio, stacking or French door opening
• Available in standard insect mesh, pet-resistant mesh, or stainless-steel security mesh
• Retracts neatly out of the way when not in use
• Backed by a 5-year workmanship and material warranty
• Can be self-installed or fitted by our trained installation team

Ready to get yours measured up? Contact us for a free measure and quote.

Why South Africans Love Sliding Screen Doors

The swish of a sliding screen door is synonymous with summer. There’s no better way to beat the heat and keep bugs at bay, and best of all, it keeps your home cool during load shedding without you having to turn on the air conditioner.

Benefits of a Sliding Screen Door

Beyond the obvious “keeps bugs out,” a sliding screen door earns its place on a patio in a few practical ways.

It lets you open your patio or stacking door fully for cross-ventilation on hot evenings, without flies, mosquitoes or moths following the breeze inside. Because it’s retractable rather than fixed, it slides completely out of the way when you want an unobstructed view or full access, then slides shut again in seconds.

Every screen is custom-made to your specific door opening rather than sold as a standard size, so it fits flush against the frame with no gaps for insects to sneak through.

And because it relies on airflow rather than mechanical cooling, it’s a low-cost way to keep a room comfortable during load shedding or simply to cut down on aircon running time over summer.

Where Can You Install a Sliding Screen Door?

The most obvious place is in front of your sliding or stacking patio door. You can open your patio door on hot summer evenings for cool air while the screen keeps creepy crawlies out.

If your home has hinged doors instead, such as a kitchen door, our flyscreens range covers those openings too, so every entry point can stay bug-free.

You can install the screen on the inside or the outside of the doorway, and you needn’t worry about the elements damaging it, since a powder coating protects the mesh from the sun.

If you have a patio door with two sliding panels, you’ll need two sliding screens to cover the opening. These might meet in the middle or stack to the side.

No matter how many sliding panels your patio door has, we’ll design a configuration that works for you, and we’ll add a mid-rail to the design if extra stability is needed.

Sliding Screen Door vs Security Screen vs Standard Flyscreen

Mesh Types & Materials

Standard sliding insect screens use a PVC-coated fibreglass mesh inside an aluminium frame, which is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to sun damage thanks to the powder coating.

If you want a screen that keeps both large and small pests out and resists break-in attempts, our security mesh screen uses a 0.9mm thick, black powder-coated stainless-steel mesh that’s fine enough to stop insects and tough enough to resist forced entry.

Remember that our standard insect screens are not designed for security. The soft fibreglass mesh is easy to cut through, so adding a lock to a standard screen provides no real protection.

For pet owners, Pet Mesh is made from powder-coated 304 stainless steel. It’s claw and scratch-resistant, so pets can’t make an escape hole in the mesh, making it a better fit than standard mesh if you’re looking to pet-proof your home.

Aluminium-framed products in South Africa are generally measured against performance criteria set by the Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa (AAAMSA), the industry body responsible for testing aluminium framing against wind, water and air resistance standards.

Locks & Security

Standard sliding insect screens don’t lock, but we can offer a locking system, including a male/female interlock on a double-panelled screen.

As above, this is about convenience rather than security, since the fibreglass mesh itself offers no resistance to a determined break-in.

If security is a priority alongside ventilation, it’s worth looking at our security shutters range as a complementary option for the same opening, particularly on ground-floor doors and windows.

Pet-Friendly Screens

A sliding insect screen can hold up reasonably well against pets, but if you have a dog or cat that tends to push or scratch at doors, a Pet Screen Sliding Door is the better choice.

The only difference between the two is the mesh: Pet Mesh is claw and scratch-resistant powder-coated 304 stainless steel, so your pets won’t be able to scratch or push their way through it.

Installation: DIY or Professional?

You can install your own sliding insect screen if you have basic tools and a bit of DIY experience, but it’s vital that you give us the correct measurements for manufacturing, since every screen is custom-made.

We’d still recommend letting our trained installation team handle it. You’ll save time and hassle, and our installers can sort out any on-site hiccups, such as an uneven reveal or an out-of-square frame, that aren’t always obvious until you’re fitting the screen.

Maintenance & Warranty

You should have your screens serviced every year to avoid invalidating your warranty, and to keep them running smoothly for years. Should the mesh tear, screens can be re-meshed on-site or brought into your nearest branch.

Our insect screens carry a 5-year warranty for workmanship and material defects, covering assembly, manufacturing and installation faults, but not fair wear and tear. The mesh itself isn’t covered under warranty, since it’s the component most exposed to everyday wear.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

If you’re after a screen door quote, send us your measurements in width x height (mm). If you place an order, one of our sales reps will come out to take final measurements before it goes into production. Here’s what to measure:

• The height of the opening, from the floor to the top of the reveal
• The width of the opening, from the reveal to the frame of the sliding panel
• The depth of the reveal

Why Choose House of Supreme

House of Supreme has been manufacturing and installing screens, shutters and blinds in South Africa for over 25 years. As a local manufacturer with multiple branches nationwide, every sliding screen we make is custom-built to your exact measurements rather than cut down from a standard size, and fitted by our own trained installation team rather than subcontracted labour.

That local manufacturing base also means faster turnaround and easier servicing or re-meshing down the line. You can read more about House of Supreme and our manufacturing history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sliding screen doors be fitted to existing doors?

Yes. Sliding screens are custom-measured to fit your existing sliding, stacking or French door opening, including double-panelled doors, rather than requiring you to replace the door itself.

Are sliding screen doors pet friendly?

Standard mesh holds up to general use, but if you have a pet that scratches or pushes at doors, our Pet Mesh option in powder-coated 304 stainless steel is claw and scratch-resistant for better durability.

How long do sliding screen doors last?

With annual servicing, a sliding screen door should give you years of reliable use. Workmanship and material defects are covered under our 5-year warranty, though the mesh itself is excluded since it’s the part most exposed to daily wear.

Can sliding screen doors be locked?

Not by default, but we can add a locking system, including a male/female interlock on double-panelled screens. Standard insect mesh isn’t designed for security, so a lock adds convenience rather than break-in protection.

Do sliding screen doors suit coastal homes?

Yes. The mesh and frame are powder-coated to resist sun and weather exposure, and our security mesh option in particular is built to withstand harsher coastal conditions while still keeping insects out.

Quick Summary

A sliding screen door keeps insects out, lets fresh air in, and helps you stay cool without leaning on the aircon, especially useful during load shedding.

Choose standard mesh for everyday use, security mesh if break-in resistance matters, or pet mesh if you share your home with a determined cat or dog. Every screen is custom-made and backed by a 5-year workmanship and material warranty.

Next Steps

Do you have more questions about our sliding insect screen doors, or would you like to request a quote?

Contact us, email info@houseofsupreme.co.za, or call our head office on 011 462 7096 for help.