When you’re weighing up security screen doors for your Perth home, the frame material matters just as much as the mesh. Get it right, and you’ll sleep soundly knowing your family is protected. Get it wrong, and you might face rust, warping, or a door that can’t stand up to a determined intruder.
At Clearview Security, we’ve been manufacturing and installing security doors across Western Australia for over 25 years. We’ve seen every combination of frame and Crimsafe mesh perform in Perth’s unique climate, so we know how important it is to make the right choice for your home.
Aluminium Security Door Frames
Using aluminium for door frames is the most popular choice for security screen doors in Perth. They’re light, rust-proof, and available in dozens of powder-coated colours to match your home’s facade.
Advantages of Aluminium Frames
- Naturally corrosion-resistant: Aluminium forms a protective oxide layer that stops rust, making it ideal for coastal suburbs.
- Lightweight operation: Hinged doors swing smoothly, and sliding panels glide with minimal effort.
- Wide colour range: Powder coating in Dulux or Interpon finishes gives you a seamless fit with any architectural style.
- Meets Australian Standards. When paired with 316 marine-grade stainless steel mesh and a quality three-point lock, aluminium-framed doors meet AS 5039.
- Cost-effective. Perforated aluminium security doors start around the mid-range price point, making them accessible for most budgets.
Disadvantages of Aluminium Frames
- Lower tensile strength. Aluminium is weaker than steel, so manufacturers use wider frame profiles to compensate.
- Impact resistance depends on mesh quality. The frame alone won’t stop a crowbar, which means that you need high-grade stainless steel mesh and proper fixing screws.
- Shorter lifespan in high-impact areas. In areas with repeated knocks, force, or stress, aluminium can bend or deform more easily.
Steel Security Door Frames
Steel frames deliver maximum protection when strength is your top priority. They’re common in diamond grille designs and heritage-style or decorative security front doors where slim sight-lines matter.
Advantages of Steel Frames
- Superior strength. Steel is much stronger than aluminium, which allows for slimmer frame designs without losing rigidity.
- Better fire performance. Steel offers stronger fire resistance, which makes it a better choice for homes in high-risk bushfire areas.
- Supports heavy hardware. Multi-point locks, deadbolts, and reinforced strike plates bolt securely into steel without flexing the frame.
- Ideal for decorative styles. Steel bar grilles and laser-cut patterns look crisp and hold their shape over decades.
Disadvantages of Steel Frames
Prone to rust. Untreated steel corrodes fast in Perth’s coastal climate. Even hot-dip galvanised and powder-coated steel needs regular washing to remove salt deposits.
Heavier installation. Steel doors weigh more, so installation takes longer and may lead to higher labour costs.
Smaller colour palette. Powder coating options are narrower compared with aluminium options.
How to Choose the Best Material for Security Screen Doors
Your decision hinges on three factors: location, threat level, and aesthetics.
Location and Climate
Perth’s coastal suburbs are frequently exposed to salty air, which can speed up rust on unprotected steel. If you live near the ocean, an aluminium frame paired with Crimsafe Ultimate’s stainless steel mesh will be the smarter long-term option.
Inland and regional properties face different challenges, especially in bushfire-prone areas. In this case, steel frames will cope better with extreme heat and can be built for stronger fire protection, making them the safer choice.
Strength and Security Needs
Both materials can meet AS 5039 when correctly designed. The real test is how the frame, mesh, and lock work together. The Australian Standards include 6 tests:
- Knife shear test: checks if a blade can slice through the screen mesh.
- Dynamic impact test: simulates a heavy object (like a brick) thrown at the door.
- Jemmy test: measures resistance to prying with a crowbar.
- Pull test: ensures screws and fixings won’t rip out under force.
- Probe test: checks if an object can be pushed through to create an opening.
- Shear test: measures resistance under strong force (like snips or heavy pressure).
Steel frames pass these tests with thinner profiles. Aluminium frames need thicker extrusions and higher-grade mesh to achieve the same results. Either way, the mesh quality and the manufacturing process also matter more than the frame alone.
Style and Seamless Fit
Aluminium wins for colour matching and custom-made security doors. Powder coating can replicate almost any shade, so your security doors blend with window frames, fascias, and rendered walls. In contrast, steel suits heritage properties where you want slim bars or ornate diamond grille patterns. The material holds fine details better and won’t sag over time.
Budget
Aluminium generally costs less upfront. Steel doors start at a higher price point due to material and labour costs. However, both options deliver long-term value when properly maintained.
Maintenance and Longevity of Both Materials
Aluminium
- Rinse your aluminium frame and stainless steel mesh every few months with fresh water.
- Use a soft brush and mild detergent to remove salt, dust, and grime.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that scratch the powder coating.
Steel
- Wash steel frames monthly if you live near the coast.
- Check for chips in the powder coat and touch them up immediately to prevent rust spreading underneath.
- Lubricate hinges and locks annually.
Protect Your Home With the Right Security Door Frame Material
You don’t need to guess which frame material suits your property. At Clearview Security, we assess your suburb, bushfire zone, and style preferences through a free quote. We’ll show you samples, explain test results, and custom-make a door that fits your openings perfectly.
Our team has been protecting Western Australian families since the late 1990s. We have showrooms in Osborne Park and O’Connor (by appointment only), and install across the entire Perth metro area. Ready to secure your family? Contact us today to book your free measure and quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a security door?
If raw strength and high Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating are top priorities, galvanised or stainless-steel framed doors excel. For corrosion resistance near the coast and lighter operation, powder-coated aluminium with 316 stainless mesh is a smart alternative that meets AS 5039.
How do I pick a security screen door?
Check the AS 5039/5041 compliance tag, frame material, mesh quality, multi-point locking, warranty length, and arrange a professional free measure for a seamless fit. Make sure to also ask about test certificates and local manufacturing.
What is the best type of security screen door?
Doors that combine a heavy-duty aluminium or steel frame with 316 marine-grade stainless mesh and triple locking typically outperform diamond grille or basic screen alternatives in every Australian Standards test.
