FRAMELESS OR SLIDING GLAZING?

For balconies in Alanya, most owners choose one of two systems: frameless "cam balkon" glazing or sliding aluminium glazing. Both suit a warm climate, but they differ in looks, convenience and cost. Here we compare them on the points that really matter by the sea.

The two systems in brief

Frameless glazing is toughened glass with no vertical frames. The panels slide to one side and fold back like a book, opening the balcony up completely. At the top and bottom, the glass is held in aluminium profiles.

Sliding glazing uses panels in aluminium frames that run along tracks, like a wardrobe door. Only part of the opening can be opened at once, but the design is simpler and cheaper.

Both systems are what is known as cold glazing: they protect the balcony from wind, rain, dust and insects, but they do not turn it into a heated room. With Alanya's mild winters this is usually enough, which is why these two options are chosen for most apartments in residential complexes.

Comparison on the key points

The figures in the table are minimum prices per square metre including installation. The final total depends on the height of the opening, the number of corners, the glass thickness and the profile colour. The frameless system costs more because of the toughened glass and more complex hardware, but many owners feel the view from the balcony is worth the difference.

What matters by the sea

Living near the sea adds three factors: salt, wind and sand. Keep them in mind when choosing:

• Wind. On high floors and on the seafront, glass thickness and the quality of the catches matter. The toughened glass of a frameless system can take the load, but the panels must lock securely in the closed position.
• Salt. Aluminium profiles and hardware need a high-quality coating, and the rollers should be made of corrosion-resistant materials.
• Sand and dust. The bottom tracks of both systems need regular cleaning, otherwise the panels start to stick.

For more on looking after your units, see our article on window care by the sea.

Whichever system you choose, by the sea it is worth going for a profile with quality powder coating or anodising, and hardware made of stainless materials. Cutting corners on these details soon shows: the rollers start to squeak and spots of corrosion appear on the metal.

Also consider the floor you live on. Wind loads are much higher on upper floors, so the surveyor may recommend thicker glass or extra catches, even if the balcony looks sheltered.

When to choose frameless

• You value the sea and mountain views and want to open the balcony fully in summer.
• Your complex has rules about keeping a uniform façade.
• The balcony is used as an open-air seating area, and the glazing is mainly for protection from wind, dust and winter rain.

Frameless glazing looks especially good on balconies with a sea view: when closed, the glass barely interrupts the panorama, and in summer the balcony becomes open again. For safety, these systems usually come with locks and panel catches, which is important if there are children in the home.

When to choose sliding

• You need a more budget-friendly option for a long balcony.
• The balcony is used for storage or drying laundry, and opening it fully is not essential.
• You want a simple, straightforward design that is easy to maintain.

If you plan to turn the balcony into a heated, year-round room, neither of these systems is ideal — it is better to consider insulated PVC glazing from €140/m².

A sliding system also works well on long balconies and loggias where saving money matters and the balcony rarely needs to be opened fully. It is also easier to repair: rollers and seals can be replaced quickly, and parts are readily available.

About the price

The final cost depends on the area, height, number of corners, glass thickness and profile colour. An average balcony costs from around €700. For a detailed breakdown of the price factors, see our article on how much balcony glazing costs in 2026.

If you are unsure, it helps to price both systems for your own balcony: on a small area, the difference between sliding and frameless glazing is often smaller than the price per square metre suggests.

Free survey and side-by-side comparison

Our surveyor will bring samples of both systems, show you how they work and prepare quotes for both so you can compare. The visit is free; indicative prices are on our prices page. Phone and WhatsApp: +90 535 556 85 25.

Frequently asked questions

See also