Choosing
Plastic vs Aluminium Curtain Tracks
Compare strength, lifespan, flexibility and suitability before choosing a curtain track material.
TrackFit guide
Plastic vs Aluminium Curtain Tracks
Quick answer
Aluminium is usually the better long-term option for professional installations because it is stronger, more rigid and better suited to long spans, curves and heavier curtains. Plastic remains useful for lightweight curtains and simple domestic windows.
Where plastic tracks work well
Where plastic tracks work well should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
Why aluminium is usually stronger
Why aluminium is usually stronger should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
- Check the fixing surface before ordering.
- Allow enough room for the curtains to move freely.
- Match the track and gliders to the curtain weight.
- Plan the finished appearance as well as the practical operation.
Long spans, bends and heavy curtains
Long spans, bends and heavy curtains should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
Cost versus lifespan
Cost versus lifespan should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
- Check the fixing surface before ordering.
- Allow enough room for the curtains to move freely.
- Match the track and gliders to the curtain weight.
- Plan the finished appearance as well as the practical operation.
How to choose
How to choose should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
TrackFit installer note
A reliable installation comes from matching the track, brackets, fixings and curtain load as one complete system.
Professional installation
Need your curtain track fitted properly?
Send us your postcode, measurements and photos. We can assess the track type, fixing surface and access before providing a quotation.
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Are plastic curtain tracks strong enough?
Are plastic curtain tracks strong enough depends on the track system, curtain weight and fixing conditions. Check the manufacturer's guidance and assess the full installation rather than one component alone.
Do aluminium tracks glide better?
Do aluminium tracks glide better depends on the track system, curtain weight and fixing conditions. Check the manufacturer's guidance and assess the full installation rather than one component alone.
Can aluminium tracks be bent?
Can aluminium tracks be bent depends on the track system, curtain weight and fixing conditions. Check the manufacturer's guidance and assess the full installation rather than one component alone.
Which material lasts longer?
Which material lasts longer depends on the track system, curtain weight and fixing conditions. Check the manufacturer's guidance and assess the full installation rather than one component alone.
Keep reading
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