Security Screens for Sliding and Stacker Doors – The Overview
June 2nd, 2026
Sliding and stacker doors are one of Australia’s most popular architectural features. They connect indoor living spaces to outdoor entertaining areas, which maximises natural light and creates the open plan lifestyle that Australian homes are built around.
They’re also one of the most important security screen specifications to get right.
What is the difference between a sliding door and a stacker door?
A standard sliding door typically consists of two panels, one fixed and one that slides horizontally along a track. The sliding panel moves behind the fixed panel to open.
A stacker door consists of multiple panels typically three, four or more that all slide and stack behind each other in one direction. Stacker doors create a much wider opening than a standard sliding door often three to five metres or more and are popular in contemporary Queensland and New South Wales homes where indoor-outdoor living is a priority.
Both door types share the same basic sliding mechanism but the security screen specification is different for each configuration.
What security screen options are available for sliding and stacker doors?
Single slide door – A single security screen panel slides in its own track parallel to the glass door. When the door is open the security screen remains closed. This keeps insects out and the home secure.
Double slide door – This is two security screen panels from either side meeting in the middle. Each panel would require its own lock.
Stacker door – A stacker door is 3 or more security screen panels. The primary panel the one that closes against the door jamb, carries the main lock. Additional panels are secured with a bolting system when stacked.
Corner stacker door – Panels stack into a corner, creating a fully open corner of the home. One of the most complex security screen configurations requiring careful specification of panel count, track alignment and locking system.
What Australian Standard applies?
Any product classified as a security screen for sliding or stacker doors must meet Australian Standards AS5039-2023. This is current standard for the design and performance of security screen doors.
AS5039-2023 requires independent testing across six categories:
- Knife Shear Test
- Pull Test
- Anti-Jemmy Test
- Impact Test
- Probe Test
- Corrosion Test
AS5039-2023 also introduced two dynamic impact testing categories:
- SL100 – withstands five impacts of 100 joules
- SL200 – withstands five impacts of 200 joules
All installations must comply with AS5039.2:2024 by a licensed installer.
What mesh should be specified?
Standard residential environments – SecureView EclipX specs 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh, 0.8mm wire, 940 MPa tensile strength, patented fixing system with 3M VHB adhesive, 1.575mm aperture, 42.71% open area.
Coastal environments within 500 metres of the coastline: SaltWaterSeries the same 316 marine grade mesh as SecureView EclipX but with additional protective frame coating independently tested to 3,000 hours under AS2331.3.1. The only dedicated extreme coastal security screen product in Australia. Backed by a 20 year extended warranty.
Stacker doors in coastal homes are a particularly important.
pecification; the wide opening typically faces the outdoor entertaining area which often faces the ocean or coastal view.
The locking system
The primary sliding or stacker panel, the one that closes against the door jamb, is fitted with a Lockwood triple point locking system as standard on all CommandeX security screens. This is compliant with AS5039-2023 and provides three point engagement against the frame.
Additional stacker panels that sit behind the primary panel are secured with a bolting system which results in pinning them in the stacked or closed position.
The midrail question
Standard security screen panels sometimes require a midrail, a horizontal bar across the middle of the screen on larger openings for structural integrity.
CommandeX’s patented fixing system, a two part wedge bonded with 3M VHB aerospace adhesive. This eliminates the need for midrails on most standard openings. This gives you an unobstructed view through the mesh and maximises airflow.
For stacker panels with dimensions above the standard maximum height above 3,100mm or width above 1,310mm a midrail may be recommended. Your licensed CommandeX dealer will advise based on the specific opening dimensions.
The interlocking panel system
For stacker door configurations the security screen panels need to interlock securely when closed, preventing the panels from being pushed apart at the meeting points.
CommandeX security screen panels for stacker configurations use interlocking extrusions at the frame edges. This ensures a strong and secure connection between panels when the screen is closed. This eliminates the gap that can exist between panels on poorly specified stacker screens.
Coastal specification for stacker doors
Stacker doors in coastal environments face an additional challenge the wide opening often directly faces the ocean or coastal environment. Salt air, humidity and wind-driven spray are more concentrated at these open outdoor living areas than almost anywhere else on the property.
For coastal stacker door installations, particularly within 500 metres of the coastline, the SaltWaterSeries is the appropriate specification. Standard 316 marine grade mesh is not sufficient for the frame coating in these conditions.
For a full guide to coastal specification read our blog – How to Specify Security Screens for Coastal Australian Builds.
Custom manufacturing for any configuration
Stacker door configurations vary enormously, panel count, opening width, track system, stacking direction and corner configurations all affect the security screen specification.
Every CommandeX security screen for sliding and stacker doors is custom manufactured to exact measurements by licensed dealers and installed to AS5039.2:2024. For retailers, trade professionals and architects they can order directly through Rockford Screens & Blinds CommandeX’s dedicated wholesale manufacturing partner with a guaranteed 10 working day turnaround.
FAQ
Can a standard hinged security door be fitted to a sliding door opening?
No. Sliding and stacker door security screens are specifically designed for the sliding track system. A hinged security door cannot be retrofitted to a sliding or stacker door configuration.
Do all panels of a stacker door need security screens?
Yes, for full security compliance all panels of a stacker door configuration should be fitted with security screens. An unsecured panel in a stacker configuration creates a vulnerability point.
What is the maximum size for a sliding security screen panel?
CommandeX security screen panels have a maximum height of 3,100mm and maximum width of 1,310mm. Height and width are interchangeable.
Can I get SaltWaterSeries for stacker doors in coastal areas?
Yes, SaltWaterSeries is available for sliding and stacker door configurations and is specifically recommended for coastal properties within 500 metres of the coastline.
Does a stacker door security screen need a lock on every panel?
The primary panel requires a Lockwood triple point lock. Additional panels are secured with a bolting system, not a keyed lock when in the stacked or closed position.