Find The Best Sliding Doors For Your Patio or Home: Buyer’s Guide

Improved Access to Outdoor Areas

Sliding patio doors make accessing outdoor areas like patios and gardens easier. They create a wide opening, for example providing direct access to an outdoor dining area, which is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor meals.

Look for low or flush threshold patio doors to eliminate any potential trip hazards and improve accessibility further, for wheelchair users or the elderly.

Traditional Sliding Doors

Traditional sliding patio doors have a straightforward design with one fixed panel and one or more movable panels that slide along a track. This simple mechanism makes them reliable and easy to maintain. Traditional slide doors are perfect for homes with patios or gardens. For instance, installing them in a modern home with an open-plan kitchen can create a direct connection to the garden, ideal for families who enjoy outdoor dining or hosting garden parties.

Pocket Sliding Glass Doors

Pocket sliding doors are designed to disappear into a compartment within the wall when opened, saving valuable floor space and creating a clean, unobtrusive look. This feature is particularly useful in smaller homes or flats where every inch of space matters. For example, in a compact flat, pocket sliding glass doors can be used to separate the kitchen from the living room, allowing the kitchen to be closed off when needed without taking up extra space. Choosing a finish that matches the wall colour helps maintain a cohesive and uncluttered appearance. Light-coloured doors can make small spaces feel larger and more open, contributing to a more comfortable living environment.

Modern sliding patio doors are available in various materials, including uPVC, aluminium, timber, and composites. The best sliding glass doors for one project may differ to another; each type of sliding door provides unique benefits that can be tailored to fit specific needs and design preferences.

Low-E glass, with its special coating, reflects heat back into the room during winter and keeps it out during summer. This can be particularly beneficial for south-facing homes that get a lot of sunlight. For instance, a family living in such a home might choose Low-E glass for their patio doors to enjoy natural light without worrying about excessive heat.

Another important feature is thermal breaks, especially in aluminium frames. These non-conductive sections prevent heat transfer. Imagine a modern home with large aluminium sliding slimline doors; incorporating thermal breaks ensures that the home remains energy efficient while maintaining a sleek design.

Further security can be achieved with additional measures like security bars and alarms. Installing a security bar across the sliding door track is a simple but effective way to prevent the door from being forced open. This added measure can provide homeowners with extra peace of mind.

When choosing sliding exterior doors, it’s essential to think about your home’s style and specific needs. For instance, if you live in a contemporary home, sleek aluminium sliding doors with large glass panels can create modern look and let in plenty of natural light. These doors not only look stylish but also create a bright and airy atmosphere in your living space.

Accurate measurements are crucial for a proper fit. Measuring the height and width at multiple points can help account for any variations in the opening. This is particularly important in older homes, where walls and door openings might not be perfectly square. Imagine replacing old wooden doors with new sliding ones in a Victorian terrace; careful measuring ensures the new doors fit seamlessly, preserving the home’s charm.

One common issue with DIY installation is misaligned tracks, leading to doors that stick or don’t seal properly. Such problems can result in drafts or security concerns. Professional installers have the expertise to avoid these pitfalls, ensuring your doors operate smoothly and securely.

Lubrication is another key task. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers ensures they remain smooth and functional. In a busy household, where doors are constantly being opened and closed, regular lubrication can prevent wear and tear. Think of it as oiling a bike chain – it keeps everything moving smoothly.

Sometimes, issues like sticking doors or faulty locks can arise. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent them from becoming more serious. For instance, if you notice your doors are starting to stick, checking the tracks for debris and ensuring they are aligned can often solve the problem. Similarly, a lock that isn’t working might just need a bit of cleaning or a minor adjustment.

While DIY might seem cheaper, professional installation ensures the doors are properly fitted, which can prevent issues down the line.

Whilst in general, energy efficient sliding patio doors cost more, they may save you money longer-term (not to mention the environment!). Look for products with a low “U-value” – the larger the number, the more heat is lost through the doors and the higher your heating costs.

If you consider the looks, material, installation, and energy efficiency, and request quotes from multiple providers, you should be able to select the best patio doors for your needs.

How Much Do Sliding Patio Doors Cost?

The cost of sliding doors varies. Materials play a big role in determining price. uPVC sliding doors are typically the most budget-friendly, with prices starting at around £1500 including installation for a small opening (2 to 3 metres). Aluminium doors are somewhat more expensive, starting around £2000 including installation. Large sliding patio doors are available for opening sizes of up to 10 metres by 3 metres or more – expect to pay £5000 to £10000+, especially if made-to-measure ones are required or you have unique structural needs. The thermal performance is even more important with larger installations, because the area of glass is higher. Sliding glass doors with larger frames are typically much more affordable than the slimmest ultra slim sliding doors, although for many the visual appeal of slimline sliding doors makes the extra cost worthwhile.

Customisation options, such as the type of glass used (e.g., double glazed or triple glazed) and additional features like Low-E glass, can also affect the price. For instance, opting for triple glazing might increase the initial cost, but it offers better insulation and energy savings in the long run.

Installation costs should also be included in your budget. Professional installation can add several hundred pounds to the overall cost, but it ensures the doors are fitted correctly and function smoothly. For example, professional installation for a standard set of sliding doors might cost between £200 and £1000, depending on the complexity of the job. Many manufacturers and suppliers of glass doors and windows provide free installation.

Vision Glass Doors is a designer, manufacturer, and installer of premium door systems. We are a family run business with over 20 years’ experience and 5,000 installations across the UK.