Patio Doors
Patio Doors
There are many patio door options to choose from. Our friendly, experienced staff are here to help you make the right decision for your home.
Bi-Fold Doors or Sliding Doors: Which is right for me?
The two most popular choices for patio entrances are Bi-folding doors and Sliding doors. Below is a breakdown of how they work and what you should consider for your project.
Bi-fold Doors
One of the most popular choices of patio doors is our Aluminium Bi-folding doors. There are lots of different systems on the market but how do you know what patio door is right for your project?
When designing your project always take the following into consideration. The maximum width of a Bi-folding panel is 1.2m (1200mm), so to maximise the amount of glass and minimise the amount of frame it is always good to take these measurements into consideration. For example, if you wanted to have a 3-panel Bi-folding door then the maximum size of the aperture should be 3.6m (3600mm). Please bear in mind that some Bi-folding door manufacturers will only make panels to 1m (1000mm) in order to provide you with a guarantee. This is all again depending on what system you would like to use. The standard profile width of a Bi-folding door panel is 70mm. You can achieve smaller sightlines but please bear in mind that the price may increase the slimmer you go. All Bi-folding doors consist of 2 panels that have a hinge in the middle to help them fold. We always believe it is best to have an odd number of panels as this will create the possibility of having a lead door that can be used more in everyday life and will also create more options for configurations.
Whichever Bi-folding door system you choose will create an opening that will allow lots more light and space to your project. Bi-folding doors are available in UPVC, Aluminium and Timber.
Sliding Doors
Another option for your patio doors is our sliding doors. Again there are lots of different sliding door systems on the market and this option tends to be slightly more expensive than the Bi-fold option. The reason for this is that the glass panels can be a lot larger with sliding doors because there is no hinge for the glass to weigh down on. There really aren't many limitations for sliding doors and the sizes they can go however you do have to take into consideration installation logistics. The maximum size of a pane of glass that can be lifted by 4 men is approximately 2m x 2.5m (take into consideration when designing openings). Anything bigger than this and you would then have to factor lifting equipment into your budget and even the possibility of dispensation for delivery. Frame sizes again are standard 70mm profile, however, slimmer sightlines are available but again the slimmer you decide to go you will notice the price tends to increase. If you have large panels it may be an idea to go for a lift and slide system which essentially has a handle that will lift the panel as it slides in order for less force to be used and a smoother movement. Different systems have different mechanisms and you will find that the options can be overwhelming but as long as you think of how you will use the doors in your everyday life it will help you considerably when making your decision. The sliding panels are made telescopic so each panel can slide behind the other. One of the most important things to know is that the more panels you have sliding, the thicker the track will need to be on the floor. Too many panels would create an unsightly amount of guides and tracks on the floor. As the glass can be bigger on sliders it will always create a lot more light into a room than a Bi-fold door ever could but remember with sliders there will always be a pane of glass blocking the aperture. Sliding doors are available in UPVC, Aluminium and Steel.
All across the country people are upgrading their homes with either of these systems and enjoying the benefits.
Aluminium Bi-Folding Doors
Bi-folding doors are a modern favourite. They consist of panels that fold back against each other like an accordion, allowing you to open up your wall completely.
Key Design Considerations:
Panel Width: The maximum width for a single panel is usually 1.2m (1200mm). To maximise glass and minimise the frame, try to work within these measurements.
Aperture Size: For a 3-panel door, your maximum opening size would typically be 3.6m.
The "Lead Door": We recommend choosing an odd number of panels. This allows for a "lead door" which acts as a standard swinging door for everyday use without having to fold the entire set back.
Materials: Available in uPVC, Aluminium, and Timber.
Pro Tip: The standard frame width is 70mm. While slimmer sightlines are available, keep in mind that the price usually increases as the frames get thinner.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding doors are an excellent alternative, often chosen because they allow for much larger panes of glass than Bi-folds.
Key Design Considerations:
Larger Glass Panes: Because there are no hinges to support the weight, sliding glass panels can be much bigger. This provides an unobstructed view of your garden.
Logistics: A standard glass pane (approx. 2m x 2.5m) can be lifted by four men. Anything larger may require special lifting equipment and delivery permits, which can impact your budget.
Mechanism: For very large panels, we recommend a "Lift and Slide" system. This uses a handle mechanism to lift the panel slightly, making it glide smoothly with very little effort.
Floor Tracks: Sliding panels are telescopic. Note that the more panels you have, the thicker the floor track will need to be.
Materials: Available in uPVC, Aluminium, and Steel.
Patio Door Options
Bifold Doors
Bifold doors are the show stopper in any property. Howe owners are updating their homes with Bi-fold doors as they are great way to transform any room.
Read more
Sliding Doors
If you want more glass and less frame then Slimline sliding doors are the way to go. If done correctly, Sliding doors really can offer the wow factor.
Read more
French Doors
French doors are available with add-ons to make sure they can match as close as possible to the units they may be replacing. A popular choice for extensions
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Entrance Doors / Front Doors
Entrance doors can come in all different shapes and sizes not to mention the different materials, we have a wide selection to choose from.
Read more
Which Style Suits Your Project?
Choose Bi-Fold Doors if:
You want to open your wall completely to the garden.
You like the look of multiple glass panels.
You want a dedicated "traffic door" (lead door) for quick access to the garden without moving the whole system.
You are working with a standard-sized opening.
Choose Sliding Doors if:
You want the maximum amount of glass and the fewest frame interruptions.
You want the best possible views when the doors are closed.
You have a very large opening and want massive, floor-to-ceiling glass panes.
Space is tight on your patio (Sliding doors don’t need "stacking" space outside or inside).
Key Technical Differences
The Opening: Bi-folds fold away to give you 100% of the space. Sliders always have one pane of glass overlapping another, so you usually get a 50% to 75% opening.
The View: Sliders have much thinner vertical frames (sightlines) because the glass panels are wider.
The Floor: Bi-folds use a single track, while Sliders may need a "multi-track" system if you have three or more panels sliding behind each other.
Upgrade Your Home Today
Homeowners across the country are upgrading their properties with these modern systems. Whether you want the seamless transition of a Bi-fold or the expansive views of a Slider, Thames Windows and Doors can help you design the perfect entrance.