THE ULTIMATE BUYER’S GUIDE TO
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing sliding doors. We shed light on what you need to know before you buy
We know daylight has a huge impact on our health and wellbeing so the more of it we can introduce into our homes the better. Glazing, of course, plays a key part in achieving the right balance of light, along with the orientation and layout of a home.
If you’re self building or extending then you’ve got a great opportunity to consider how glazing will play a part in creating a light-filled home. And patio doors will certainly be on your shopping list. While there are many styles to choose from – bifold, French doors, Belgium (or Crittall) doors, for example – sliding doors are a firm favourite with homeowners.
SO WHY ARE THEY SO POPULAR?
Design iterations of sliding doors have evolved since their popularity in the 1960s, when frames were pretty flimsy, the glass wasn’t shatter-proof and locks weren’t very substantial. Now, their slim, often aluminium, frames (or sightlines) are a big draw because it means more glass, and more glass means more light in and extended views out. Some frames are as little as 20mm thick, which means when they’re closed they won’t obstruct the view, and when they’re open you’ll benefit from feeling like both spaces are connected, especially if you opt for a level threshold (more on this later).
The good news is they’re ideal for almost any type of project. “Although typically, because of the larger openings, they are best suited for newly formed openings on extension or self-build projects,” says Edward Stobart, head of projects at IDSystems. “Their large panes of glass perfectly suit every style of home, whether paired with the crisp render and timber cladding of a contemporary new build or as a contrast to a more traditional period property.”
From aesthetics to thermal efficiency; from security and frame material to manufacturer warranties — there are a lot of things to tick off to ensure you invest in the right sliding doors. Here’s how to buy the right ones for your project.
WHERE TO START
As well as falling into the right price bracket, the sliding doors will need to work aesthetically with your home – you won’t want them jarring with your windows or the overall look of your home, inside or out – and you’ll want them to be robust enough to withstand constant use.
But before venturing out to buy, consider a few questions first, to really establish if sliding doors are the right choice:
● Do you need easy access outside to the garden?
● Do you want to maximise views outside?
● Are you extending and want light to reach deep into the existing floorplan?
● Do you want a large opening?
