Stylish, practical, and durable, the main points to consider when choosing a new sliding patio door system are:
- Door material e.g. timber, aluminium, uPVC
- Sightline dimensions & number of panels
- Security & weather resistance
- Colour options
- Energy efficiency
- Inline or Lift & Slide opening
- Insurance backed warranties
- Cost
What is the best material for sliding glass doors?
Each patio door material offers a range of different benefits, so it’s all a question of what is most important to you. For absolute clarity, here is a helpful comparison table for quick reference.
| Timber sliding patio doors | Aluminium sliding patio doors | uPVC sliding patio doors | |
| Feature | |||
| Size capability | Medium / Large | Large | Medium |
| Panels | Up to 6 | Up to 6 | 2, 3, or 4 |
| Lift & Slide | No | Yes | No |
| Security | High | High | High |
| Colours | Range of woods and stains | Unlimited RAL colour options | Standard colour options |
| Energy Efficient (rating / U-value) | 1.8 or below | 1.6 | 1.4 |
| Glazing | Double | Double / triple | Double / triple |
| Specialist glazing available? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weather resistance | High | High | High |
| Guaranteed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Medium – High | Medium – High | Low – Medium |
Inline or lift & slide patio door, what’s the difference?
Inline sliding patio doors use the traditional sliding mechanism, sitting within the frame and using the weight of the doors to move them back and forth. This makes them preferable in smaller spaces like balconies but can fully accommodate both small and large openings alike.
Lift & slide patio doors sit directly on the track when closed and are lifted onto the track (or rollers) in the open position by the handle. This modern sliding door mechanism considerably reduces the friction on the door track, making the heaviest doors easy to open which is perfect for sizeable contemporary patio door systems that incorporate large swathes of glass.
Superb sliding patio doors in Guildford, Wimbledon & Esher
P&P Glass offers plenty of glass products to suit a range of needs and desires. Whether you require classic timber sliding patio doors to complement a heritage home improvement or slimline Anthracite Grey aluminium sliding doors tailored to a modern transformation, we are confident you can find what you’re looking for.
Request a quote, visit your nearest showroom, or contact us to find out more.
Related topics:
What is the best type of patio door?
