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Patio glass doors
The back of the house is where most of our work happens. A patio glass door is usually the starting point – replacing an old double-glazed slider, opening up a kitchen extension, or fitting a new rear access door that actually performs in a London climate.
Most people know roughly what they want when they start looking: more light, a clear view of the garden, a door that opens smoothly and does not cause problems in ten years. The Patio glass patio doors may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
What is a patio door?
A patio door is a large glazed door designed to give access between the house and an outdoor space – a garden, terrace, decking, or side return. The term covers several door types, but in the UK it most commonly refers to a sliding patio door – a system with two or more large glass panels running on a track, where one or more panels slide horizontally to open.
The other door types frequently described as patio doors are French doors (two hinged leaves opening outward from the centre) and bifold doors (multiple panels that fold back like a concertina). All three are glazed rear access doors and serve the same broad purpose, but they work differently and suit different openings and property types.
Types of patio glass doors
The most widely installed type in the UK. Panels run on a top and bottom track. One panel is typically fixed; the other slides behind it to open. On modern aluminium systems, two, three or four panels can all be made to move. Sliding patio doors suit openings from around 1.5 metres up to 6 metres wide, need no swing clearance and give maximum glass area when closed.
Two hinged glazed panels opening outward from a central meeting rail. Suit narrower openings up to around 2.5 metres. Works well on period properties, Victorian terraces, and rear elevations where a hinged door is the natural choice.
Multiple panels that fold back in sections to open up to 90% of the frame width. Suited to wider openings – typically 2.5 metres and above. The right choice when maximum summer aperture is the priority.
What makes a good patio glass door?
A good patio door does four things well: it lets in light, it keeps heat in, it keeps intruders out, and it opens and closes smoothly for the life of the door. Here is how modern aluminium systems achieve that.
The brands we work with
Patio door colours and configurations
Panels
Two, three, or four panels. Two-panel suits most standard openings. Three and four panel configurations suit wider openings and kitchen extensions.
Colours
Any RAL or BS colour in gloss, matt or textured powder-coat. Anthracite grey, black and white are the most popular in London right now. Dual-colour — different inside and out — is available on most systems.
Corner systems
The Reynaers CP 130 and select Cortizo configurations allow two panels to meet at an external corner with no structural post.
Glazing
Double glazing as standard. Triple glazing available on all premium systems. Acoustic glazing for road-facing or urban openings. Solar control glazing for south and west-facing doors.
Thresholds
Low-profile aluminium threshold as standard. Flush-fit where the subfloor allows. Part M compliant on new build and extension work.
FAQ
A patio door is a large glazed door giving access between the house and an outdoor space. The term most commonly refers to a sliding patio door in the UK — two or more glass panels running on a track — but also covers French doors and bifold doors used in the same position.
In practice, they are often the same thing. A sliding patio door is the most common type of patio door in the UK - large glass panels that slide on a track to open. The terms are used interchangeably by most homeowners and installers.
"Patio door" describes where a door is used. "French door" describes the style. A French door fitted at the back of the house is a patio door in the French style. A sliding patio door is a different style of the same thing.
Aluminium patio doors have slimmer frames, last considerably longer, hold their colour without fading and can be made to larger sizes. uPVC costs less upfront and suits standard-sized openings on a tighter budget. For most London homes, aluminium is the better long-term choice.
Yes. All systems we install are PAS 24 certified with multipoint locking, anti-lift devices and Secured by Design compatible hardware as standard.
Most standard patio door installations take one day. Larger configurations or structural work may take two to three days.