When it comes to choosing the best patio doors, there are several options to consider that can change your user experience. You can choose from hinged doors that open like a traditional door, sliding doors that move smoothly, slide and stack doors that fold panes neatly, or bifold doors that open up an entire space. Each type of patio doors offers something different.

Today’s patio doors in the UK are made from a variety of materials, including aluminium, steel, PVC, wood, and even combinations of these. Each option combines modern design with solid security features, good energy efficiency, and dependable performance. In this article, Durajoin’s technical team will help you figure out which patio door is best for your needs in different situations.

Let’s Understand What is ‘Patio Doors’?

The term “patio doors” refer to all types of doors that provide access to outdoor spaces, such as patios and garden. Their primary function is to allow easy entry to these areas and facilitate ventilation by keeping the doors open on warmer days, effectively blending indoor and outdoor living. This category includes various styles of doors, including single doors, sliding doors, folding doors, and French doors (also known as double doors). All of these can be collectively referred to as patio doors.

When evaluating the best patio doors, it’s important to explore the different opening styles and materials available, going beyond just aluminium. This way, you can find the perfect fit for your space and lifestyle.

What Factor to Consider When Choosing Best Patio Doors?

When choosing the best type of patio door, several factors come into play, including the type of replacement needed, your budget, the type of property, and the various materials available. Additionally, consider how you plan to use the patio doors — whether to create a focal point, achieve a specific aesthetic, or meet particular functional requirements. It’s important to note that not every type of patio door will satisfy all needs. Therefore, it’s helpful to start by identifying the purpose of your new patio doors.

1. Are the patio doors needed to replace existing doors?
2. Do you need patio doors for a new house extension?
3. Do your doors need to operate in a specific way?
4. Are you aiming for a particular look?

Further considerations include size, budget constraints, planning requirements, and even colour options. It’s also beneficial to explore product suggestions and advice that cover various materials, not just aluminium.

Remember that when selecting new windows or doors, there is no such thing as a substandard product today, given that regulations, certifications, and established quality standards ensure they are fit for purpose. The two factors that can negatively impact patio doors are poor manufacturing and improper installation. Thus, a crucial aspect of finding the best patio doors is selecting the right company to manufacture and supply the product. So make your research easy, we have short listed best patio door supplier in London & Hertfordshire.

Take your time to consider your needs and preferences, and you’ll find the best patio doors for your home!

Choosing the Best Patio Doors Based on Your Usage

Patio doors serve more purposes than simply providing access to your garden. Factors such as property type, whether you live in a house or a flat, your location, and the number of doors in your home all influence the selection of the right patio door. If how you intend to use your doors is a key factor in your buying decision, we’ve made an effort to address various scenarios to help guide you.

1. Considerations for Choosing Patio Doors as Frequent Access Points

   Many properties, particularly those built in the 1980s and 1990s, often feature open green spaces in front and garages or parking areas at the back. This design commonly encourages residents to use the back of the house as the main entrance rather than walking around to the front door.

   It’s important to note that some bifold doors and sliding doors do not come with external key access. This is especially true for bi-folding doors that consist of an even number of panels folding in one direction. Therefore, when selecting these products, be sure to ask about the availability of external key access.

   For homes where the patio door serves as a primary entrance, single doors or French doors tend to be the best options. However, if you prefer bifolding doors, choose a model with a “traffic door,” which is a single hinged panel that functions like a regular door. This feature allows you to open the door for ventilation, take out washing, or let pets outside without having to fold back all the panels.

   If you live in a terraced house or any property that only has one set of doors leading to the garden, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your options to ensure the best user experience.

   Bifold doors are a great choice if configured with a traffic door. Sliding doors could also work well, as they can slide along a track and save space, although they tend to be heavier than bifold doors options. Lastly, classic French doors—with or without side panels—remain a popular choice as well.

2. Best Patio Doors for Accessibility

   It’s really important to think about homeowners who have special needs or disabilities. Fortunately, there are laws that make sure doors in stores and other public buildings are easy for everyone to use.

   For sliding or folding doors, one good way to help wheelchair users is to have a flat surface (flush threshold) where the door meets the ground. Even better, some folding doors come with built-in ramps or wheelchair-friendly threshold that make it easier for wheelchairs to roll over. Some of the top brands that offer accessible patio doors include SMART System, Cortizo, and Schuco. Having a ramp can really help, as it reduces the need to make extra changes to the doorway

   When it comes to French doors, aluminium profiles options also have a low threshold, which makes them a great choice for anyone looking for best accessible patio doors.

3. Doors Offering Both Sliding and Folding Features

   The standout patio doors that combine the benefits of bi-folding doors, sliding doors, and the convenience of a single back door while taking up less space are the slide and turn or slide and stack designs.

   One of the great advantages of slide and turn doors is their versatility, as they work well for small, medium, and large openings. They provide better ventilation compared to other patio door options and allow you to place furniture right against the panels, freeing up valuable space. While some users may find it inconvenient to move each panel individually, slide and turn doors are among the most functional patio door options available.

If you find yourself torn between a bifold and a sliding door, we highly recommend considering slide and turn doors. They may just offer the best of both worlds, so feel free to explore this option further or contact us for more information.

How Location Influences Your Patio Door Selection

When selecting patio doors, the location plays a crucial role in determining the most appropriate patio door type for your space. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of common locations for sliding doors along with the best door designs suited for each setting. This insight will guide you in choosing the ideal patio door that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal in your home.

1. Best Patio Doors for Balcony

When space is limited, such as on small patios or balconies, sliding patio doors are the best space-saving solution. Because these doors slide along a track, they do not occupy any outdoor space.

One downside of sliding doors is that you can’t access the full width of the opening. However, there are solutions to this issue. A double or triple track slider allows each panel to move independently, giving you the option to choose which door to open.

Another option is to consider bi-folding doors with smaller panels. Although this may mean having more panels, it minimizes the space occupied outside. If the interior space permits, bifold doors that open inwards can also be an excellent choice. Additionally, slide-and-turn doors with independently movable panels provide another effective solution for maximizing space.

 

2. Best Doors for Internal Use

Patio doors can serve various purposes, including acting as room dividers, separating a conservatory, or dividing a hallway. They are increasingly popular for use inside the home, especially with the current trend for steel-look and Crittall® style doors.

There is a wide range of options available for interior patio doors, including single-glazed bifold doors, top-hung sliding doors, steel frame interior french doors, and full frameless systems. Both aluminium and steel are ideal materials for internal patio doors, although timber options can also be effective. Many of these products feature a recessed track or threshold, and some designs do not require any threshold at all.

Notable brands such as SMART Systems and Schuco offer some of the best internal doors available. The Alitherm Heritage door profile from SMART is particularly popular in the UK. It meets British standards and is suitable for interior use. This door features a very slim aluminium frame that seamlessly blends with any modern interior design. It is ideal for heritage and refurbishment projects where replacing old steel windows or doors is necessary. Visit our project gallery get inspire.

 

3. Best Patio Doors for North, South East and West Elevations

Any door profiles, regardless of material, can be suitable for any elevation. Our advice here focuses on glass and how to achieve the best energy saving with patio doors.

If your doors are facing north or receive little sunlight throughout the day, choose doors profiles that offer high energy efficiency. In this case, aluminium work best, especially when paired with either triple glazing or double-glazed units that have a low U-value. Since north-facing areas receive limited sunlight, retaining as much heat as possible is essential. If you are building a new extension with a north facing elevation, consider incorporating larger windows and doors on that side. It allows more lights to enter in rooms as result less utilization of internal lights during daytime.

While south-facing doors are desirable, the downside is an abundance of sunlight and heat. For these conditions, consider using solar control glass (SN 70/35) or glass with built-in blinds in your patio doors. Again, triple glazing or low U-values paired with high g-value glass will help minimize heat loss in winter while keeping your room cooler during warmer months.

For patio doors on east and west elevations, the advice remains similar to that for south-facing doors, noting that these areas will not receive as much direct sunlight. Larger windows will increase solar gain, so consider using solar control glass or incorporating shading solutions.

Choosing the Best Patio Doors Based on Design and Style

If you have a specific aesthetic in mind, today’s patio doors can meet a wide range of design requirements. Below are some common design needs and the best patio doors that fulfil them.

 

1. Maximum views and large glass

When maximum views and large glass sizes are important, sliding doors offer the ideal solution. Whether you are replacing old doors or building a new extension, many people appreciate having better views. Sliding doors gives the least amount of visible aluminium frame and the most amount of glass available.

For the best views through closed doors and the fewest panels, sliding doors are the superior choice. Among various materials, aluminium sliding doors offer the thinnest sightlines. If you’re looking for options with minimal mullions, here are some aluminium sliding doors to consider.

For a seamless glass wall look, sliding doors with two panels work best. For example, the Slide 2000 from SMART System can extend over six meters with just two panels. When designing your new extension, using the current generation of slim patio doors will maximize glass visibility while minimizing the appearance of the frame. This often requires recessing the frame into the structure and creating a flush door track.

There are many ultra-slim sliding door options with minimal mullions available today. Popular choices include COR Vision by Cortizo, Invisoglide from SMART SYSTEM and Hi-Finity by Reynaers. At the high end of the market, consider the ASS 77 PD.HI by Schüco and Invisoglide, which are some of the best options available.

If you prefer bifold doors but want larger panels, there are one noteworthy products that feature door panels measuring 1.5 meters wide. Both the Schuco heavy-duty ASS model accommodate these impressive extra-wide panels. The advantage here is that many openings that would typically require four bifold panels can use just three with these models. Additionally, when closed, they resemble slimline sliding patio doors while allowing for the full opening that only bifold doors can provide, perfect for enhancing the space on warmer days.

 

2. Slimline Profile

Some properties, especially cottages and smaller houses, require new French doors. Many homeowners prefer avoiding the thick sightlines which often associated with uPVC and timber doors. If slim sightlines are a priority and you have a budget, nothing is slimmer than steel French doors, like those from Crittall® or other expert suppliers of steel glazing. Modern steel doors are not only thermally efficient but also super secure and built to last.

For aluminium French doors, consider options from Alitherm Heritage, Aluk, and Reynaers, all of which offer slim versions. You might also explore aluminium doors designed to mimic the appearance of steel, available with or without bars and grid patterns. Go with Heritage doors from SMART System.

Another excellent option is to look for two-panel bifold doors designed to function as French doors, which can also include side panels. We recommend the Origin OB-49, Visofold 6000, Sunflex SF55e, Schuco ASS70 and Sieger Lux. These thin bifold doors can serve as either French doors or single doors, offering a slimmer profile than traditional French doors. Check these options out or get in touch for more information—you’re likely to find a double bifold set that is slimmer in many cases than regular French doors.

 

3. Best Patio Doors for Open Corner Designs

If you’re planning a new extension and want a fully open corner, you have a couple of great options: sliding doors and bifolding doors. There’s even a frameless version available that has no visible mullions.

The choice of an open corner design will depend on your overall design and the aesthetic you desire with the doors open and closed. Sliding doors create an open corner with fewer visible mullions, larger glass panels, and better views when closed. However, keep in mind that when open, they will require space to slide and rest, which can limit the size of your opening. Pocket sliding doors offer a solution here, as they can slide into the wall.

Bifold doors also come in an open corner configuration with a movable post. This allows you to select the best doors based on sightlines, brand, or budget. Both sliding and folding doors can include a flush threshold and track. Additionally, products like Sunparadise’s Monoslide can follow corners, disappear from view, and maximize the available opening.

 

4. Industrial or Steel Style Doors

When it comes to steel-look patio doors, the genuine Crittall® steel doors stand out as the best option. Its timeless, luxurious, and iconic design is unmatched, making it the top choice for those seeking authenticity in their patio doors. However, it’s important to note that steel products typically come with a higher price tag, which may not fit many budgets and steel doors are not the best option when it comes to energy efficiency.

Among the best alternatives to genuine steel doors are the Alitherm series and its various versions, as well as brands like aïr MOD, Reynaers SL38, Aluco Aluminium, and similar products. These options offer an appealing steel look while being more budget-friendly. Durajoin has successfully completed numerous projects using Alitherm heritage door profiles throughout London, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and Hertfordshire. Our customers are very satisfied with Alitherm heritage doors.

 

5. Woodgrain Finish

The best patio doors with a woodgrain finish are those made from real wood, particularly hybrid patio doors that feature fine woods on the inside and aluminium on the outside. Whether you opt for hinged, folding, or sliding doors, nothing compares to the look and feel of genuine wood.

uPVC patio doors of all types are now available with beautiful plain or coloured woodgrain finish, making them a great alternative that is also more affordable. These modern options no longer have the cheap, tacky appearance of earlier generations of woodgrain plastic windows. Wooden finish uPVC doors come with higher price tag compared to plain white.

For aluminium options, the finest woodgrain doors include the foiled Liniar bifold doors and French doors under the Alumina name. Not only do they look stunning, but they also pair well with existing PVCu windows that may have been previously installed. Origin offers excellent woodgrain patio doors in their OB72 and OB49 bifold and French door models, as well as aluminium windows. Smart Systems also provides a Wood structure finish. There are other brands available, though they typically have longer lead times and are available through special orders.

Choose Patio Doors by Performance: Security, energy efficiency, and weather sealing.

Thanks to ongoing product developments, advancements in industry standards, and thoughtful design, most patio doors now offer commendable security, energy efficiency, and protection against various weather conditions. While some products may exceed basic performance standards, you can generally expect that all options—whether made of aluminium, uPVC, timber, or a hybrid material—will meet essential requirements. These include:

 

– A U-value of no more than 1.8 W/m²K

– Safety glass included as a standard feature in all doors

– Glass with a soft-coat low-emissivity coating, warm edge spacer bars, and argon gas fill for enhanced insulation

 

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation, particularly in compliance with Building Regulations when installing new doors or replacing outgoing doors and windows that include ventilation options like trickle vents.

Most patio doors are also designed to achieve excellent sealing capabilities, and many undergo rigorous weather and sealing tests to ensure their reliability. Overall, selecting the right patio door can significantly enhance the comfort and security of your home.

 

1. Best Energy Saving Doors

When considering energy efficiency, many products make reasonable claims. However, if you’re looking for the most energy-efficient doors, there are two strong options to consider.

First, the specification of the glass itself plays a crucial role. Generally, the better the glass performance, the more energy-efficient the product will be. Doors that incorporate more glass and less frame tend to offer greater energy efficiency and lower U-values. The greater the glass area relative to the frame, the lower the U-values should be.

If you’re searching for the most energy-efficient option that also feels warm to the touch, timber or hybrid patio doors (whether sliding, folding, or hinged) are often the best choices. The type of glass used also impacts results, with options for double or triple glazing available.

 

2. Best Secured Patio Doors

Security is a crucial factor to consider for patio doors, especially since they are often located at the back of the house and may be less visible. Fortunately, most materials—uPVC, aluminium, hybrid, timber, or steel—offer excellent security features. We always recommend our customers to go with Aluminium as it is very durable material.

Key design elements such as anti-lift blocks, internal glazing beads, glass locking clips, and the overall strength of the door profile all contribute to enhanced protection and security. While some products may have superior hardware, performance, and ratings, all reputable brands’ patio doors undergo the same rigorous security tests, regardless of whether they are made from metal, wood, or plastic.

To ensure you get more secure patio doors, consider opting for a full “Secured by Design” specification or an upgrade. This typically includes features such as laminated glass, higher security door cylinders, and other enhanced security measures.

How Price Influences Choices in Patio Doors

1. Best Patio Doors for Budget-Conscious Buyers

Not everyone is looking to spend a fortune on patio doors. Many individuals, like those renovating properties to sell, landlords refurbishing rentals, or homeowners replacing old or damaged doors, simply need functional solutions rather than the best options available.

For those on a budget, PVCu patio doors—available in sliding, folding, or hinged styles—offer an excellent choice. If you choose wisely, you can find some high-quality products. For instance, Liniar doors are slimmer than most, and their bifold options are well regarded. Additionally, Patiomaster sliding doors rank among the best in their category.

In the aluminium category, various affordable systems stand out, including offerings from Senior Architectural, Kestrel Systems, Exlabesa, Skyframe, Aluk, and Smart Systems. The price and quality can vary depending on the specific product and where you purchase it.

 

2. Best Patio Doors for Higher Budgets

Spending more money does not always equate to a better product. Larger budgets typically involve design requirements that are more specific or integrated into the overall project. In such cases, aluminium and hybrid wood-aluminium products are ideal, especially for more complex designs requiring integration with the property.

These materials offer superior quality and design flexibility. Shows like *Grand Designs* often feature aluminium and hybrid products, as they are commonly used in ambitious property builds and renovations. When planning a high-end project, it’s crucial to work with specialist installers, such as Express Bifolding Doors, ID Systems, IQ Glass, Cantifix, Sieger, and Solarlux, who have the expertise and complementary products related to glass and metal.

 

3. Best Patio Doors for Engineering and Design

There’s no single “best” product in this category, as it largely depends on various factors. However, certain systems tend to stand out, especially among architects who prefer them over more mainstream brands.

German-designed and manufactured patio doors, like those from Schuco, Sunflex, Solarlux, and Weru, are renowned for their engineering excellence. Additional reputable brands include Reynaers, Sunparadise, Kawneer, and Technal. For PVCu patio doors, Residence 9 and Liniar products are recognized for their refined styles, various finishes, and even timber-like French door designs. In the hybrid category, Centor, Internorm, Westcoast, Rationel, and Velfac are exceptional choices.

Centor patio doors are unique, utilizing only their hardware and being assembled before powder coating to ensure a flawless paint finish at the joints—something no other manufacturer provides.

 

4. Best Patio Doors for the Wow Factor

What constitutes the “wow factor” in patio doors? Is it the size, operation, colour, style, or high-tech features? The wow factor can manifest in various ways, but typically it includes grand sliders, wide and tall doors, minimal sightlines, or extreme dimensions.

At the high end of the market, you’ll find products like the Panoramah! or Cero sliding doors, which can reach impressive six-meter heights and extend over two floors. Other exciting options include HIRT Swiss Descending Windows that disappear into the floor, frameless structural glazing, and automatic sliding doors. Additionally, pocket sliding doors, pivot-opening doors, and doors that move around corners also fall into this category.

These premium doors are limited only by the size of the glass and engineering constraints. Materials may include aluminium, steel, fine woods on the inside with aluminium on the outside, and advanced frameless glazing systems.