Comparing Types of Sliding Doors: Buyer’s Guide

Types of Sliding Doors: Opening Methods

Modern sliding doors come in several distinct operating styles, each suited to particular spaces and requirements.

Traditional Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors move smoothly along a track system, with one fixed panel and one or more sliding panels. The sliding panels glide past the fixed glass on rollers housed within the door frame’s bottom rail. Most sliding door designs feature double-glazed panels in aluminium or uPVC frames, offering good thermal performance in British weather. The panels typically slide from right to left or left to right, depending on your preference during installation.

Multi-track systems allow for wider openings by incorporating additional sliding panels. Double-track arrangements accommodate two panels, while triple-track systems enable three panels to slide independently. The number of tracks directly relates to how many door panels can overlap when open.

Corner Sliding Doors

Corner sliding doors open up building corners by sliding away from a corner post that can be removed when the doors are fully open. The panels move along separate tracks that meet at right angles, creating a completely open corner when both sets of doors are pulled back. Their sophisticated running gear ensures smooth operation despite the complex corner configuration.

Slide and Stack Systems

Slide and stack doors, also known as slide and turn doors, combine sliding and pivoting movements. Each panel slides along a single track before pivoting at one end, allowing the panels to fold away and stack perpendicular to the frame. Unlike traditional types of sliding doors, these systems need more space at one end for the panels to stack, but they make up for it by offering near-total opening widths.

The running mechanisms feature specially designed carriers that both slide and rotate, supporting panel weights while maintaining easy operation. Top-hung versions place all the weight on the upper track, while bottom-rolling systems distribute the load through the floor track instead.

Types of Sliding Doors: Door Panel Configurations

The way sliding door panels work together determines how much space they need and how wide they can open.

Single Panel Systems

Single panel sliding doors suit smaller openings, typically moving along one track into a pocket or over a fixed pane. These doors need minimal frame space while still providing good access. The panel’s size depends on the opening width, though glass weight limits mean extremely wide single panels aren’t practical.

Single panels use either top-hung or bottom-rolling mechanisms. Top-hung doors hang from sturdy rollers in the head track, keeping the bottom track clear of debris. Bottom-rolling systems spread the door’s weight across the floor track, making them better for heavier glass panels.

Multi-panel Arrangements

Different types of sliding doors with multiple panels offer more options for large openings. Such as 3 panel sliding doors, which balance opening width with practical operation, multi-panel systems can span wider gaps than single-panel varieties. The panels stack behind one another when open, with each one sliding independently on its own track.

Panel configurations follow a straightforward naming system based on the number of moving and fixed panels. A door marked as 3-1-2 features three panels total, with one fixed and two sliding sections. Large sliding doors might use four or more panels, though this needs more wall space for the open panels to stack against.

Pocket Door Systems

Pocket systems disappear completely into wall cavities when opened. The cavity must be twice the panel width plus enough space for the running gear. While more complex to install than surface-mounted sliding doors, pocket systems save space and provide clean sightlines.

Pocket doors require careful planning during construction or renovation. The wall cavity needs proper reinforcement to support the door’s weight, and services like electrical wires must route around the pocket space. Some types of sliding doors with pocket systems use double pockets, letting two panels slide into opposite walls for extra-wide openings.

The wall cavity must stay completely plumb and level to prevent door binding. Special pocket door frames provide the necessary structural support while keeping the pocket space clear. Some modern systems include soft-close mechanisms that gently pull the door into its fully open or closed position.

Types of Patio Doors by Design

Modern sliding door designs range from minimalist glass panels to robust timber frames, each offering distinct visual and practical benefits.

Frameless Glass Systems

Frameless glass stands out among types of sliding doors for its pure, uninterrupted views. These systems use toughened or laminated glass panels up to 21mm thick, mounted in discrete top and bottom tracks. The glass edges remain exposed, while small metal clips or patches secure the panels in place. Special coating options help reduce solar heat gain in summer while maintaining good thermal performance year-round.

The glass used in frameless systems undergoes extensive tempering and testing to meet safety standards. Double-glazed units feature warm edge spacer bars and argon gas filling to improve thermal efficiency. Some manufacturers offer triple glazing for increased insulation, though this adds substantial weight to each panel.

Slimline Aluminium Doors

Slimline sliding doors feature thin aluminium frames that provide structural support while maintaining slim sightlines. Modern manufacturing methods allow frame sections as thin as 47mm, striking an ideal balance between strength and views. The aluminium undergoes powder coating or anodising to resist corrosion and maintain its appearance.

Slim profile sliding doors are often one of the most suitable types of patio doors for use in larger openings where frameless or traditional uPVC systems might prove impractical.

The aluminium frames house sophisticated multi-point locking mechanisms and brush seals to keep out draughts. Advanced thermal break technology prevents cold bridging through the frame, helping these doors achieve impressive U-values despite their slender profiles.

Timber Sliding Doors

Timber frames bring natural warmth and character to sliding door designs. Hardwoods like oak and meranti offer excellent durability, while engineered timber reduces movement and warping. Modern manufacturing combines traditional joinery with precise machining to create stable, weather-resistant frames.

Wood species selection depends heavily on exposure and finish requirements. Some manufacturers use modified woods that undergo chemical or heat treatment to improve stability. Factory-applied micro-porous finishes penetrate deeply into the timber, extending the time between maintenance cycles while allowing the wood to breathe naturally.

The growing demand for sustainable building materials has sparked renewed interest in timber types of sliding doors. Many suppliers now offer frames made from FSC-certified woods, ensuring responsible forest management. Advanced treatment processes and modern sealing systems help wooden frames match the performance of aluminium alternatives while providing superior thermal properties.

Types of Sliding Doors by Use Case

Location and purpose shape which sliding door system will work best in your space.

External Patio Doors

External types of sliding doors must handle British weather while connecting living spaces to gardens and patios. Modern aluminium frames with thermal breaks and multi-point locking systems provide excellent insulation and security. Double-glazed units filled with argon gas and featuring low-E coatings help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.

The latest patio doors offer impressive weatherproofing through advanced sealing systems. Brush strips and rubber gaskets prevent water ingress, while drainage channels in the bottom tracks direct rainwater away from the building. Threshold options range from standard raised profiles to low-level alternatives that reduce trip hazards.

Modern security features include multi-point locking mechanisms, anti-lift devices, and toughened or laminated glass. Some systems add extra protection through internally glazed panels that prevent the glass from being removed from outside. Hidden running gear and flush handles make it harder for intruders to gain leverage.

Internal Room Dividers

Internal sliding doors offer flexible space management between rooms. Glass panels allow natural light to flow between spaces while providing sound reduction when closed. Popular applications include separating living rooms from dining areas or creating temporary office spaces within larger rooms.

Different types of sliding glass doors suit varying internal applications. Frameless glass systems provide minimal visual interruption, while timber-framed options match existing interior woodwork. Top-hung systems eliminate the need for floor tracks, creating smooth transitions between room surfaces.

Conservatory and Extension Doors

Conservatories and extensions demand carefully chosen glazing systems that balance light, heat control, and ventilation. Large glass panels invite natural light while special coatings prevent overheating. Sliding doors in these spaces often feature solar control glass that reflects excess heat during summer months.

The glass specifications for conservatory doors often exceed standard requirements. Advanced units combine heat-reflective coatings with gas-filled cavities to regulate temperature throughout the year. Self-cleaning glass options reduce maintenance needs, particularly useful for hard-to-reach panels in tall conservatory installations.

Garden Room Access

Garden rooms and summer houses benefit from wide sliding door systems that open fully during good weather. Door panels stack neatly against walls or slide into pockets, creating unobstructed access to outdoor spaces. Bottom tracks can be partially recessed into the floor to reduce the step-over height while maintaining weather protection.

Threshold design proves particularly important for garden room applications. Rebated sills prevent water ingress while allowing easy access. Some manufacturers offer adjustable threshold systems that adapt to different floor levels between indoor and outdoor spaces.