What's the difference between patio doors and French doors?

Patio doors slide horizontally along a track, saving space as they don’t require clearance to swing open. French doors are hinged and open outwards or inwards, creating a wider unobstructed opening but requiring swing clearance. Patio doors suit space-constrained locations; French doors provide traditional aesthetics and full-width access.

Are patio doors suitable for upper-floor apartments?

Yes, patio doors are ideal for apartment balconies because they don’t swing outward into balcony space or inward into living areas. This makes them the practical choice for apartments, particularly where balcony space is limited or building regulations prevent outward-opening doors.

Do patio doors provide adequate security?

Yes, when correctly specified. Modern patio doors incorporate multi-point locking systems, anti-lift devices preventing forced panel removal, and robust tracks. Toughened or laminated glazing options provide additional security. We specify appropriate security features for ground-floor installations, social housing, and commercial applications.

Can patio doors meet accessibility requirements?

Yes, patio doors can be specified with low or level thresholds meeting accessibility requirements. Combined with smooth sliding operation, this makes them excellent for care homes, sheltered housing, hotels, and properties requiring wheelchair access or accommodating elderly or disabled occupants.

How do patio doors compare to bi-fold doors?

Patio doors are more cost-effective and have simpler mechanisms with fewer moving parts, making them reliable for high-use applications. Bi-fold doors fold away completely, creating wider unobstructed openings and a more contemporary aesthetic, but cost significantly more. For most applications, patio doors provide excellent value; for premium developments or where maximum opening width matters, bi-folds may be more appropriate.

Patio Doors - True Window & Glass Centre

Patio Doors: Space-Saving Sliding Solutions

Patio doors feature smooth-sliding panels that glide horizontally along a track, providing effortless access to gardens, patios, and balconies without requiring swing clearance. At True Window & Glass Centre, we supply and install high-quality patio doors in UPVC and aluminium, designed for projects where space efficiency, ease of operation, and large glass areas are priorities.

From apartments and modern residential developments to care homes, hotels, and commercial premises, our patio doors combine practical functionality with contemporary aesthetics and reliable performance. Manufactured to exacting standards and installed by our experienced team across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and the Midlands.

Colour Options

White remains popular for most residential and social housing applications, but contemporary colours including Anthracite Grey, Black, and Green suit modern developments and urban apartment buildings. Woodgrain finishes can be added, and two-tone options allow external colours and internal colours to match different colour schemes.

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Glazing Bars

Modern patio doors typically feature clean, uninterrupted glass maximising light and views. However, glazing bars can be incorporated where architectural requirements demand traditional appearance, developments requiring visual consistency with surrounding properties, or heritage-inspired modern developments. Applied glazing bars are available in various configurations.

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Hardware

Patio door hardware emphasises smooth operation and security. Handles are available in finishes including white, silver, chrome, black, and brushed options to suit different architectural styles. Multi-point locking systems engage at multiple points along the frame for robust security and anti-lift devices prevent forced panel removal – essential for ground-floor installations and commercial applications.

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Why Choose Patio Doors?

Patio doors solve practical challenges that hinged doors cannot address; particularly in properties where space constraints, ease of operation for vulnerable users, or large glass areas for maximum light are priorities.

Key Advantages:

Space-Saving Design
Patio doors slide within their own frame, requiring no clearance for opening panels. This makes them ideal for properties with limited patio space, furniture positioned near doorways, balconies where outward-opening doors would obstruct access, and apartments where internal space is at a premium.
Effortless Operation
Modern patio doors glide smoothly with minimal effort – crucial for properties accommodating elderly or disabled occupants and hospitality venues where staff and guests require easy access. Smooth sliding mechanisms suit users with limited strength or mobility better than heavy hinged doors.
Large Glass Areas
Patio doors maximise glazing, flooding interiors with natural light and providing uninterrupted views. Properties with attractive outlooks benefit from the large glass panels that patio doors accommodate.
Security When Specified Correctly
Modern patio doors incorporate multi-point locking systems, anti-lift tracks preventing forced removal, and toughened or laminated glazing options. When correctly specified, patio doors provide robust security suitable for residential, commercial, and social housing applications.

40+ Years of Expertise

Since 1983, we’ve been serving Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties with honest, reliable glazing services. Our longevity speaks to our commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

With over 2,000 happy clients across the region, we’re proud to be Lincolnshire’s first choice for windows, doors, and conservatories.