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What is a Patio Door? A Complete Guide for Homeowners

If you’re thinking about replacing your back door or planning an extension, you’ve probably come across the term “patio door” more times than you can count. But what actually is a patio door? And with so many different types available, how do you know which one is right for your home?

The simple answer is that a patio door is any door that connects your home to an outdoor area – usually a garden, patio, or balcony. Patio doors come in several different styles, each with its own characteristics and benefits.

At North East Bifolds, we get asked about the different types of patio doors often. So, let’s clear up the confusion and look at what each type of patio door offers.

Understanding the Term “Patio Door”

The term “patio door” is quite broad. It’s an umbrella term that covers any exterior doors designed to provide easy access between your living space and outdoor areas. What makes them different from a standard back door is their design focus – they prioritise natural light, views, and the flow between inside and outside.

Most patio doors feature large glass panels that maximise visibility and allow more natural light into your home than traditional back doors. They’re designed to make your garden or patio feel like an extension of your interior space, rather than something separate that you occasionally step out into.

External doors can come in various materials, but we exclusively use aluminium, and for good reason. Aluminium offers strength, durability, and the ability to create slim door frames that maximise glass area – all while requiring minimal maintenance.

The Different Types of Patio Doors

Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding doors are perhaps what most people picture when they hear “patio door”. These consist of large glass panels set in frames that glide horizontally along a track. Typically, one or two panels slide past fixed panels to create an opening.

The main advantage of sliding patio doors is their space-saving nature. Because they don’t swing open, you don’t need to keep floor space clear in front of them. This makes them an excellent choice for properties with smaller gardens or rooms where space is tight.

Sliding doors offer smooth operation and a clean, modern look. They work particularly well in contemporary homes but can suit traditional properties too, depending on the colour and finish you choose. The wide opening they create allows fresh air to circulate freely and provides uninterrupted views of your garden.

French Doors

Traditional French doors are the classic hinged option. They consist of two door panels that swing open, usually outwards, meeting in the middle when closed. They’ve been around for centuries and have a timeless aesthetic appeal that many homeowners love.

French doors work well in traditional homes where you want to maintain a period character. However, they do require clear space for the doors to swing open, both outside and potentially inside if you opt for inward-opening versions. This can be restrictive in smaller spaces.

While they offer good ventilation when fully open, the opening width is typically narrower than what you’d get with sliding or bifold options.

Bifold Patio Doors

Bifold doors, sometimes called concertina doors, consist of multiple panels that fold back on themselves, stacking neatly to one or both sides. They’ve become increasingly popular over the past decade.

The key benefit of bifold patio doors is the extensive opening they create. When fully opened, they can almost entirely remove the barrier between your home and garden. This makes them brilliant for entertaining and creates a real sense of bringing the outdoors in.

Bifold doors are a popular choice for extensions and open-plan living areas. They offer excellent thermal efficiency when closed and impressive flexibility when open. You can fold back just one or two panels for ventilation or open them fully for maximum access.

Comparing Different Styles

Each door style has situations where it works best. Sliding doors are ideal for properties where space is limited or where you want a simple, straightforward operating mechanism. They’re perfect for dining rooms and kitchens where you want furniture close to the doors.

Bifold doors excel when you want to create dramatic, wide openings and have the space and budget to accommodate them. They’re perfect for large family rooms, kitchen extensions, and opening up an entire wall.

Traditional French doors remain a good fit for period properties where maintaining character is essential, or for smaller openings where the swing space isn’t an issue.

The right patio door for you depends on your property, your space, how you’ll use it, and your personal preferences.

Our Patio Doors

We manufacture and install French, bifold and sliding patio doors in our Seaham facility, which means every door is made to measure and tailored precisely to your requirements.

Our patio doors are available for openings from 1.2 metres up to an impressive 9 metres wide, with heights up to 2.5 metres. This flexibility means we can accommodate everything from smaller openings to substantial glass walls.

For bifold doors, we offer configurations from 2 panels right up to 7 panels, allowing you to choose the setup that works best for your space. Sliding doors typically feature one or two panels that glide past fixed panels, depending on the width of your opening.

We offer various interlock sizes (the measurement where panels meet), ranging from a slim 20mm up to 90mm. Slimmer interlocks give a more minimal, contemporary look with maximum glass area, while wider options provide additional strength.

Colour options include classic white, popular anthracite grey, and bold black, plus we can match any RAL colour. Dual-colour options are available too, allowing different finishes inside and out.

At North East Bifolds, all our patio doors are fitted with the EROS 3 Star Cylinder lock, which offers one of the highest levels of security available. This gives you peace of mind that your home is well protected.

Making Your Decision

Choosing the right type of door for your home means thinking about several factors. Consider the available space both inside and outside, how you’ll use the doors day to day, your property’s architectural style, and your budget.

At North East Bifolds, we’re happy to talk through your options. We can visit your property, discuss how you use your space, and explain which type of patio door would work best for your needs. You’re also welcome to visit our Seaham showroom (open Monday to Friday, 7am to 4:30pm) to see the different styles in person and get a feel for how they operate.

For more information, or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, give us a call on 0191 581 3987, sales@northeastbifolds.co.uk or use our online contact form.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between sliding and bifold patio doors?

Sliding doors glide horizontally along a track with panels moving past each other, while bifold doors fold back on themselves like a concertina. Sliding doors are simpler with fewer moving parts, while bifolds can create wider openings when fully opened. Both offer excellent views and natural light – the choice depends on your space and how you want the doors to operate.

How long do aluminium patio doors last?

Aluminium patio doors can last up to 45 years. They’re incredibly durable and won’t rot, warp, or fade like some other materials.

Are patio doors energy efficient?

Yes – modern aluminium patio doors are highly energy efficient. They feature thermally broken aluminium frames that prevent heat loss, combined with high quality double glazing.