Guide to Modern Patio Doors: Types, Styles, Materials & More

Choosing the right patio doors is an important decision for any home. Modern patio doors offer a range of styles and materials, each with its own advantages. New materials, improved glazing technologies, and innovative opening mechanisms have expanded the options available to UK homeowners. This article will discuss these developments and provide information on current patio door designs suited for various property types.

Types of Modern Patio Doors

Slim-Frame Sliding Doors

Modern sliding patio doors have come a long way from their bulky predecessors. The latest designs feature slim frames that minimise visual obstruction and maximise the glass area. These doors allow more light to flood into your home, creating a brighter, more spacious feel.

Manufacturers now produce frames as thin as 20mm, a far cry from the chunky profiles of yesteryear. This reduction in frame size doesn’t compromise strength or insulation. Advanced materials and engineering ensure these slim-frame doors remain robust and energy-efficient.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors slide into a concealed wall cavity when opened. This clever design completely removes the door from view, offering unobstructed access to your outdoor space. Pocket doors work particularly well in homes where space is at a premium, as they don’t require any clearance area for opening.

Lift-and-Slide Systems

For those seeking smooth operation in larger door panels, lift-and-slide systems offer an excellent solution. These contemporary modern patio doors use a mechanism that slightly raises the door when the handle is turned, allowing it to glide effortlessly along its track.

The lift-and-slide mechanism supports heavier glass panels, which means you can opt for larger doors without sacrificing ease of use. When closed, these doors settle back down onto their seal, providing excellent insulation and weather protection.

Slide and Turn Patio Doors

Slide and turn patio doors, also known as pivot sliding doors or slide and stack patio doors, offer a unique blend of functionality and style. These innovative systems combine the space-saving benefits of sliding doors with the wide opening capability of French doors.

Unlike traditional sliding doors, each panel in a slide and turn system can pivot 90 degrees after sliding. This design allows for a more flexible opening, as you can choose to open just one panel or the entire system. When fully opened, the doors stack neatly against one another, creating an unobstructed passage between indoor and outdoor areas.

Multi-Track Configurations

Multi-track sliding doors allow multiple panels to slide independently, stacking neatly to one or both sides of the opening.

With multi-track configurations, you can create openings of virtually any size. Some systems allow for up to seven tracks, enabling truly expansive glass walls that blur the line between indoors and out. This flexibility makes them ideal for properties with large openings or for those looking to maximise their view of the garden.

Small modern patio doors also benefit from multi-track systems. In compact spaces, having the ability to partially open a door or create a small opening can be incredibly useful for ventilation without sacrificing too much interior space.

Glass patio doors in multi-track configurations offer unparalleled customisation. You can choose to open a single panel for quick access or slide all panels to one side for a grand opening during summer gatherings.

Materials and Frame Options

Modern patio doors come in a variety of materials, each offering distinct benefits for homeowners. The choice of frame material affects not only the door’s appearance but also its durability, thermal efficiency, and maintenance requirements.

Thermally Broken Aluminium

Aluminium has become a popular choice for modern sliding patio doors due to its strength and sleek appearance. Thermal breaks in aluminium frames create a barrier between the indoor and outdoor sections, reducing heat transfer and improving insulation.

The strength of aluminium allows for slimmer profiles in modern patio doors, increasing glass area and views. This material resists warping and corrosion, making it particularly suitable for coastal areas where salt air can damage less robust options.

Powder-coated finishes on modern aluminium patio doors offer a wide range of colour choices, such as anthracite grey, black, white, or vibrant colours. Homeowners can match their doors to existing décor or create a striking contrast with bold hues. These finishes are also highly durable, resisting fading and chipping over time.

Modern uPVC Profiles

Advancements in uPVC technology have led to improved profiles for modern patio doors. These newer designs offer better structural integrity and thermal performance compared to older uPVC models, addressing previous concerns about durability and efficiency.

uPVC remains a cost-effective option for modern patio doors. It requires minimal maintenance, resists fading, and doesn’t need painting or staining. Current manufacturing processes have also improved the aesthetic appeal of uPVC, with options that convincingly mimic the look of timber.

Multi-chambered uPVC profiles in modern patio doors provide excellent insulation. These chambers trap air, creating additional barriers against heat loss and improving the overall energy efficiency of the door system. This makes uPVC a practical choice for energy-conscious homeowners.

Glass and Glazing Choices

The glass used in modern patio doors plays a big role in their performance and appearance.

High-Performance Double Glazing

Modern patio doors typically feature double glazing as standard, but the technology behind these units has advanced considerably. Many now incorporate warm edge spacers, which reduce heat loss around the edges of the glass. This small change can notably improve the overall thermal efficiency of modern patio doors.

Argon or krypton gas between the panes further boosts insulation in modern patio doors and windows. These inert gases conduct less heat than air, resulting in better temperature control inside your home. Some manufacturers offer triple glazing for even greater thermal performance, though this option adds weight and cost to the doors.

Large Format Glass Panels

One of the defining features of modern sliding patio doors is their ability to incorporate large glass panels. Advances in glass manufacturing have made it possible to produce bigger, stronger panes that can withstand the stresses of daily use and varying weather conditions.

These expansive glass panels in modern patio doors create stunning, uninterrupted views of the outdoors. They also allow more natural light into your home, potentially reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. However, it’s important to balance the desire for large glass areas with practical needs like privacy and glare control.

Solar Control Glass

Solar control glass is an increasingly popular option for modern patio doors, especially in south-facing installations. This specialised glass allows light to pass through while reflecting a substantial portion of the sun’s heat.

By incorporating solar control glass, modern patio doors can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without relying heavily on air conditioning. This type of glass also protects furniture and flooring from UV damage, preserving the colour and integrity of your interior furnishings.

Bifold Doors and Glazing

While not sliding doors, bifold doors are worth mentioning. Bi-folding doors, sometimes referred to as concertina doors or folding doors, often use similar high-performance glass options to balance light transmission, thermal insulation, and sound reduction.

External glass doors, including both sliding and bifold options, benefit from advancements in safety glass technology. Toughened and laminated glass options provide added security and peace of mind, reducing the risk of injury if the glass breaks.

Energy Efficiency Features

Modern patio doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. Today’s designs incorporate several features that work together to improve thermal performance.

Multi-Chamber Frame Designs

The frames of modern patio doors often feature multiple internal chambers. These chambers act as additional barriers against heat transfer, improving the overall insulation of the door system. In uPVC and aluminium frames, these chambers are filled with air or foam insulation, further boosting their thermal properties.

Some modern patio doors use up to seven chambers in their frame design. This multi-chamber approach not only improves energy efficiency but also adds structural strength to the door, allowing for larger glass panels without compromising performance.

Weather Sealing Advancements

Modern patio doors employ advanced weather sealing techniques to prevent drafts and water ingress. High-quality gaskets and brush seals are strategically placed around the door frame and between moving parts. These seals compress when the door is closed, creating a tight barrier against the elements.

In slide and stack door systems, which are a type of modern patio door, each panel typically has its own set of seals. This ensures that the door remains weathertight regardless of how many panels are opened or closed. The result is improved energy efficiency and better protection against harsh weather conditions.

Low-E Glass Coatings

Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are a common feature in the glass used for modern patio doors. These microscopically thin, transparent layers of metal or metallic oxide are applied to the glass surface. They work by reflecting heat back into the room during winter and reflecting the sun’s heat during summer.

Modern patio doors with Low-E glass help maintain a stable indoor temperature year-round. This reduces the workload on heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy consumption. Some advanced Low-E coatings can even be tuned to suit specific climates or orientations, optimising performance based on a home’s location and design.

Thermal Breaks in Aluminium Frames

Aluminium, while strong and sleek, is highly conductive. To address this, modern sliding patio doors made from aluminium incorporate thermal breaks. These are non-conductive materials inserted between the inner and outer parts of the frame, effectively reducing heat transfer.

The thermal break in aluminium modern patio doors can be made from materials like polyamide or polyurethane. These materials create a barrier that can reduce heat loss by up to 60% compared to non-thermally broken aluminium frames. This innovation allows aluminium doors to compete with other materials in terms of energy efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Modern Patio Doors

Are modern patio doors suitable for period properties?

Modern patio doors can indeed be suitable for period properties, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary performance. Many manufacturers now produce designs that complement older architectural styles while providing the benefits of modern technology. For instance, you might opt for French patio doors with slim frames and period-appropriate hardware, or choose patio doors with Georgian bars to echo traditional window styles.

How do French patio doors differ from sliding patio doors?

French patio doors typically consist of two panels that swing open from the middle, while slide doors glide along a track. French doors offer a traditional look and can open fully, but require more clearance space. They’re often chosen for their classic aesthetic and ability to create a wide opening when both doors are open.

Why choose aluminium patio doors over other materials?

Aluminium patio doors offer several advantages. They’re strong and durable, allowing for slimmer frames and larger glass areas. Aluminium resists corrosion, making it ideal for coastal areas. These doors are also low-maintenance and can be powder-coated in a wide range of colours to suit any home style.

How can I ensure privacy with glass patio doors?

There are several ways to maintain privacy with glass patio doors. You can choose frosted or textured glass, which allows light in while obscuring the view. Another option is to install blinds or curtains. Some patio doors can even have blinds between the panes of glass (known as integral blinds).

Can patio doors be customised?

Yes, patio doors offer many customisation options. You can choose from various materials like uPVC, aluminium, or timber, and select from a wide range of colours and finishes. Frame styles, hardware options, and glass types can also be customised to match your home’s aesthetics and meet your specific requirements.

Can double doors be used as patio doors?

Yes, double doors are a popular choice for patio doors. They offer a wide opening when both doors are open, creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Double doors can be designed to match various architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary, making them a suitable option for many homes.

What security features do modern patio doors offer compared to standard exterior doors?

Today’s patio doors incorporate many of the same security features found in high-quality exterior doors, often with additional measures. These can include multi-point locking systems, laminated or toughened glass, and anti-lift mechanisms for sliding doors.

How do the designs of modern patio doors compare to interior sliding doors?

While interior sliding doors typically focus on space-saving and room division, modern patio doors take these concepts further. Patio doors often feature more robust construction to withstand external conditions, higher-grade insulation, and weather-resistant seals. However, both share sleek, space-efficient sliding mechanisms, and the aesthetic principles of modern interior sliding doors often influence patio door designs, creating a cohesive look throughout the home.