If you are thinking of installing sliding patio doors you need to decide on the type you want. Patio doors have been used for many years now and are very popular. These doors can be used on small openings, say 2.5 m, to larger openings of about 6 m. For the smaller openings two doors would be normal, running on a double track system. One door will slide to the rear of the other. For larger openings additional doors will be required, all sliding on three tracks.
Sliding doors can be described as door panels all sliding in line with each other. Other sliding door systems that are often used are sliding folding doors. This door system consists of many door panels connected to each other by hinges that slide in a single track. The doors fold and slide at the same time to one side of the opening and park against a side wall. A big advantage for these doors is that the usable opening, after the doors are fully opened, is up to about 90%. With sliding in line type doors, the useable opening will be as little as 50% for the two door arrangement.
The sliding and folding doors clearly provide the better usable opening possibilities but at a cost. Compared to the sliding in line doors they are a lot more expensive to purchase and install. They are used quite often in restaurants that have a terrace. During busy times, and weather permitting, the doors can be opened up fully, allowing access to the terrace and increasing the seated area for customers.
Patio doors are made from aluminium, wood and PVC materials. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, and are priced accordingly. Aluminium is probably the most expensive of the three materials. Aluminium is strong material therefore the physical frame dimensions are smaller than the other two materials resulting in slim line frames, increasing the area of glass and sight lines.