Who makes the best Sliding Glass Patio Doors?

Sliding glass patio doors are an elegant and functional feature that can transform any space by offering a seamless connection between indoor living areas and outdoor environments. Whether you want to brighten up your home with natural light, improve accessibility to your patio, or add a touch of modern design, choosing the right sliding glass patio door is essential. With so many options on the market, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure that your new door enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of your home. Read on to learn about the different options at the Sky House Design Centre. 

What are Sliding Glass Patio Doors? 

Sliding glass patio doors, sometimes referred to as sliding glass doors, consist of large glass panels that slide horizontally along a track. Typically, these doors have two or more panels, where at least one panel remains fixed, and another panel slides to open and close. The design is sleek and minimalistic, providing uninterrupted views of the outdoors and allowing for easy access between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Sliding doors are often composed of expansive glass panes, allowing for a clear view of the outdoors. This feature is particularly beneficial for homes with scenic backyard views or patios that serve as an extension of the living area. 

Types of Sliding Glass Patio Doors 

When it comes to sliding doors and the different types there are a number of choices you can choose from. Sliding glass patio doors come in various types, that offer unique benefits in terms of design, functionality and space. While all sliding doors operate on a horizontal track, the different configurations, materials, and styles can dramatically change the way they function and fit within your home. 

Pocket Sliding Glass Patio Doors

Pocket sliding doors function similarly to traditional sliding doors but with a twist. Instead of the sliding panel sitting in front of or behind the fixed panel, it disappears into a hidden wall pocket when opened. This creates a completely open doorway with no visible door. 

Lift-and-Slide doors

Lift and slide doors offer enhanced functionality and are often found in high-end homes. The mechanism allows the door to lift slightly off the track as you slide it, which reduces friction and makes the door easier to operate. 

Curved Sliding Glass Patio Doors

Curved sliding glass doors are a specialised type of sliding door system designed to fit along a curved track. Instead of the traditional straight configuration, these doors follow the contours of a curved wall or structure, creating a visually stunning effect. 

Open Corner Sliding Patio Doors

Open corner sliding patio doors are a stylish and modern architectural feature that creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design is perfect for maximising natural light, enhancing airflow, and creating a feeling of expanded living space, making them ideal for homes with outdoor patios, gardens, or decks.

What to Look for in a Sliding Glass Patio Door 

When selecting the best-sliding glass patio door for your home, consider the following factors: 

Glass Type: Energy-efficient glass is essential in a sliding patio door, especially for reducing heating and cooling costs. Look for double or triple-pane glass with Low-E (low emissivity) coatings, which help block UV rays and improve insulation. 

Size and Configuration: Sliding patio doors come in various sizes and configurations, including two-panel, three-panel, and even four-panel designs. Choose the configuration that fits your space and enhances your home’s indoor/outdoor connection. 

Finish/Material Timber is known for its affordability, low maintenance, and durability. Provides a transparent finish that highlights the natural grain and texture of the wood. 

Steel offers a classic luxurious look and is highly durable, has excellent security, thin frames, and an industrial appearance. Steel frames are often powder-coated for protection against rust and corrosion, and they come in a wide range of colours, including black, bronze and custom colours.

Aluminium is lightweight, strong, and low-maintenance, but not as energy-efficient unless it includes thermal breaks or added insulation. Aluminium is a lightweight material, which makes sliding door operations smooth and easy, even with large panels.

What are the best Sliding glass doors?

Here at the Sky House Design Centre offers a variety of high-end sliding door options as part of its architectural glazing showroom.  

Best for slim sightlines 

minimal windows Sliding Glass Patio Doors are ultra-slim framed sliding glass doors, best for slim sightlines, and provide a minimalist aesthetic with minimal visible framework. They are available in various configurations, including large glass panels that can reach up to 6 metres in height. This system offers a sleek design with frameless corner sliding doors, hidden thresholds, and smooth sliding functionality.

Best for Timber frames

Avino Vero, lift and slide doors combine aesthetics with performance. These doors are designed to integrate the natural beauty of timber with high-performance specifications suitable for modern architectural projects. Key features include minimal framing and options for lift and slide mechanisms, which enhance ease of operation while maintaining thermal efficiency. The Avino range offers a variety of options, including different timber types, finishes, and integrated shading systems which allow for a cohesive design throughout a project. 

Best for affordability 

The Sieger Slim Sliding Doors, available at the Sky House Design Centre, offer ultra-slim aluminium frames with sightlines as thin as 20mm. These doors are designed to maximise views and light, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. They can be customized for a range of project sizes, from large glass walls to smaller patio entrances. The Mondrian CWS 75 combines cutting-edge technology with elegant design, making it ideal for both residential and commercial spaces.

Best for unique frame designs

The Mondrian CWS 75 door is a premium steel-framed door system known for its sleek, modern design and exceptional performance.

The variety of sliding patio doors available means that you can find an option that fits your home’s style, your budget, and your space requirements. From traditional sliders and telescoping doors to pocket systems and French sliding doors, each type offers unique benefits. 

Best for Internal doors

Miro sliding doors are a high-performance, minimalistic sliding door system designed to create large, uninterrupted glass surfaces with ultra-slim framing. Known for their sleek aesthetic, Miro doors feature frames as slim as 24mm, maximising natural light and offering seamless views of the outdoors.

Looking to elevate your next project with sleek sliding glass patio doors?

Visit the Sky House Design Centre today to explore a stunning range of options and bring your vision to life!