At the stage of building a house it is important not only to choose high - quality materials , but also to form a clear picture of the future interior. You should pay attention to both large and small objects, because each of them directly influences the comfort of the living environment.

Patio doors also belong to these objects. There are two main types of this very stylish element: sliding and folding doors. Both types of patio doors visually expand the space and provide additional lighting. Though, there are some differences between them. Let’s try to figure out what they are and how to choose the right patio door for your home.

What do we call patio doors and what are they made of?

Patio doors are functional constructions that give us access to outdoor spaces. It can be a terrace, spacious balcony or a backyard. The purpose of patio doors is the same as ordinary doors. However, they favorably stand out among others due to a large transparent surface. Glass doors can emphasize a stylish interior and provide better lighting.

Characteristics of patio doors:

1. High tightness. Patio doors are divided into 3 types according to tightness parameters – C, B and A, depending on the profile thickness.
2. Water resistance. Modern manufacturers use in the process of manufacturing of patio doors special seamed seals and certain solutions for door thresholds. This prevents flooding of the rain, creation of condensation and moisture retention.
3. Low UF- value. The coefficient for patio doors - 0, 9 W / ( m² K). This means that they prevent an excessive outflow of heat from the house.
4. High soundproofing. Patio doors usually consist of several glass elements, so they block out almost all sound that enters around the doors.

Additionally, let’s consider from which material the patio doors are made up of. The models presented for sale are made up of PVC, aluminum and wood.

Important: The most practical and at a favorable price are uPVC patio doors. PVC is a durable material, easy to care for and versatile to use. Minimalistic design makes this type of doors an ideal solution for almost any interior.

Filling is another important feature. PVC profile has a great amount of chambers, which are filled with air. They provide an optimal microclimate in summer and winter and protect from bad weather (wind, rain). There are one and double leaf PVC patio doors.

The most common widths of patio doors

There is a wide variety of patio door widths: 1465 × 2185 mm, 1465 × 2085 mm, 1765 × 2085 mm, 1465 × 2285 mm, 1765 × 2285mm and 1765 × 2185 mm. One leaf of 865 × 2295 mm, 865 × 2195 mm and 865 × 2095 mm. In order to choose an optimal variant for the house, it is important to take into account the parameters of walls and features of the premises.

Types of patio doors

While choosing patio doors, it is necessary to define what type of doors you need. On sale you can find two main types: PSK (sliding doors) and HST (lift and slide doors).

PSK sliding patio doors

Doors with a usual mechanism for many buyers. It is a combination of a tilt window and sliding doors. The construction consists of a profile which forms a frame, glass (there may be several panes) as well as hardware in the form of rails and guides. Door leaf can be opened in the usual way or by folding. Folding back of the leaf is provided by running and guide rails.

Benefits of patio doors:

• affordable price;
• ease of use;
• simple constructions;
• varied design.

The width of sliding doors models can reach 3 and more meters and provide wide opportunities for arranging the house. They are suitable for installation in cotteges, country houses, apartments, hotels, studio flats and other types of building.

ALT PSK patio doors provide easy access up to 2,8-2,9 m. Design of models is incredibly diverse and it’s easy to choose a variant for minimalistic, high-tech , modern, loft and other styles of design. The only point you must pay attention to is that there is a limited use of space in front of the leaves. The mechanism provides their opening for a certain distance, so objects and decor can’t be placed in front of them.

Important: If the budget is limited then it is worth considering sliding doors as they possess high quality and affordable prices for everyone.

HST lift and slide doors

Models of this category will become an excellent solution for spacious houses with large door openings due to the structure of the HST mechanism. Lift and slide patio doors consist of a glass pane, floor threshold, rails and lifting mechanism that includes compact rollers (wheels) and a pinion located in the door handle.

Lift and slide doors are opened in several steps. First, you need to turn the handle, slightly raise the moving part and then move it in the desired direction. One of the benefits of lift and slide patio doors is the possibility of using the space directly near the leaves. This makes them more convenient than PSK. Other benefits include:

• the possibility of using a glass pane of large sizes;
• maximum lighting;
• modern design;
• high tightness.

It is also necessary to consider the way of opening HST lift and slide patio doors. It can be electric and manual. In the first case, leaves start moving automatically. In the second case moving requires some effort.

Important: Lift and slide patio doors (HST) are usually equipped with massive door leaves. Their width can reach 10 m. If these are PVC patio doors the maximum width is 6.5 m.

What should we pay attention to while choosing patio doors?

Patio doors may become a harmonious and functional continuation of the interior of the room. It is only necessary to choose the right model according to several important criterias. The main of them are:

1. Types of doors. One leaf and double leaf models, as well as doors with a lift and slide (HST) and sliding (PSK) mechanism are available to buyers. While choosing them it is important to take into account the available space, the position of the door and ease of use.
2. Materials. PVC patio doors are on sale, as well as models with an aluminum and wooden base. The first option is the most popular, as it is practical and affordable.
3. Seizes.One leaf doors with a width of approximately 865 mm and a length from 2095 to 2295 mm are suitable for compact rooms. In spacious rooms double leaf doors can be installed with a width of 1465/1765 mm and a length of 2085 to 2285 mm.

It is worth paying attention to additional functions. PVC patio doors, aluminum and wooden models can be equipped with a soft closing mechanism, air vent strips, elements of protection against illegal entry and various blocking mechanisms.

Advantages and disadvantages of patio doors

Patio doors are an excellent solution for those who like a panoramic view of the area near the house. Through the glass surface, which the models are equipped with, residents will be able to observe the beauty of nature every day and get aesthetic pleasure. However, this is not the only advantage of the structure. There are several more reasons to buy patio doors:

1. Maximum width of the passage. Unlike ordinary patio doors, they provide an extremely large passage. Its width can be more than 8 m in the case of aluminum models and more than 6 m in the case of PVC patio doors.
2. Visual effects. Patio doors will provide sufficient lighting in rooms with small windows, as well as visually expand compact rooms.
3. Possibility of realization of original design projects. This is possible thanks to a wide choice of glass sheets sizes. In most cases, it refers to aluminum models.
4. Ease of use. PVC patio doors and models made of other materials are equipped with convenient mechanisms that move smoothly and do not create problems in operation.

As for the disadvantages, in this case there is a rather high price for some models.

How much do patio doors cost?

Buyers are usually interested in patio doors, the price of which does not exceed the limit of allowed budget. It is very easy to find such solutions, because the price range is wide enough. The cost mainly depends on several factors:

• material;
• manufacturer;
• parameters;
• type of door;
• mechanism;
• the presence of additional functions.

On average, the price of patio doors varies from 8 to 15 thousand zlotys (PLN). There may be more expensive variants. If you are interested in the exact price of a specific model, you should use the configurator available on our website.