Sliding patio doors help bring natural light into your home and can be an attractive feature of your property’s exterior. There is a range of designs and styles to choose from – inline sliding doors and lift and slide doors are two options with different operating mechanics. Learning the difference can help you in deciding which option would be best for you.
Aside from the appearance of each type of door, there are other key factors to consider, such as the configuration options, ease of access, effortless operation and more. Read on to learn about the benefits and applications for each type.
In this guide:
Read about the key benefits and main features of inline sliding doors.
We explain the key features and assets of lift and slide doors.
We discuss the key differences between inline sliding doors and lift and slide doors to help you in choosing the right option.
We provide tips on choosing the best sliding door option for you.
Discover Origin’s range of bespoke sliding doors.
We answer frequently asked questions on choosing between inline sliding doors and lift and slide doors.
Inline sliding doors – How do they work?
Inline sliding doors are the most conventional sliding patio doors that sit in either double or triple tracks, and are designed to allow the door to glide smoothly. You can choose between 2, 3, 4, and 6- panel configurations for an inline sliding door – covering an opening up to an impressive 13m wide.
These sliding doors can be made from aluminium, uPVC or timber, but some materials will increase the weight of the door and can affect the ease of operation. Inline sliding doors can be a smart investment because they maximise natural light and views of the outdoors. Aluminium inline sliding door frames allow for large panels to be achieved, and these give you excellent access to the garden and plenty of ventilation.
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Suitable for expansive openings, inline sliding doors have flexible configuration options, and these can be tailored to suit modest or generous spaces. In fact, sliding doors are a great option if space is limited, as there’s no inward or outward swing because all opening takes place on one track.
Some sliding doors, such as those manufactured from Origin, can offer very slim sightline options. These ensure you have the best view possible without compromising on performance, thermal efficiency or security. The inline sliding doors feature weighted bearings, so your doors can remain in your desired position without rolling back and forth on their own.
You can find out more about inline sliding doors by requesting one of our brochures.
What are lift and slide sliding doors?
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Lift and slide doors have three crucial components: the rollers, the sliding door track, and a door handle mechanism that has two functions: to secure the door and lift the door rollers onto the track. Turning the handle 180 degrees (towards the floor) will raise the door off its seal while deploying the rollers, allowing it to effortlessly glide across the track with less friction.
When the handle is turned upwards, the door will seal, and the rollers retract, coming off the track, even if it’s not in the closed position. The door will then become immovable, allowing you to secure it in an open position. This is ideal for balancing the operation of the doors and safety, in case young children attempt to slide the doors. Lift and slide doors can be manufactured in 2, 3, and 4 glass panel configurations.
Inline vs lift and slide doors – Key operating differences
The key difference between inline and lift and slide doors is how the doors open. Inline sliding patio doors sit within the top and bottom tracks and feature a running gear which is in permanent contact with the bottom track. On the other hand, with lift and slide doors, you lift the door panel onto its rollers by turning the handle.
Both doors are excellent options for bringing the outdoors in and saving space in a kitchen or conservatory; however, the inline door is preferable if space is limited or you want less of the door’s profile in view. Origin Doors feature slim sightlines for a sleek and modern appeal. Inline options are also the most versatile since they can include up to 6 sliding panels and cover ultra-wide or narrower apertures.
Comparing Costs and Installation between inline sliding patio doors and lift and slide
Inline sliders tend to be more affordable because the sliding mechanism is simpler, and they can be more lightweight (there is less door profile). However, this depends on your specific sliding door configurations, colour and other customisation options.
Installing inline sliding doors is also the most straightforward, helping to keep labour time and costs to a minimum. Origin Doors are designed to deliver superior performance, beauty, longevity and simplicity in both user operation and installation.
Are you considering getting an inline sliding door fitted? Find your local installer to find out more.
Lift and slide doors vs inline sliding doors – a comparison summary
| Feature | Inline Sliding Doors | Lift and Slide Doors |
| Ease of Operation | Easy, no need to lift the door onto its tracks. The doors just glide open | Simple, but does include an added step of lifting the door and setting into position |
| Lock in Place | No, but features weighted bearings | Yes, can stop in an open position |
| Configuration Options | Extremely versatile: available in 2, 3, 4, or 6 panel configurations, covering ultra-wide openings up to 13m | Versatile: available in 2, 3 or 4 panel configurations and can cover wide openings (brand-dependent) |
| Profile | Ultra-slim sightlines available, giving the most uninterrupted view | Typically, more robust sightlines, depending on the brand |
| Cost | More affordable | Less affordable |
| Thermal insulation | Unbeatable thermal efficiency with Origin | Can be competitive |
Which external sliding door is right for me?
Lift and slide doors can be particularly useful if you want to lock the doors in an open position for safety or ventilation reasons. From a thermal efficiency perspective, the OS-29+ Sliding Door from Origin can achieve market-leading thermal performance with U-Values as low as 0.78W/m2K. You can choose between triple-glazed or double-glazed sliding doors; your chosen installer can discuss the various types of glass available.
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If you prioritise a lightweight, ultra-slim yet strong sliding glass door, you may want to consider an inline sliding door. Available with up to six panels, inline doors are also the best choice if you want to fit a large opening.
We would also recommend an inline sliding door if you’re looking for a more straightforward option. Inline doors feature minimal sightlines and are a great option if you want to maximise garden views and natural light. The Origin OS-29+ Sliding Door, for example, offers impressive sightlines of just 29mm.
Explore Origin’s bespoke aluminium Sliding Doors
At Origin, we manufacture our products in Buckinghamshire, ensuring that every stage of development is met with meticulous attention to detail. As a result of our manufacturing processes, we can offer a selection of high-quality sliding doors with industry-leading features and a guarantee of up to 20 years. This includes the running gear, gaskets, locks, levers, and seals.
Our Origin OS-29+ Slider features ultra-slim sightlines. It is made from premium-grade aluminium and can accommodate panel sizes of up to 2200mm wide and 2620mm tall. With maximum sizes like this, it means there is a greater glass-to-frame ratio, contributing to a wall-of-glass effect. It provides a truly breathtaking spectacle. Moreover, Origin’s precision engineering ensures each door meets a high security and quality standard – read about sliding door security.
Interested in finding out more about our inline sliders? You can request a sliding door brochure here.
The is a modern take on the traditional patio door. It provides a tailored fit for virtually every space as each door is manufactured to your requirements and is available in three sightline widths: 29mm, 44mm and 77mm. Regardless of which option you select, these elegant patio doors let floods of light in for a functional yet modern interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What glass options are available for sliding doors?
Origin Sliding Doors can accommodate double or triple glazing and facilitate different types of glass, including laminated, annealed, acoustic, tinted, etc. We do not offer an installation service or source the glass, so you will need to contact a local installer to help you take the next step in transforming your home.
Should I choose double or triple glazing?
If you’re looking for a reasonably cost-effective option that will be reliable and won’t incur additional costs, double glazing is the way to go. However, if you’re willing to stump up the upfront costs for triple glazing, it may be a worthwhile option for the increased benefits of improved thermal efficiency.
Are sliding doors more expensive than bi-folds?
The price difference between these two-door types is fairly similar; however, sliding doors can work out cheaper than bi-folds. As the maximum sizes are often larger than those available on bi-folds, there is less aluminium used, which contributes to the reduced cost.
How do I maintain inline sliding doors to ensure long-term smooth operation?
Follow our routine maintenance guidelines, such as cleaning the tracks and frames regularly, and clear any debris from the sliding mechanisms. Also, keep on top of lubricating the trolley to maintain effortless operation.
When Should I Specify a Lift and Slide Door?
Lift and slide doors are helpful when you need to be able to lock the doors in your desired position while open. However, inline sliding doors are suitable for a wide range of applications and offer many advantages. Origin Doors feature weighted bearings - so will remain at the open position you place them in.
How do I maintain inline sliding doors to ensure long-term smooth operation?
Follow our routine maintenance guidelines, such as cleaning the tracks and frames regularly, and clear any debris from the sliding mechanisms. Also, keep on top of lubricating the trolley to maintain effortless operation.
When Should I Specify a Lift and Slide Door?
Lift and slide doors are helpful when you need to be able to lock the doors in your desired position while open. However, inline sliding doors are suitable for a wide range of applications and offer many advantages. Origin Doors feature weighted bearings - so will remain at the open position you place them in.
