Sliding doors help bring outside light into your home and can be an attractive finish to your property’s exterior. There are a range of designs and styles to choose from, and knowing the difference between an inline sliding door and a lift and slide door can help you in deciding what 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 and more. In this guide, we look at the features of inline sliding doors and lift and slide doors to help you decide what kind of sliding door will be best for you.
Inline and lift and slide doors are attractive options for bringing outside light in. Read the benefits of both options & how to choose the best option for you.
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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 – the key benefits and features
Inline sliding doors are conventional sliding doors that sit in the track and are designed to allow the door to glide smoothly. You can choose between 2, 3, 4, and 6-panel setups for an inline sliding door.
These sliding doors can be made from aluminium, UPVC or timber, but some materials will increase the weight and the effort in which you must exert to slide the door. Some consider inline sliding doors to be superior to bi-fold doors as they maximise the potential view of your space and because they can be made with large panels, it means the amount of doors required to open is typically less than bi-folds, all at a price that is fairly comparable.
Inline sliding doors are flexible, versatile and ideal for both small and large openings. A compact option, these 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. They also offer very slim sightline options, ensuring you have the best view possible.
You can find out more about inline sliding doors by requesting one of our brochures.
So, what are lift and slide doors?
Lift and slide doors have three main components: the rollers, the track that the rollers glide across, and a door handle mechanism that locks the door and can be used by lifting the handle of the door up or down 180 degrees. Lifting the handle of the door will raise the door onto the rollers from a position that is flush with the ground, allowing it to seamlessly glide across the track. When the handle is pulled down, the door will seal, and the rollers will come off the track. The door will then become immoveable, allowing you to lock it in an open position. This is ideal for ensuring the safety of children who may attempt to slide the doors.
Lift and slide doors can be manufactured in 2, 3, and 4 glass panel configurations and tend to carry increased weight versus inline sliding doors; however, they are easy to slide regardless of weight as a result of the rollers.
Inline sliding doors & lift and slide doors – the key differences
The key difference between inline and lift and slide doors is how the doors open. Inline sliding doors sit within the tracks and are held in place at the top and bottom, and are fitted with a running gear in the bottom part of the door which helps them move within the track. In lift and slide doors, on the other hand, you lift the door panel onto its rollers by turning the handle. Inline sliding doors typically weigh up to a maximum weight of 200kg per door sash, whereas lift and slide doors, in certain systems, can reach 400kg. However, due to the mechanisms in place - lift and slide doors will be just as easy to open as inline sliding doors.
Both doors are excellent options for bringing the outdoors in and saving space; however - the inline door is preferable if space is limited. Inline sliding doors can also be a more attractive option if you’re looking to hide the frame of the sliding door, as it is more compact and requires less space. Inline sliding doors also feature slimmer sightlines, allowing you to have the best view possible. In terms of cost, inline doors are a slightly more affordable option due to the simplicity of their configuration. Offering up to 6 panels, inline doors are also a more ideal solution if you are interested in a larger number of panels.
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
| Factor | Inline sliding doors | Lift and slide doors |
|---|---|---|
No. of panels | 2 - 6 | 2 - 4 |
Size range (metres) | 1.228m - 13.2m | 1.2m - 6m |
Max weight (kilograms) | 200kg | 400kg |
Lock in place function | No, but is fitted with weighted bearings | Yes |
Choosing the best option for you
Lift and slide doors are an excellent option if you’re looking for a configuration that can handle the largest of weights. This model may also be ideal if you are concerned about the safety of young children, as they are lockable in the open position. They can also have slightly greater thermal efficiency than inline doors. However, with manufacturers such as Origin being able to manufacture doors that can accommodate double or triple glazing, you pick the glazing (and subsequent thermal efficiency) that’s right for you. Your chosen installer will talk you through this process.
If you are interested in a lightweight, ultra-slim yet strong sliding glass door, you may want to consider an inline sliding door. Allowing up to six panels, inline doors are also the best choice if you want a large number of panels. We would also recommend an inline sliding door if you are looking for a more cost-effective, minimalistic option than a lift and slide door. Inline doors feature minimal sightlines, and are a great option for you if slim sightlines are your priority. The Origin Artisan Sliding Door, for example, offers impressive sightlines of 20mm.
Explore Origin’s bespoke 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 are able to offer a selection of high-quality sliding doors with industry-leading features such as a guarantee of up to 20-years on parts that supports the frame, including the running gear, gaskets, locks, levers, and seals.
Our Origin Artisan Slider features ultra-slim sightlines of just 20mm. It is made from premium grade aluminium and can accommodate panel sizes of up 2200mm wide and 3000mm tall (or 6sqm overall). This combination means less door frame and more natural light is achieved. It provides a truly breathtaking spectacle. The minimum individual panel size for the Origin Artisan Slider is 550mm wide and 1600mm tall. The Origin Artisan Slider also has a multi-point security lock system, so you are guaranteed security and peace of mind in your home.
Interested in finding out more? You can request a sliding doors brochure here.
The Origin Patio Slider is a modern take on the traditional patio door. It provides the perfect fit for every type of home, as it is made completely bespoke, with two sightline options available. The Origin Patio Slider can accommodate a maximum panel size of 2000mm wide and 2520mm tall. The OS-44, the slimmer of the two systems, has sightlines of just 44mm. This maximises the glass and the level of natural light which floods in. The OS-77, with marginally larger sightlines of 77mm, creates an elegant and more traditional style of patio system.
Request a sliding doors brochure here to find out more about the Origin Patio Slider.
Frequently asked questions
How do lift and slide glass patio doors work?
There are rollers connected to the locking mechanism of the door so that when you lift the door handle, the door will raise, allowing the rollers to run along the track underneath the door. When the handle is pulled down, the rollers will come off the track, and the door will be locked.
What glass options are available for sliding doors?
The Origin Artisan Slider (OS-20) comes with the glass bonded to the frame. The Origin Patio Slider (OS-44 and OS-77) accommodates double and triple glazing, and could allow for different types of glass, whether it be 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.
Which external sliding door is right for me?
This answer depends on your budget and what requirements your property has. If you’re working to a smaller budget, and have a smaller area to fill, then an inline sliding door will be cheaper and offers slimmer sightlines. However, a lift and slide door may provide an additional level of safety for young children. The running mechanism on Origin Sliding Doors does feature weighted bearings, so that when the doors are in their desired position, the doors won’t move.
Should I choose double or triple glazing?
If you’re looking for a reasonably cost-effective option that will be reliable and won’t offset any further 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.
Are sliding doors more expensive than bi-folds?
The price difference between these two-door types is fairly similar; however, sliding doors will become much more expensive if larger glass sheets are used. Your decision comes down to the best type of door for your space.
