Exterior sliding doors can be the ultimate finishing touch to a home. At Origin, our Doors are completely bespoke and offer a large range of configurations. So, regardless of your patio door aperture size, you can find the perfect fit for your unique space.
In this guide:
Discover the available sliding door configurations and how they might function in your home.
Read what to consider to find the optimal number of sashes for your sliding door.
Learn some of the factors that could affect your configuration decision.
Read about the Origin difference and experience design excellence with the new OS-29+ Sliding Door.
We answer frequently asked questions on choosing your sliding door configuration.
What are the Possible Sliding Door Configurations?
Your sliding door configuration refers to the number of panels (also called sashes) and the ratio of fixed to sliding panels. It also determines how your doors will open and where your lead door is.
We can manufacture configurations with two, three, four or six panels. They can combine sliding and fixed panes to optimise functionality.
Choosing the right configuration mainly comes down to the overall size of the aperture it’s going into. It’s often favourable to opt for the minimum number of sashes for your aperture as it maximises natural light and outdoor views due to larger glazed areas, but it is up to you. For example, for an aperture size of 3 metres, you can opt to have it made up of two, three or four doors. And the direction in which they open is up to you.
For two or three panel configurations, if you choose a fixed pane to the left, your doors will open from the right, and vice versa. However, for more flexibility, you can have all panels sliding. The image below shows the opening possibilities with two or three sashes.
Six and four-door configurations will open from the middle. If you require this kind of set-up, consider how this will impact the operation of the doors and ensure it meets your practical requirements.
Your chosen configuration will also dictate what track option you will have (whether it be a double track or a triple track). A triple track allows three sashes to slide over one another (used for three or six-door configurations), and a double track is used for two or four-door sliding door systems.
Regardless of the base track option that comes with the door, the OS-29+ features a concealed running gear, which helps create a seamless transition and a sophisticated look. Each door is meticulously crafted for long-lasting beauty, smooth operation, safety and high security. Learn more about our Sliding Door brochure.
How Many Panels Do You Need?
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In most cases, your aperture will determine which series of panels, sashes and configurations that are available to you. It’s typically best to opt for the minimum number of panels possible. Fewer panels will, minimise the amount of profile on show, let light flood in, and maximise the views of your outdoor area due to a larger expanse of glass.
Origin can manufacture a maximum individual panel size up to a vast 2.2m due to the strength, durability and engineering of our aluminium frames. We only use premium grade aluminium, and each British-made door is manufactured to an impeccable standard. For complete confidence and peace of mind, we offer a guarantee of up to 20 years.
Configuration Considerations and Customisations
When choosing a configuration, there are a couple of things to bear in mind such as ease of access, aesthetic appeal and budget.
Ease of access
Unlike bifold doors which fold and stack away; when your sliding doors are open, there will always be one sash visible. You will need to ensure that your configuration allows practical access the outdoors without obstruction. If your doors open in both directions, you will need to ensure that there is level ground on either side of the door to step onto.
Aesthetic appeal
Origin Sliding Doors offers some of the slimmest sightlines available, helping provide a nearly uninterrupted view of the garden area. However, the more panels you include, the more profile will be on show. Additionally, when the doors are open, there will always be one sash in view, so this could influence your choice. By selecting a recessed handle on the OS-29+, you can achieve flush stacking for a more seamless and modern look.
Budget
Choosing fewer sashes will provide aesthetic advantages, but it also comes with affordability benefits too. If you choose to include more sashes, the cost of your set will increase. So, if you’re deciding between more or fewer panels, the financial advantage can help secure your decision.
Bespoke doors for unusual architectural spaces
Sliding doors are an ideal solution for atypical spaces, because they don’t need to fold away or hinge open like bifold doors or external French doors with a simple hinged mechanism. Moreover, because Origin Doors are bespoke and made-to-measure, they can fit into almost any aperture. Even for larger openings, the OS-29+ can be made as large as 13.16m, or can be coupled with fixed frame windows for a vast design statement (structural support for coupling may be required, so please speak to your installer for more details).
Precision-Engineered Sliding Doors by Origin
Origin offers sliding doors with three different sightline options – 77mm, 44mm and 29mm. Each is available in either two, three, four or six-door setups – covering up to 13.16m in width. You can select an ultra-slim sightline for a seamless view, or larger sightlines for a more classic look. The doors can also be specified with horizontal glazing bars for an effortlessly stylish and striking set.
The innate strength of aluminium allows our sliding doors to support large glass panels and slim sightlines without compromising on performance or thermal efficiency. In fact, the OS-29+ can achieve impressive U-Values as low as 0.78W/m2K due to our advanced polyamide thermal breaks.
Every bespoke product that leaves our facility meets our exceptionally high standards, and the Origin Slider is no different. Precision engineering, innovative designs and attention to detail ensures that your doors operate seamlessly and look beautiful, now and long into the future.
A local installer can help talk you through the different configuration options and how to choose the best option for you.
You can view our full range of sliding doors here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sliding door panels can you have?
Two, three, four or six sashes.
Which direction should a sliding glass door open?
Your door can open either from the left, right or in the middle. This is dependent on your configuration chosen.
How do you measure a sliding glass door to replace it?
You’ll need to work with a local trade partner who will measure up, liaise with us, order your bespoke door and then install it. To start a project, find your local installer here.
Can sliding doors match other windows and doors?
Yes, with over 150 RAL colours, three sightline options and other stylistic customisations to choose from, it’s straightforward to match your existing style. Alternatively, you can choose for your sliding doors to contrast your current fenestration.
How does a three-panel sliding door work?
You can either have two sliding panels and one fixed, or all three panels can slide. You can choose where you would like the fixed pane to be, and then this would dictate where the lead door is.
Can glass be replaced in patio doors?
Yes, the sliding door glass can be replaced if it gets damaged. Origin only manufactures the aluminium frames - we do not supply or install the glazing, so you will have to contact your installer for more information.
Should I choose double or triple glazing?
Origin Sliding Doors are designed with thermal performance in mind, making them particularly effective external doors. However, triple-glazing will provide the best thermal efficiency and noise reduction.
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