Question guide
Patio door sizes: widths, heights and how we measure
Short answer
Sliding patio doors are commonly made in overall widths around 1500mm, 1800mm, 2100mm and 2400mm for two pane sets, with wider three pane sets beyond that, and a height of roughly 2100mm. Ours are made to measure, so the door is built to your opening rather than forced into a stock size. Two pane uPVC sliders start from £1,395 fully fitted.
Why stock sizes are only a starting point
You will see standard patio door sizes quoted by DIY suppliers because they sell doors off the shelf. Older houses rarely have openings that match. A 1970s or 1980s aluminium slider was often made to a size that no longer appears in any catalogue, and brickwork moves over decades. Every door we fit is made to measure after a survey, which avoids packing out gaps with thick trims or cutting into brickwork to fit a stock frame.
Typical widths and pane layouts
These are common overall frame widths. Treat them as a guide to what is typical rather than a menu.
| About 1500mm | Two pane, one sliding |
|---|---|
| About 1800mm | Two pane, one sliding |
| About 2100mm | Two pane, one sliding |
| About 2400mm | Two pane, or three pane on narrow sashes |
| Wider openings | Three pane sets, often centre sliding |
Height and threshold
Overall height is commonly around 2100mm, though again the opening decides. The threshold matters as much as the height. A standard sill step is normal; a low threshold is easier for wheelchairs, prams and garden furniture but needs the floor and drainage detail to suit. We check both at survey.
How the opening is measured
The measurement taken is the structural opening: brick to brick across, and floor or sill level up to the lintel. We take several readings across the width and height, because openings are seldom perfectly square, and we note the lintel type if the opening is being widened. The door is then made slightly under the smallest reading so it can be packed, fixed and sealed square.
If you are thinking about widening the opening to take a three pane set, that is a structural change and needs a suitable lintel. It adds time and cost and we price it separately.
Choosing between two pane and three pane
Two pane sets are the usual choice up to about 2400mm and give a clear half opening. Three pane sets suit wider openings and let a centre or side panel slide, giving more flexibility over where you walk through. If you want the whole width to open, bi-folds are the alternative, starting from £2,650, while French doors from £1,499 give a wider clear opening on a narrower wall where there is room for them to swing.
Common questions
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