Types of Sliding Doors for Every Space: Internal, External, Patio & Double Sliding Doors Explained

Does your house not have enough space for a hinged door? Well, sliding doors are your alternative, as these doors are becoming more popular among houseowners. Not only are they stylish, but they are also flexible and can be installed at various locations in your house. In this blog article, you will be guided through different types of sliding doors for different spaces in your house.

Key Takeaways: 

• In this blog article, we have guided you about different types of sliding doors. 
• In compact houses, sliding doors offer optimal space savings. 
• With proper maintenance, regular cleaning of tracks, a sliding door can last 25 to 35 years or even more. 

What Are Sliding Doors & Why Are They Popular?

Whether you are going to install an internal or external door or even a sliding patio door, every type of sliding door has its own functions. But do you know what makes these doors ‘slide’? 

Well, these doors rely on rollers and tracks for movement, creating openings without swinging outwards. The rollers glide along a metal track, which allows the door to open or close with very little effort. This smooth function is one of many reasons why these doors are so popular. 

Reasons for the Popularity of Sliding Doors

The reasons behind sliding doors’ popularity are multifaceted. These include: 

• These doors are ideal for smaller rooms. 
• Sliding doors act as a smooth transitional bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces. 
• Delivers a sleek and contemporary look that complements modern architectural style. 
• The sliding doors are often designed with double or triple-glazed glass, which helps in temperature regulation in indoor. 

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s understand the different types of sliding doors for different spaces in the house. 

Main Types of Sliding Doors for Every Space

You know, not every type of sliding door can fit in every space. Although most of the sliding doors offer similar core benefits, specific designs are chosen based on the unique demands of the room. 

For example, you want your external sliding doors to be sturdy and durable, while your interior doors should allow light to enter properly.  

That being said, here are the main types of sliding doors that you can install in different parts of your house. 

Internal Sliding Doors

Looking for a sliding door for a tight space inside your home? Internal sliding doors can be your choice. It is a practical choice as they do not take up much floor space. The best part? It does not require swing clearance. 

Internal sliding doors are ideal for: 

• Bedrooms.
• En-suite Bathrooms.
• Home offices.
• Pantry.

Now, let’s look at the benefits of these doors. 

Benefits of Internal Sliding Doors

The benefits of internal sliding doors include:

• These doors save floor space as they do not swing. 
• Due to the smoother partitioning, these doors are capable of creating a structured layout of the rooms. 
• Most suitable for compact, smaller homes. 

As we all know, internal sliding doors can be stylish as well as functional. Here are some popular styles of these types of doors: 

• Pocket sliding doors.
• Barn-style sliding doors.

External Sliding Doors

Everyone wants to enhance the look of their house from the inside out. Transforming the appearance with an external sliding door is an effective way to provide an uplifting view of your house from the outside. These doors let in the breeze and create a smoother airflow inside. 

External slide doors are ideal for:

• Garden access.
• Balconies.
• Backyard entry.

External sliding doors have other benefits than providing a breathtaking transition. Here are some other benefits of these doors. 

Benefits of External Sliding Doors

External sliding door benefits include:

• These doors feature advanced security attributes such as a multi-point locking system, toughened glass, and anti-lift mechanisms. 
• External sliding doors provide a seamless connectivity between the living area and the outside. The transition remains seamless.  
• Longstanding durability is another crucial benefit of these doors. 

Now, let’s highlight some of the adorned styles of external sliding doors. 

• In-line sliding doors. 
• Pivot doors. 

Sliding Patio Doors

You know, it is very beautiful to have a sliding patio door as it offers clear views and allows a lot of sunlight. These doors typically feature large glass panels that slide horizontally along a metal track. These doors are also effective in connecting indoor living spaces with outdoor areas. 

These doors are ideal for installation in: 

• Patios.
• Balconies.
• Outdoor entertainment spaces.

Now, let us look at the key benefits of installing a sliding patio door. 

Benefits of Sliding Patio Doors

The benefits of sliding patio doors include:

• These doors allow ample natural light to enter the indoors.
• Sliding patio doors are offered unobstructed view when closed because of the large glass panes. 
• Many modern sliding patio doors offer double and triple-glazing options for people concerned about energy efficiency. 

Now, let’s look at some common sliding patio door styles: 

• Bypass sliding doors.
• Arcadia sliding doors for accessing backyards. 

Double Sliding Doors

Want to add a modern touch to your house? A double sliding door is a great choice for saving space and opening up your home. Double-track sliding doors are a step up from regular sliding doors, which offer greater flexibility, wider openings, and enhanced aesthetics for your home. 

A double sliding door usually has a double track, allowing several panels to slide in either direction. Unlike single-track sliding doors, these sliding doors are more flexible. As a result, they cover wider openings than traditional single-track sliding doors. 

A double sliding door can be installed in: 

• Large openings.
• Luxury homes.
• Homes that have a scattered and open room layout.

Now, let’s understand what benefits you will get by installing a double sliding door. 

Benefits of Double Sliding Doors

The double sliding door benefits include:

• These doors create wider openings. These openings ensure flawless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas. For example, using these doors, you can connect your back patio or garden to your living space. 
• Double sliding door uses multiple panels, which allow better ventilation and natural airflow. throughout the house interior. 
• When it comes to layout and aesthetics, double sliding doors are the perfect choice. They suit contemporary homes that highlights on creating connections between spaces. 

Alongside enhanced functionality, double sliding doors are exceptionally stylish. Here are some stylish options that you can choose when installing double sliding doors. 

• Multi-panel doors. 
• Shutter-type doors. 

As you can see, various types of sliding door options are available to be installed in different spaces. Here, a comparison table has been created to understand these types more precisely, based on several factors. 

Comparison Table: Types of Sliding Doors

Here, several types of sliding doors are compared depending on different factors. 

Features	Internal Sliding Doors	External Sliding Doors	Sliding Patio Doors	Double Sliding Doors
Installed for	Room division	Entry/exit	Patio access	Creating large openings
Space Saving (5 being the highest rating)	5 / 5	4 / 5	4 / 5	3 / 5
Natural Light (5 being the highest rating)	2 / 5	3 / 5	5 / 5	5 / 5
Difficulty level in Installation	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Best For	Tight spaces	Outdoor access	Views and lighting	Spacious homes

Table 1: Types of Sliding Door Considering Different Factors

Whether you choose an internal sliding door or a patio door, you have to remember that the right choice of door material impacts the durability and aesthetic appeal. Now, let’s dive into the types of materials that are used in manufacturing these doors. 

Materials Used in Sliding Doors

Selecting the right sliding door material influences several factors, including durability, weather resistance, maintenance levels, insulation, and aesthetics. By choosing the right one, you can avoid untimely replacements and save money. 

These are the common materials used in sliding doors: 

PVC Sliding Doors

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or uPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) is one of the most popular materials for sliding doors. This is because: 

• PVC sliding doors are exceptionally durable and resistant to scratches or dents. 
• Very easy to maintain.
• These doors can withstand the harsh weather conditions of Northern Ireland, including heavy rain and intense sunlight. 

Aluminium Sliding Doors

Do you live in a high-humidity or a coastal area? You can opt for aluminium doors. These doors are ideal for homes with modern designs. 

Here are some key features of aluminium sliding doors: 

• Offers optimal strength and durability.
• Delivers a modern finish.
• Aluminium doors support longer glass panels. 

Wooden Sliding Doors

Bringing a classic look, wooden sliding doors bring a timeless outlook to your home. Some key features of these doors include: 

• Wooden doors can be used as interior doors. 
• It offers an elegant look and deliver flexible design. 
• Traditional homes or period homes are perfect for installing wooden sliding doors. 

If you have read this far until now, then maybe you are somehow convinced to install a sliding door for your space. But how to choose the perfect one? Let’s dive in. 

How to Choose the Right Sliding Door for Your Space? 

While choosing the right sliding door, it is important to keep in mind that balancing functionality, material, and space constraints is crucial. Here is a breakdown: 

Identify the Purpose

Before choosing the door, identify where you are going to install the door. For example, if you are looking for an external sliding door, you need to choose the place accordingly. 

Measure Available Space

To avoid incorrect installation, measure the available space to ensure a proper fit. Consider the expansion gaps and the smallest measurements for precise installation. 

Consider Material durability

Choosing the right material for the sliding doors because it determines the longevity, security, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of the home. 

Keep Energy Efficiency and Insulation in Mind

Before choosing the sliding door, understand how energy efficient the door of your choice is. Proper materials keep the room warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy costs. 

Choose the Right Type of Sliding Door Depending on Your Space!

Want to upgrade your home with stylish and functional sliding doors? Ensure smooth transitions and proper ventilation with various sliding door options according to your space. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Aluminium sliding doors durable enough for prolonged use?

Yes, durable aluminium sliding doors offer superior strength, corrosion resistance, and deliver long-term efficiency. 

2. How much space do sliding doors save?

Sliding doors can save up to 10 square feet compared to conventional swing doors. This is why these doors are ideal for compact rooms. 

3. What is a bypass sliding door?

Bypass doors feature several panels that slide past each other on parallel tracks. These are commonly used in patios and balconies. 

4. How can I lock a barn door?

You can add locking options to your barn door by incorporating specialized privacy hooks or latch-locks. 

5. Can a sliding door be opened from the center?

Yes. You can use a four-panel configuration where two panels meet in the middle and slide in the sideways for a wider opening.