What are Inline Sliding Doors? | Choosing Sliding Doors for Your Home

Inline sliding doors are the most popular style of sliding doors, known for their space-saving capabilities and their ability to maximise natural light. They’re also a versatile patio door option, ideal for easy access from your kitchen to the garden and vice versa. Inline sliding patio doors aren’t the only option available, but they’re definitely a strong contender if you’re struggling to choose.

Our guide will explore the various benefits of inline sliding doors, as well as the potential cost and styles available at Vufold.

What is an Inline Sliding Door?

When choosing a sliding patio door, inline sliding doors are one of the more favoured options. In these particular doors, the panels sit within the track and slide using rollers. Unlike lift and slide patio doors, there is no lifting needed to move the panels along the track. They are a popular option due to their ease of operation and straightforward sliding mechanism.

Inline sliding doors are most popular as a patio door, but can be used internally in locations such as bedrooms (as room dividers) or offices.

You can browse our Supreme inline sliding doors here.

Our smaller Supreme inline sliding door variant, measuring 1.8m x 2.1m

What are the Benefits of Inline Sliding Doors?

There are many benefits to inline sliding patio doors, including:

• Space-Saving Design: inline sliding doors don’t need to swing out like traditional patio doors, making them ideal for tight spaces.

• Modern aesthetic: our sliding patio doors are made from aluminium, ensuring they are not only a durable option, but a contemporary one too, adding a modern look to any home. Our doors are also available in three different colours: white, anthracite grey and jet black.

• Versatile Use: perfect for external use, sliding doors can be customised in size, material and finish.

• Smooth Operation: by using high-quality tracks and soft-close mechanisms, inline sliding doors are a quieter option than swinging doors.

• Enhanced Safety: inline sliding doors come with a multi-point locking system, and can be fitted with laminated glass for extra protection.

• Easy Maintenance: inline sliding doors have fewer moving parts than some door systems, with accessible tracks that are easy to clean.

How Much Do Inline Sliding Doors Cost?

The cost of inline sliding doors can depend on a range of elements, such as size, materials used, and any customisation options added. Our inline external sliding patio doors start from £2,209, with our largest sliding doors costing £5,189. These prices can change depending on your customisation choices, such as:

• Double Opening: if you wish for your doors to open both left and right, this will cost extra.

• Glazing Options: our doors are double glazed as standard, but laminated security glass that is bonded with a plastic interlayer for extra protection is an extra cost.

• Attaching a Cill to the Bottom Track: this extra component is designed to drain water away from the brickwork.

• Installation Kit: at Vufold, we can provide a complete installation kit which includes screws, drill bits, silicone and packers.

• Trickle Vents: attaching trickle vents to your sliding doors can improve ventilation and air quality in your home.

You can also customise your own inline sliding doors from scratch here.

Vufolds Supreme External Sliding Patio Doors

Choosing the right inline sliding door involves considering several factors related to the space, purpose, and desired aesthetic. Once you’ve decided where the door will be installed, accurately measure the width and height of the doorway, as well as the available wall space beside it.

Material choice is another key factor. Aluminium-framed doors are strong and weather-resistant, making them ideal for external use. The hardware and finish should complement your design style; choose a colour for your frame that suits your home style, such as subtle white or stand-out black.

Finally, factor in your budget and whether you'll install the door yourself or hire a professional. Surface-mounted doors are generally straightforward to install yourself, which can save you money rather than hiring someone to install your new door for you. Durability, ease of maintenance, and long-term use should also influence your decision. By carefully considering all these elements, you can choose an inline sliding door that enhances both the function and style of your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Inline Sliding Doors Compare to Lift and Slide Patio Doors?

The main difference between inline sliding doors and lift and slide patio doors is how they open and close. Lift and slide doors reduce friction by lifting off of the tracks whereas inline doors glide along seamlessly.

What Materials Are Commonly Used for Manufacturing Inline Sliding Doors?

Inline sliding doors are manufactured using a variety of materials, each offering different benefits in terms of appearance, durability, and functionality. The most common materials include glass, wood, aluminium, and steel.

At Vufold, our frames are made from aluminium. As a patio door material, it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and commonly used in both interior and exterior sliding doors. It provides a sleek, contemporary look and is often combined with glass panels to create modern, minimalist designs. Aluminium frames can also be powder-coated in various colours and finishes.

How Energy Efficient Are Inline Sliding Doors?

When manufactured with modern materials and techniques, inline sliding patio doors can be very energy efficient. The energy efficiency of sliding patio doors depends on a number of factors, including the glazing type, thermal break frames, proper installation and quality weather seals.

How Do I Care for My Inline Sliding Doors?

To properly care for your inline sliding doors, focus on regularly cleaning and lubricating the tracks, as well as maintaining the doors overall alignment and condition. Ensure you clean the glass with a soft cloth and glass cleaner to prevent streaks and smudges.

What Security Features Should I Look for When Choosing Inline Sliding Doors?

Make sure your patio doors come with a lock that is fully accredited to keep your home as safe as possible. Our inline sliding doors come with a multi-point locking system for extra security.

RELATED CONTENT

• What are Ultra-Slim Aluminium Sliding Doors?