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Different types of sliding doors explained

Whether you’re renovating your existing property or designing a new home from scratch, sliding doors can help you to achieve the interior you’ve always wanted. As @property24 explains, “Sliding doors make it easy to bring the outdoors inside by creating a seamless flow between your home’s outdoor and indoor spaces.”

Perfect for maximising the amount of light that floods the space, and adding an eye-catching feature to your home, sliding doors could be the perfect solution to your design needs.

However, if you’re going to get the look and functionality of your new extension or renovation just right, you need to understand the different types of sliding doors on the market. Although sharing the same general characteristics, different doors offer different benefits, so doing a little research is essential if you’re going to get your interior just right.

Top hung sliding doors

Sliding doors generally fall into two categories: top hung sliding doors and bottom rolling sliding doors. As the name suggests, top hung doors are connected to a rail or slider at the top of the door aperture.

These fixings take the weight of the door and operate the mechanism to open and close the feature. Top hanging doors are a good choice for those who don’t want a rail or slider running along the bottom of their doorway.

Bottom rolling sliding doors

Bottom rolling sliding doors have door mechanisms positioned at the base of the doorway. Bottom rolling systems are often used when the doors are too heavy to be supported via a top hung system.

When a bottom rolling system is used, a runner or rail is installed at the base of the doorway. This can often be inset into the floor to create a seamless look and maximise the space available.

Internal sliding doors

Sliding doors that are used internally are often lighter than those used for external fittings. These internal doors can be made from a variety of materials and are often used in place of traditional doors in order to save space and improve the functionality of a property.

Ensure to choose a solid sliding door to create a sense of privacy in your home or opt for a glazed unit to increase the amount of light entering the space. If you want to add an extra design touch to your home, have your sliding door disappear into the wall when it’s open and really maximise your space.

External sliding doors

External sliding doors are often used in patio areas and extensions. The perfect way to create a smooth connection between the inside and outside of a property, sliding doors allow you to open up your home and really make the most of your living space. Although external sliding doors are often made from tough, energy-efficient glass – other options are available for those who want a less transparent doorway.

If you think sliding doors might be the right choice for your home, we can help. Get in touch with a member of our team to find out more.