Choosing patio doors for a Leeds new build

Here at Calder Windows, we've been serving customers in Leeds and West Yorkshire for more than 30 years.

One of the great things about Leeds is its architectural diversity. From Victorian terraces to back-to-backs… From interwar semis to new builds… The range is striking – and we're more aware than anyone of the stylistic choices this presents to customers.

Take the case of patio doors. You can choose from sliding doors, French doors and bifold doors – but which is right for your Leeds new build?

The answer depends on more than just the style of your home. Among other factors, it depends on how you want to use the room where the patio doors are to be fitted.

Then there's the question of materials – both the frames and the glass. Whatever else you do, these need to suit Leeds's classic northern climate.

Weather considerations

Leeds's climate is typical of northern England. There's frequent rainfall, cool winters, plenty of wind and, in general, moderate summers.

This kind of climate affects the materials you need for your patio doors. Above all, you need patio doors that handle rain well and resist moisture and warping.

The cooler temperatures, too, mean that you should probably invest in double or triple glazing. As well as keeping your new build warm, this will lower your heating costs and minimise the risk of condensation.

These are all reasons why, in our opinion, you should go for double- or triple-glazed windows with strong weather seals.

At the right price, patio doors of this kind offer a superb balance of durability, insulation and low maintenance perfectly suited to the local climate.

So much for the weather. With energy-efficient glazing in mind, what's the best choice of patio doors for a new build in Leeds?

What kind of patio doors should I choose for my Leeds new build?

There are three main kinds of patio doors that could suit your Leeds new build: sliding patio doors, bifold doors and French doors.

Sliding patio doors

Sliding patio doors are large external doors that run along a horizontal track. They are opened by sliding the doors along the tracks.

The pros

There are a couple of key reasons why sliding patio doors are a popular choice for Leeds new builds.

First, they tend to consist of large glass panels with minimal mullions (vertical frames). So, if you've got a well-tended garden to enjoy, sliding patio doors will maximise your view.

And unlike bifold doors, they don't require any swing space. Rather than swinging in or out, they slide along a track. This means you can put furniture and decor right next to the frame without blocking your exit.

This lack of swing space is good for Leeds properties in another way. Yorkshire is famously windy. Sliding patio doors can be used without swinging open and banging shut in the wind.

They're great for smaller patios and gardens, modern extensions and high-end new builds alike.

The cons

There are, of course, some downsides to sliding patio doors. Whereas bifold doors can be completely folded away, the bottom track of sliding patio doors can become clogged with grime, leaves and other detritus. This means you need to clean and lubricate them regularly or semi-regularly.

They can also be heavy, making them a less popular choice for households where children or older people might want to use them.

That makes sliding patio doors less appealing than swinging open doors to some. To others, however, this is outweighed by their other advantages.

Bifold doors

Bifold doors open and shut like a concertina. The door panels slide along a track, folding on top of one another as they go.

The pros

Many people who own new builds with gardens like bifold doors because of how they blend the indoors and outdoors.

This is thanks to their mechanism, which folds the doors entirely to one side. Once open, you can step in and out with ease.

This mechanism also makes them space-efficient. They don't swing in and take up much floor space. Instead, the panels stack tidily to one side. This makes them a popular choice for new build owners who want to entertain when the weather's warm.

Like sliding patio doors, bifold doors allow abundant natural light to enter your home. This can help make your home feel lighter, airier, more spacious and more welcoming.

The cons

In certain cases, bifold doors' multiple panels can obstruct views. This may or may not be a problem, depending on your garden layout.

What's more, the space required to stack the folded doors makes them a tricky proposition for smaller properties. It may mean rearranging the room, or even opting for a different type of door altogether.

French doors

Last but not least, we come to French doors. These feature two panels that swing open, hinged at either side of the frame.

The pros

French doors have a traditional, elegant appearance that adds curb appeal as well as bringing day-to-day enjoyment. They're most commonly found in Victorian and Edwardian style homes, but are a popular choice for new builds, too.

French doors can be opened completely, allowing for wide and unobstructed views and access to the garden. Meanwhile, their expansive design lets abundant natural light into the house.

If you're planning to entertain, French doors make moving furniture in and out of the house a doddle. And while they're open, they also help keep the house nice and ventilated.

The cons

Perhaps the main drawback – or cause for pause – is that French doors require clearance space on both sides. This can limit how much furniture and plant life you can have on the patio. This depends, of course, on the design and dimensions of your patio.

In the windy city (Leeds, not Chicago), there's a chance that the doors will be blown open or shut. This can be mitigated, however, by investing in door stops.

How we can help

Calder Windows is a trusted home improvement company serving Leeds and West Yorkshire.

We take pride in the quality of our products and our installations. And with excellent aftercare and generous warranties, you can rest assured that this quality will translate into longevity.

Are you looking for high-quality patio doors in Leeds? Don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team for a no-obligation consultation.

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