Trade patio doors: How to specify and install

July 17, 2026

For trade installers, getting the specification right from the start saves time on site, keeps clients happy, and protects your margin.

Whether you’re fitting uPVC sliding doors on a domestic refurb or specifying aluminium glazed panels for a new-build extension, this guide covers everything you need to know – from door type and configuration to glazing, hardware, and threshold options.

Which type of patio door suits your project?

Not every opening calls for the same door. The two most common formats in trade installations are sliding patio doors and French doors, with folding systems used where wider apertures need to be fully opened.

• Sliding patio doors run on a track system and are the go-to for openings where swing clearance is limited. They take up no floor space when open and work well on both ground-floor extensions and rear elevations. Dekko’s Deceuninck Slider 24 is a solid trade option here – available in 2, 3 or 4 panels with a maximum frame width of 5,932mm.
• French doors suit properties where a traditional aesthetic is needed. They open inward or outward and are popular on period and heritage homes where the client wants a more classic external door style.
• Folding doors open the full width of the aperture and are suited to larger openings, typically over 3 metres wide. They are the premium end of the market and carry a higher supply cost.

uPVC vs aluminium: What to specify and when

 uPVC is the right call on most domestic refurbishment projects where budget is a consideration. The Deceuninck Slider 24 delivers A+-rated energy efficiency and PAS24-accredited security as standard, with Class E8A water permeability at 450Pa and Class A3 wind resistance at 1,200Pa – performance numbers that give your clients real confidence.

Aluminium makes sense on modern builds, extensions and higher-spec residential projects. Slim frames mean more glass and better sightlines. Dekko’s Aluna aluminium sliding patio door features a 25mm interlock and sash widths up to 2.5 metres, available in single, double and triple track configurations with up to 6 panes. Dekko also supplies Reynaers aluminium patio doors in horizontal external sliding and lift-and-slide formats for premium projects.

How to specify the right configuration

Getting the configuration right before ordering avoids costly remanufacture. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Measure the clear opening width and height accurately – allow for frame tolerances
• Confirm which panels slide – on a 3-panel system you can specify a central or end slider
• Agree the threshold type – low threshold options are available for disabled access and pushchair use
• Check the swing or slide direction – confirm with the client before ordering
• Note the structural opening – wider openings may need an RSJ or lintel upgrade

For larger commercial or multi-unit projects, speak to the Dekko trade team about batch ordering and lead times.

Glazing options for trade patio doors

The glass unit you specify has a direct impact on thermal performance, security and saleability. Standard clear double glazing is fine for replacement work, but for new builds or where clients want to push energy ratings, triple glazing or warm-edge spacer bars make a measurable difference.

Other glazing options worth discussing with your client:

• Solar control glass – reduces glare and heat build-up in south-facing rooms
• Obscure or decorative glass – useful where the door faces a neighbouring property
• Acoustic glass – for properties near roads or in urban areas
• Toughened or laminated safety glass – required in low-level positions under Building Regulations Part N

Hardware that works for trade installations

Hardware is where a lot of trade installers cut corners, and it’s usually where callbacks come from. Specify hardware that is tested, smooth in operation, and appropriate to the door weight and track system.

On uPVC sliding doors, the Slider 24 is compatible with a range of handle styles and locking systems – all designed to resist forced entry. On aluminium systems like the Aluna, the soft-close mechanism is built into the track and handles the weight of large glass panes without manual adjustment.

Key hardware considerations:

• Security: All Dekko trade patio doors are PAS24 compliant
• Handle finish: Match to window hardware where possible – brushed or matt finishes are popular on contemporary projects
• Locking mechanism: Multi-point locking is standard; specify with shoot bolts on larger panels
• Regular maintenance: Advise clients on annual track cleaning and lubrication to maintain smooth operation

Installation: Common issues and how to avoid them

Even experienced installers run into problems on patio door fits. These are the ones that come up most regularly:

• Out-of-square openings. Measure at three heights across the opening. If the variation is more than 5mm, you’ll need to pack the frame before fitting.
• Inadequate lintel support. Patio doors span wide openings. Always confirm the existing lintel or RSJ can carry the load, especially on older properties.
• Poor weatherproofing. Use appropriate low-expansion foam and ensure the external perimeter is fully sealed with a compatible silicone. Pay particular attention to the threshold junction.
• Track alignment. On sliding doors, even a slight deviation from level causes the sash to drag. Use a spirit level on the bottom track before fixing.
• Threshold height. If a low threshold is needed, confirm this at the order stage – retrofitting is not straightforward.

Why trade installers choose Dekko for patio doors

Dekko manufactures at its Lancashire factory and supplies directly to trade installers across the UK. The full patio door range covers uPVC and aluminium systems across multiple price points, so you can match the right product to the right project without compromising on quality.

Approved Dekko Installers get access to:

• Competitive trade pricing direct from the manufacturer
• Three trade counters for hardware and product collection
• Technical support from a team with deep product knowledge
• Marketing support to help win more installation work

If you’re not already a registered installer, find out how to become an approved Dekko installer or contact Dekko today.