7 Key Details to Elevate Your Glazed Door Install

When it comes to glazed doors, it’s easy to spend many hours poring over architect’s drawings or specs, trying to identify the best possible system. Quality is important, of course, but getting a great result goes beyond the product itself. Here are some of the details and finishing touches that will ensure your doors deliver the result you want.

1. Flush finish

Many self builders dream of a step-free threshold through their sliding doors, for a seamless transition between indoors and out. Achieving this requires good planning, as the door track must be fitted at just the right height to match both the internal and external finished floor level.

It’s crucial you know how deep the track is, so your builder can accurately prepare the base on which it will sit. Opt for a system with an internal flush floor detail so your chosen surface (wood, tile or poured concrete etc) can finish neatly against the track.

more from IDSystems

An open-corner set of theEDGE2.0 doors featuring a completely level flush track finish, for a seamless transition between inside and out

2. Handles & hardware

Choice is the most important thing to look for here. We all have individual preferences, so being able to select handles that suit you and your home is vital. Look for suppliers who offer everything from recessed handles set within the frame for a minimalist appearance, through to bold feature designs and products that are colour-matched to the frame of our doors for that perfect finishing touch.

A contemporary sliding door feature handle and hardware, colour-matched to the frame of the door to provide a stylish finishing touch

3. Door configurations

There’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve found a quality sliding door system, only to discover you’re limited in terms of how it can open. IDSystems’ theEDGE2.0 ultra-slim sliding doors, a Build It Award-winning product, offer a huge range of configurations – and can even be designed to incorporate open, post-free corners or panels that slide into a pocket in the wall.

4. Colours

The ability to specify frame colours and finishes is central to customising your glazed doors. You might match the windows, for instance, or go for a bright, stand out shade. From subtle greys to striking blacks and metallic looks that glisten in the sunshine, the right finish will go a long way to delivering the wow factor.

5. Cladding & reveal detail

Consider how your doors will finish within the reveals. Wrapping returns or structural posts with aluminium cladding is a great way to lift the appearance of the installation, making it look like part of the overall design rather than a standalone. Details such as tread plates that cover unused parts of the track are great for creating a seamless finish.

A three-panel set of theEDGE2.0, IDSystems’ Build It Award-winning, ultra-slim sliding doors – installed here with a fixed pane gable above. The frames of the gable are carefully designed to match up with the slim 20mm interlocks of the doors below

6. Security

Don’t settle for second best here. Opt for glazed door systems with features such as a continuous six-point locking bar for complete peace of mind, and consider specifying laminated glass to achieve an even greater level of protection from potential intruders.

7. Effortless operation

This hidden gem of a feature is a tell-tale sign of quality and attention to detail. It will enhance how you interact with the doors on a daily basis, and wow friends when you open huge sliders with just your little finger! High-performance stainless steel running carriages are key to handling the weight of the largest door panels.

Edward Stobart Edward Stobart is technical sales manager at IDSystems, which is a multiple Build It award-winning glazing specialist. The company has over 25 years’ experience delivering wow-factor glazing for self builds, home extensions and renovations. Edward works closely with self builders to offer advice and support on all aspects of glazing. For more information visit the IDSystems website or speak with one of IDSystems’ technical sales team on 01603 408804.