French doors
French doors are often cheaper than sliding systems. They work well where the opening is smaller and there is enough space for the doors to swing.
Patio doors cost calculator
Patio Doors Cost Calculator UK
Estimate the cost of replacing or installing patio doors based on door style, opening width, panel count, frame material, glazing, threshold specification, installation scope and region. Use the opening width selector to compare French doors, sliding patio doors and wider glazed openings.
Sliding patio doors or French doors?
The best starting point depends on the opening width and how you want the door to work. French doors can suit smaller openings. Sliding patio doors usually make more sense when the opening is wider and you want a broader glass area.
| Situation | Better starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Small rear opening | French doors | They are simple, practical and often lower cost for smaller openings. |
| Wider garden opening | Sliding patio doors | Sliding systems give a wider glazed view without needing swing space. |
| Very wide opening | Bifold doors | Bifolds may suit projects where the goal is to open up most of the wall. |
| Slim modern frames | Aluminium patio doors | Aluminium often costs more but can suit modern designs and larger glass panels. |
| Lower budget | uPVC patio doors | uPVC is usually the lower-cost material for standard patio door replacements. |
Patio door type comparison
Patio doors are rear external glazed door systems. The main choice is usually between simple hinged French doors and sliding systems designed for wider openings.
Sliding patio doors
Sliding patio doors suit wider openings and larger glass areas. Cost rises with opening width, panel size, frame material and track specification.
Tilt and slide doors
Tilt and slide doors can cost more because the mechanism is more complex. They may suit projects where ventilation and sealing matter.
Typical UK patio door cost ranges
These ranges are broad planning figures. Use the calculator above for a more specific estimate based on width, type, frame material, glazing, threshold and installation scope.
| Project type | Typical range | Best next calculator |
|---|---|---|
| French patio doors | £900–£2,200+ | Patio Doors |
| uPVC sliding patio doors | £1,200–£3,000+ | Patio Doors |
| Aluminium sliding patio doors | £2,000–£5,000+ | Patio Doors |
| Tilt and slide doors | £1,800–£4,500+ | Patio Doors |
| Patio doors with new opening | £3,000–£8,000+ | Structural scope |
| Wide glazed opening | Compare systems | Bifold Doors |
What affects patio doors cost?
Patio door cost is driven by the size of the opening, the door system, frame material, glazing, threshold, track specification and how much work is needed around the existing opening.
Opening width
Wider openings need larger panels, wider frames, longer tracks and heavier glass units. Handling and fitting large panels can also increase labour.
Door system
French doors are usually simpler. Sliding and tilt-and-slide systems cost more when tracks, rollers, seals and larger panels are involved.
Frame material
uPVC is usually cheaper. Aluminium, timber and composite frames often cost more because of frame strength, finish and manufacturing requirements.
Glazing
Triple, acoustic or solar control glazing can increase cost because the glass units are heavier, more specialised or higher specification.
Threshold and track
Low, flush or heavy-duty tracks can increase cost. They also need careful fitting to manage weather sealing, drainage and movement.
Installation scope
Like-for-like replacement is usually cheaper than widening an opening, forming a new opening or making good damaged brickwork and plaster.
Why opening width matters
Opening width is one of the strongest patio door cost drivers. A small opening may suit French doors or a simple two-panel slider. A wider opening may need three or four panels, stronger frame sections, heavier glass and a more expensive track system.
Once an opening reaches the wider end of the range, it is worth comparing sliding patio doors with bifold doors. The right choice depends on whether you want large fixed glass views, a sliding opening, or panels that fold back to open more of the wall.
Patio doors or bifold doors?
Patio doors usually slide or swing within the opening. Bifold doors fold in panels and can open up more of the wall. If your opening is wide or you want the doors to fold back, compare this estimate with the Bifold Doors Cost Calculator.
Replacing windows or entrance doors too?
If patio doors are part of a wider openings project, compare this estimate with the Window Replacement Cost Calculator. For entrance replacement, use the Front Door Cost Calculator. If glass performance is the main concern, use the Double Glazing Cost Calculator.
How this patio doors estimate is calculated
The calculator starts with a base cost range for the selected patio door type. It then adjusts the estimate using opening width, panel count, frame material, glazing, replacement scope, threshold and track specification, security hardware, installation complexity, access, region and contingency.
This estimate is designed for early planning. A fixed quote needs accurate opening measurements, frame and threshold checks, access review, glass specification and confirmation of whether any structural work is needed.
For more detail, read our methodology, pricing data and how costs are calculated.
Patio doors decision paths
Use these paths to choose the calculator setup that matches the way you want the opening to work.
I have a small rear opening
Compare French doors with a simple two-panel sliding door. For many small openings, French doors are the lower-cost starting point.
I want a wider garden view
Choose sliding patio doors and increase the opening width. Larger openings usually raise the cost because panels, frames, tracks and glass units become larger.
I want the opening fully opened
Use this calculator first, then compare the same width with the Bifold Doors Cost Calculator.
I am replacing windows too
Use the Window Replacement Cost Calculator so the full windows and doors budget is planned together.
Patio doors cost FAQs
How much do patio doors cost in the UK?
Patio doors can range from around £900 for simple French doors to several thousand pounds for larger sliding systems, aluminium frames, upgraded glazing or structural work.
Are sliding patio doors more expensive than French doors?
Usually, yes. Sliding patio doors often cost more because they use larger glass panels, tracks, rollers and wider frames.
What affects patio door installation cost?
The main factors are opening width, door type, material, glazing, track specification, access, installation complexity and whether the existing opening is being changed.
Do aluminium patio doors cost more than uPVC?
Yes. Aluminium patio doors usually cost more than uPVC because of the frame system, finish, strength and suitability for larger glass panels.
What width patio doors should I choose?
Smaller openings may suit French doors. Standard wider openings often suit two-panel sliding doors. Very wide openings should be compared with bifold doors.
When should I choose bifold doors instead?
Consider bifold doors when you want the opening to fold back rather than slide, or when the opening is wide enough to justify a multi-panel folding system.
Does a low threshold increase cost?
It can. Low or flush thresholds may need more careful fitting, drainage details and weather sealing than a standard threshold.
Are CostIntel estimates fixed quotes?
No. They are planning estimates based on typical UK patio door cost drivers. An installer needs to measure the opening before giving a fixed quote.