Patio doors have the potential to really transform the way your home feels.
Not only do they make it easy to access your treasured outdoor space, but they also willingly invite more natural light into your home and help to regulate your indoor temperature.
If you’re wondering about the cost of patio door replacement, the truth is that it depends on several factors. Firstly, there are several different patio door styles, with the most popular being sliding patio, French and bifold.
As a general guide, here’s what you can expect to pay as per Checkatrade figures:
- French doors: £1,500 – £5,000
- Sliding patio doors: £3,000 – £6,000
- Bifold patio doors: £3,000 – £9,000
As well as the style, several other key factors affect the final price, including the frame material, the number of panels, the type of glass and whether any structural work is needed. Let’s break it all down.
Cost of patio door replacement
The cost of patio doors depends on a handful of things, but the biggest factor is usually the type of door you go for. There’s an extensive range of options available to UK homeowners, with three popular styles dominating the door industry. Here’s a closer look at each.
Sliding patio doors
Sliding patio doors glide along horizontal tracks, with one or more glass panels sliding sideways to create a wide opening. Because they don’t swing inwards or outwards, they’re perfect for modern homes where space is at a premium.
A straightforward replacement of sliding patio doors typically costs between £3,000 and £6,000, depending on the size, material and number of panels.
Bifold doors
Bifold designs work a little differently. The doors fold back on themselves like a concertina, creating wider openings that effectively remove the wall between your inside and outside. They’re brilliant for entertaining, giving you easy access to your garden and flooding your home with natural light.
Bifold systems usually start at around £3,000 for basic uPVC models and can climb to £9,000 or more for aluminium patio doors with multiple glass panels, sometimes eliminating entire walls or corner sections.
French doors
French doors (sometimes called French patio doors) are the more traditional option. They’re double doors that open outwards (or inwards should you select that option) on hinges, giving them a really authentic, luxurious feel. They’re often a great fit for period properties but they also work beautifully in modern homes.
French doors are usually the cheapest entry point when it comes to replacing patio doors, with prices ranging from £1,500 to £5,000 according to Checkatrade.
What impacts the cost of a patio door replacement
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to patio door prices. Here are the main things that influence the total cost of your project.
Frame material
The material of your frame is one of the biggest cost drivers:
- uPVC: The most affordable option but only because it can be mass-produced. A synthetic material that excels at thermal performance and being low maintenance.
- Aluminium: A strong metal and ideal for heavier frames with large glass panels, often slightly more expensive than uPVC.
Glazing
Most modern patio doors come with double glazing as standard, but triple glazing is also available if you want maximum energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency simply means how well your doors keep heat inside your home, helping to reduce heat loss and keep your energy bills down. Better glazing also improves weather resistance and security.
Size and number of panels
Bigger doors with more panels mean more materials and more labour. A two-panel sliding door costs less than a four-panel bifold spanning a much wider opening.
Installation complexity
A straightforward replacement where we’re swapping like-for-like into an existing opening is far cheaper than creating a brand new access point. If you’re knocking through a wall, you may need a new lintel and additional structural support, which adds to your installation costs.
Colour and finish
Standard white uPVC is generally the cheapest option. Woodgrain effects, designer colours like anthracite grey and dual-finish frames can push the final price up.
Glass type
Decorative, tempered or laminated glass costs more than standard panes but can add privacy, security and a real touch of style.
How long do patio doors typically last?
With consistent light cleaning but no major maintenance, modern patio doors usually last for around 30 years. That means a full patio door system is a long-term investment in your home, with energy savings, added security and improved kerb appeal benefiting you for decades to come.
Replacement patio doors from Northwich Glass
At Northwich Glass, we install a variety of styles to suit every home and budget. Our extensive range includes:
- Sliding patio doors: Available in uPVC and aluminium, with two, three or four-panel configurations and some of the slimmest frames on the market for maximum glass area
- Bifold doors: Fold concertina-style, these doors then stack in the corner. Offer uninterrupted views with no bulky frames.
- French doors: Traditional double doors with multi-point locking for added security
All of our patio doors come with a polyamide thermal break, which is a clever bit of engineering in the middle of the frame that stops heat escaping. This helps lower your energy bills and keeps your home cosy all year round.
You can finish your doors in a huge range of colours, from simply white and clotted cream to anthracite grey, chartwell green, Irish oak and midnight black. Whatever look you’re going for, we’ll help you find the perfect match.
Who are Northwich Glass?
Founded in 1959, we’re a family run business with over 60 years of experience helping homeowners across Cheshire transform their homes. We’re FENSA accredited, members of Which? Trusted Trader and we offer a 10-year warranty on every installation, so you can relax knowing your investment is protected.
From your first enquiry through to the final fitting, our friendly team and dedicated project managers will keep things running smoothly with minimum disruption to your home.
Ready to talk about replacing your patio doors? Pop into our Northwich showroom to see our full range up close, or get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation quote.
FAQs
Can existing patio doors be replaced without creating a new opening?
Absolutely. Swapping existing patio doors like-for-like is far quicker and cheaper than cutting a new opening for external doors.
Do new patio doors add functional value to a home?
Absolutely. New patio doors offer real functional value, connecting your home to outdoor areas, boosting natural light and improving everyday liveability.
What affects the cost of patio door installation most?
The biggest factors are the material, size and complexity of the job. Full replacement projects in an existing opening tend to cost less.
