A Guide to Sliding Glass Doors: Configurations & Considerations
Creating your sliding glass doors moment
Understanding the practicalities
Sliding glass doors are more than just a way to open up a space – they’re a defining feature of contemporary architecture. They shape how light enters a room, how people move between inside and out, and how a building feels, both visually and functionally. When done well, they can completely transform a home or development. But the key to success lies in how they’re designed from the outset.
At Cotswold Windows, we often work with clients who have a clear vision for how they want their glazing to look – but what’s sometimes missing is a full understanding of how that vision translates into a working, buildable system. That’s why early collaboration is absolutely essential. The design decisions made at concept stage – such as how many panels will slide, how deep the floor build-up is, or where pocket doors can disappear – will ultimately determine what’s possible.
Choosing the right track configuration
One of the most important (but often overlooked) aspects of sliding glass doors design is how the panels are arranged and what kind of track system is used. This affects not only how the doors open, but also how the system looks and performs in the finished space.
The world-leading Sky-Frame frameless system offers sliding glass doors in a number of track configurations – with up to five tracks as standard, but the possibility to combine configurations to create even more options.
Two-track systems are popular if you want large format sliding doors, but in most cases, only one panel can move behind another, which means you’re limited to opening a third of the total aperture. Also consider that you may be restricted by the size of the panes – larger panels are heavier and require more effort to open (unless you opted for automation) and are more costly to manufacture.
Sky Frame’s sliding door three-track system gives greater flexibility, and allows you to open up to two-thirds of the total width of your aperture. Although more tracks mean a slightly deeper threshold, the panes will be smaller in size which can be easier to handle and more affordable to manufacture.
As well as deciding on the track system, there are other things to consider such as:
- How many glass panes will open
- In which direction the doors will open
- How you want the threshold to look
- Whether you want automation or not (see our blog: A Guide to Automated Glass Doors for more on the benefits of automation)
- How often you envisage the doors being opened throughout the year
Planning for pocket sliding doors
The idea of frameless sliding doors disappearing completely into the wall is understandably appealing. Pocket doors create a beautiful, clean transition with no visible frame when open – ideal for properties where uninterrupted flow and openness are a priority.
However, achieving this seamless effect takes thoughtful planning. You’ll need enough wall depth to accommodate the pocket cavities, and that needs to be factored in at the architectural stage. Without that space either side of the opening you simply can’t make pocket doors work. And it’s not just about structure: incorporating a discreet access hatch within the pocket wall is essential for future cleaning and maintenance of the tracks.
When designed properly, pocket sliding glass doors offer something genuinely special – but they’re not an add-on you can choose late in the build. They need to be part of the conversation from the very start.
Understanding thresholds and floor finishes
A common surprise for homeowners and even some design professionals is how the door tracks will actually look once installed. Multiple-track systems inevitably add more detail to the floor zone. The visibility and depth of those tracks depends on the system chosen, but also on the floor finish and how it’s integrated.
Sky-Frame frameless systems are renowned for being flush to the floor, but they also offer a superior system known as the “Sky-Frame Plain” threshold where the frame is recessed into the floor. This allows you to continue your flooring right up to and over the threshold, creating a flush, ultra-minimal transition that feels almost invisible underfoot.
When reviewing door configurations, it’s worth asking: how will this look when the doors are closed? Will the tracks be noticeable? Will they interrupt the floor finish? These are small details that have a big impact on the overall feel of the space. That’s why we encourage architects and clients to visualise these elements early, and to choose systems where form follows function.
Opening corners and curved glass designs
Thanks to advances in glazing technology, you’re no longer limited to straight, large format sliding doors. Systems now allow for opening corners, where two glazed elevations meet and both can slide away, leaving the entire corner of a building open to the outdoors. Take a look at our Guide to Glass Corner Windows for more information.
For more complex designs, curved or arc-shaped sliding glass is also possible. These highly bespoke solutions allow buildings to follow sweeping architectural lines or wrap around key views. They require a high level of design and engineering input, but when done correctly, the result is both distinctive and highly functional.
Like pocket doors, these options demand early technical involvement. It’s not just a case of choosing the right product – it’s about integrating structure, drainage, and glazing layout right from the start.
Let’s create your sliding doors moment
Incorporating sliding patio doors into your design might seem straightforward, but behind the clean lines lies a wealth of detail. Every choice – how many tracks, where the panels go, whether doors pocket away or not – has a knock-on effect on the final build.
With so many considerations, the options can feel overwhelming. But, working with a knowledgeable supplier like Cotswold Windows from the design stage means these decisions are made with the full picture in mind. We specialise in custom design windows and doors so will help interpret your design goals and turn them into systems that work not just on paper, but in practice.
Talk to us as early as possible in your project and we’ll guide you through the options. Contact us for more information.
