Origin OS-29 sliding door review

Photo of author

Nick Dardalis

Updated on

Launched in April 2021, the Origin OS-29 sliding door is an even slimmer model in the Origin range of sliding doors. This review gives more information about this modification to their existing OS-44 and OS-77 product.

Origin OS-29 sliding door
origin os29 sliding door1

With the legendary Origin manufacturing quality and service, Origin OS-29 is an great door for those wanting a slimmer central mullion, but there are potentially better doors for a similar or lower price.

Editor's Rating:
4

Pros

  • Origin overall product quality
  • Nationwide availability
  • Excellent quality door handles
  • Suites with other Origin products

Cons

  • Not as slim as is marketed
  • Four-panel middle doors can flex
  • Could slide smoother

What is the new Origin OS-29 sliding door

origin os-29 sliding door in a modern lounge setting

The OS-29 isn’t a brand new sliding door. Instead, this slimmer mullion option provides a solution for those put off by the price and complexity of structurally bonded doors, typically with a 20-24mm mullion.

Joining the existing range of inline sliding doors OS-44 and OS-77, the Origin OS-29 sliding door uses the same design and technology. The only significant difference is the reduction in the middle mullion on patio doors with a two or three panel configuration. All other frame details and dimensions remain exactly the same. If you’re replacing an older set of patio doors, the OS-77 give similar lines to your outgoing doors, in particular the Monarch Monaframe products, PB Systems, Everest, Anglian and similar aluminium sliders from the 1990s to around the mid-2000s. The OS-44 also meets these requirements.

Origin OS-29 comes with an inline sliding operation only – that means the doors sliding on their track in the push pull action.

Read more about the differences between this method of sliding and the modern advanced lift and slide.

Additionally you get highly insulated aluminium profiles, a standard double or triple track arrangement and the choice of double or triple glazing. Anyone familiar with the existing Origin sliding doors range is getting the same door.

Is the Origin sliding door any good?

Suitable for new build or replacement sliding door installations, the Origin OS-29 sliding door comes as two, three or four panel sliding doors .

The overall build quality, fit and finish is fantastic, and to be expected with any product made by Origin, one of the UK’s best known brands. A significant advantage of choosing the Origin brand is getting one brand from one factory with the same all round quality. It’s often the case that buyers prefer windows from one brand, doors from another, front doors from yet another. Origin products go a long way to providing what are generally excellent products for a complete property renovation or building project. Like any door, make and fit it correctly and you’ll get long-term reliability.

By far, the introduction of the OS-29 gives Origin an important product within their range. Not only does it complement their OS-20 Artisan model-based using Cortizo, it also creates a number of solutions for end-user customers and the trade.

  • A solution for those wanting the Origin brand in a more slimline style
  • A sliding door without the cost and complexity of structurally bonded versions
  • A product where guarantee and overall product reputation matter
  • Those liking the existing product proposition but wanting thinner mullions

How much does an Origin OS-29 sliding door cost?

It depends. How much you pay for an Origin sliding door is down to a number of factors such as size, colour, glass specification and the Origin dealer supplying it. There’s no RRP on these products.

Approximate prices excluding VAT for Origin sliding doors, supplied and installed in a black or grey finish are:

OS-29 two-panel 1800x2200mm £4100

OS-29 three-panel 3000x2200mm £5800

OS-29 four-panel 4200x2200mm £7500

Comparing the 29mm mullion sightlines with other sliding doors

Several sliding door brands on the market make claims about the slim nature of their doors. Context is everything with claims about sightlines. The Origin OS-29 sliding door is in no way one of the slimmest in the context of overall sightlines, but it is thin at the door mullion. Many brands are slimmer both in terms of mullion sightlines, overall frame depth, head, track and side jamb face dimensions.

Most if not all of the marketing messages around slimness relate to the door mullions. As a semi-dry glazed system, the OS-29 is certainly amongst the slimmer mullion doors, at 29mm. However, also using the same bonding method at the mullion, there are slimmer doors. Here are just three:


The reality is we are talking millimetres difference. Moreover, the marketing messages around sliding door sightlines are beginning to confuse buyers and in our view bordering on misleading them too, implying they’re buying an ‘all-round slim’ door.

For those specifically interested in the mullion sightlines of patio doors, you can see who makes the slimmest sliding doors in the UK whether dry glazed, bonded or semi-dry glazed.

Why slim doors aren’t always slim

Virtually every sliding door on the market has a thicker surround frame, head and track than the thin mullions. Homeowners often contact the website expressing disappointment at getting doors expecting the same sightlines all around. Unless a door is to be fixed within the structure hiding the surrounding frame, this is not possible. It’s not even possible with truly frameless systems unless the frame is hidden in the structure.

The thicker frame is also essential, housing lock bodies, rollers and other key components. Maxlight sliding doors do offer very slim frames at the sides, but also the inconvenience of having to bend or kneel down to floor level to lock/unlock their doors. Great doors, but not the most practical for everyone.

Understanding dry glazed versus semi-dry glazed sliding doors.

Most conventional sliding doors come with a dry-glazed design. These doors are manufactured as frames without glass. Glazing the doors happens on site after first installing the doors.

Structurally bonded slimline doors differ. These rely on the glass for its strength and integrity. All slimline sliding doors with a sub-30mm mullion usually come with this bonded design. They’re manufactured around the glass units. As a result, they’re more expensive, are harder to handle and installation is more complex.

Semi-dry glazed doors is a combination. The thicker surround frames are strong enough but the slimline middle mullion isn’t. Therefore, only this middle mullion is bonded to the glass.

Therefore, like the Sunflex product, the latest Origin OS-29 sliding door comes with a partially bonded design. It’s necessary because thin profile sliding doors need this additional design feature for strength at the mullion as well as protecting against wind deflection. Weather sealing and overall security also play a part.

What does this mean for the end-user customer? In short, not much other than the price, functional and aesthetic differences between all the many sliding door brands.

Our advice is always to consider the thicker profile doors. There are some truly phenomenal products on the market with engineering, design, look and feel. We have the benefit of seeing thicker framed doors installed in homes and the look is spectacular – don’t obsess over mullion sightlines. They don’t matter that much.

Consider doors by Schuco, Reynaers, aïr, Dutemann Glide-S, Visoglide and Visoglide Plus as just some excellent examples of the thicker profile doors.

Features of the Origin OS-29 sliding door

As mentioned, the slimmer sliding door offering by Origin has the same features as their existing doors. Some close up images of the handles and hardware you’ll get on the OS-29. We’ve not seen the actual product yet, but these are from the OS-44/77 models using the same.

This new slider by is essentially an existing OS44 and OS-77 inline sliding door with a slimline mullion. Handles, colours, configurations are broadly exactly the same.

Of course, you get exemplary Origin quality, guarantee and excellent lead times. The other advantage with any Origin product is it’s nationwide availability compared with other products not always available everywhere.

The one advantage of dry glazed or semi-dry glazed doors on the market is also coming with a lift and slide operation. Unfortunately, this is not a feature Origin has yet to incorporate into their doors.

For overall door sizes, Origin’s sliding doors generally meet the needs of most door openings. They don’t go as wide or as tall as other brands on the market, typically restricted to around 2.6m high. Comparable doors go up to 3m wide or tall on a single door panel.

For those looking to get the most out of their sliding door with the minimum amount of panels, check out the brilliant sliding door made by Dutemann, the Glide-S. Dutemann doors go up to 6.7m wide in just two panels.

Other sliding doors to consider alongside the OS-29.

The Origin OS-29 sliding door, if focused only on this mullion sightline now sits with the following brands worth comparing alongside it. Here we are talking about a few millimetres differences at the mullion.

And again bear in mind the availability of a lift and slide solution, Origin doesn’t provide. As well as this Origin doors only go up to 2.6m high.

  • Visoglide sliding door, 35mm mullion
  • Aluk BSC 94, 45m mullion
  • Schuco ASS70 PD, 30mm mullion
  • Sunflex sliding doors, 20mm and 30mm respectively
  • YES-Glazing Vision doors 24mm
  • For a 30mm mullion and low price it’s the Exlabesa Xlaslide

Origin OS-29 sliding door. Summary and Conclusion.

Pricing affects the choice of many sliding doors on the market. This is especially true with the 20mm and ultra-slim models. Homeowners are frequently surprised and put off at the high cost of slim and bonded sliders. However, as explained, making, delivering and fitting these is more expensive.

Where Origin’s new door will work well is providing the slimmer mullion without the complexity or cost of the full structurally bonded systems. Anyone having mullion sightlines at the top of their list when buying new sliding doors, with a more mid-range budget, can consider this product.

Origin, therefore, joins the other manufacturers and systems now marketing the slim lines of their doors but specifically at the mullion.

Don’t disregard the thicker profile dry-glazed sliding doors. Functionally they provide the same, if not more. Mullion sightlines really don’t matter as much as they’re marketed. On smaller patio doors aesthetics and mullion profile sizes may matter. On larger sliding doors this 10-20mm difference between slimline and standard sliders (not to mention a significant difference in price) make very little difference on larger openings. And remember the low/flush track is available with these too.

The best way to understand all these different doors is to go see them. As with all Origin products, lead times, service, manufacturing quality and reputation are first class. Four reasons alone why these doors will enhance a property renovation project.

Providing expert help to homeowners and trade professionals since 2010

expert

Free

Impartial

Get Free help finding the right products from the best suppliers

Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
Rachel LauRachel Lau
09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
13:18 02 Apr 23
Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
David NunnDavid Nunn
20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
Keith BarnesKeith Barnes
17:18 10 Dec 22
Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
Munim ChowdhuryMunim Chowdhury
11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
SUSAN wallaceSUSAN wallace
17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
Nick McCormackNick McCormack
20:25 14 Aug 22
Really helpful and useful came back to me on a Sunday with some invaluable information. Highly recommended.
ray addisonray addison
13:14 14 Aug 22
received a prompt reply to my query,and helpful information from ATS
js_loader