Frameless glass sliding doors

Frameless glass sliding doors are aluminium patio doors designed with a minimal amount of framing.  These modern and highly-engineered sliding doors are ideal for home improvement projects where the thinnest possible doors are required or for floor-to-ceiling doors to make the most of the natural light or views.

Information about frameless glass sliding doors

It is important to understand the construction of frameless glass sliding doors as there is some confusion, especially when searching online, about what constitutes a frameless product.

Many sliding doors are marketed as frameless; however, they possess both an aluminium outer frame and aluminium around the sliding panels. All frameless sliding doors require some aluminium framing. Therefore, no sliding door is entirely frameless.  Aluminium framing still plays a vital part in these frameless sliding glass doors for many good reasons.

  • To provide a location, fixing position and locking points for the door-locking system
  • To enable door handles to have a secure fixing point
  • To provide a colour choice
  • To protect the glass unit edges
  • To assist in the overall structural integrity of the product

Slim-framed aluminium sliding doors can be called frameless, thanks to the various methods with which they can be installed.  One of these is recessing the frame into the wall to conceal it, leaving just the door panel visible.  The result is a near-frameless appearance.

The huge appeal of frameless glass sliding doors is their very thin sight lines. The sight line is typically at the door mullion, with many systems ranging from 17mm or more.  You can find out who makes the slimmest sliding doors if finding the least framed door is one of your requirements.

frameless glass sliding doors

What is a good frameless glass sliding door?

All modern door systems available today offer good design, excellent weather performance, high security and a choice of style and configuration.  With good sliding doors, you can expect stainless steel components and hardware, toughened glass, smooth-running sliding panels and a secure locking mechanism.

When it comes to premium frameless glass sliding doors, the benefits are clear. They boast high-quality components, a wider choice of door furniture, and larger panel sizes, offering a wide range of possible uses.  

Whether used internally or externally, these doors enhance the aesthetics and functionality of any home.  By sourcing from an experienced installer, you can be assured of an innovative glass sliding door that will provide many years of reliable service.

Where can you use frameless glass sliding doors?

The most common use of frameless glass sliding doors is for external use to create floor-to-ceiling glazing, such as in a new extension or replacement patio doors.  These slim sliding panelled doors are ideal for enhancing a living space or creating an impressive glass room.

As well as external use, they can be used internally as a room divider, within a conservatory or new extension. Simply put, they are suitable for use internally or externally like any other type of door.

Thanks to their engineering and design, frameless glass sliding doors are effortless to slide even at their largest size.  Sliding doors can also be automated so they open and close at the touch of a button or by remote control, great for accessibility.

frameless glass sliding doors
Sunvista doors come with 19mm mullion and the option of a full frameless installation.

Where can you buy aluminium frameless glass sliding doors?

Choosing a door installer who specialises in and has the training and expertise to install frameless glass sliding doors is essential.  They should be able to demonstrate their experience through a good portfolio of installations, customer testimonials, certification and accreditation. They should also advise as to whether they will conform to the current building regulations, particularly regarding ventilation.

The installation of frameless glass sliding doors differs from conventional aluminium patio doors, where the glass is usually installed after the frame.  A frameless glass door is manufactured around the glass; already glazed doors are difficult to handle without expertise and/or special handling equipment. 

Frameless glass sliding doors will be supplied and fitted by the company that manufactures them or an experienced trade supplier. The trade supplier route is quite normal; most glass door manufacturers use external installers trained by the manufacturer and approved to sell and install their products.

There are other types of frameless doors and windows on the market. If you would like some further advice of where to buy your frameless glass sliding doors or have any other questions, please get in touch.