Glass seems to be a dominant feature in many home renovation projects. But how easy is it to incorporate beautiful glazing into your own space? We’ve put together an expert guide on everything there is to know about these clever doors, from sourcing to installation…
Glass is one of the most transformative materials you can include in your home, and when it comes to glazed doors, this is certainly no exception. Highly practical yet aesthetic, they not only grant access to your exterior (especially those that can fold back and open up entire walls), they let in more natural light, while making a statement, too.
According to Charlie Stoyle, sales and marketing director at Bespoke Glazing Design, glazing “adds elegance and a sense of space without compromising functionality.” Plus, there are plenty of glazed door materials, designs and configuration options to choose from – whether you love a classic, black frame, prefer the warmth of timber-framed doors or the clever mechanism of a pivot option.
However, the process of selection through to installation must be carefully considered. So, where do you start? KBB journo Francesca Seden has got the lowdown…
Consult a glazing company
Natalie Wong, Maxlight’s marketing lead, says you will first need to consult a glazing company or an architectural designer who specialises in glass installations. “They will help you choose materials, styles and configurations that suit your space and needs. It’s also wise to explore case studies or visit showrooms to see products in action before making a decision.”
If you have an interior designer or architect on board, it’s worth consulting them to see if they have any trusted glazers that they regularly use, as well, as this will likely make the process smoother.
Installation checklist
It always helps to select your glazed doors at the beginning of the project, as you want to know their dimensions before you make any large openings in the property. Then, when it comes to installation, because it’s a specialised process, glazing professionals will likely employ their own installers, or they may recommend a trusted contractor.
A recommended fitter is usually your best bet – remember that a poorly fitted glazing system can fail, and it needs to meet all proper regulations. For peace of mind, ensure the glazing company you opt for is accredited by Fensa or Certass.
Those living in a listed property should consider reaching out to a glazer who specialises in their area. Companies like Clement Windows specialise in manufacturing steel-framed doors, for example, which match the originals being replaced in listed buildings, period homes, properties of architectural interest, or those located in conservation areas. In these cases, the conservation officer would most likely prefer like-for-like steel replacements.
Which type of glazing is right for you?
There is a reason steel-framed doors are so popular. They have an industrial edge but also work well in period homes, serving as dramatic glass frontages. Tessa Clement-Jones, marketing manager at Clement Windows, notes that one of the key benefits of steel-framed glazing is that it’s very low maintenance.
“New steel windows and doors, unlike those of the past, are hot dip galvanised and covered in a coat of polyester powder paint. This gives the frames a durability and strength which will reduce the need for maintenance.”
Another advantage is that strong steel-framing can accommodate double glazing, so steel-framed doors come with great thermal credentials. Charlie recommends cleaning the frames with a soft, damp cloth, and adds that touch-ups with matching paint work wonders for scratches and chips.
Types of glazing
Sliding doors
These doors offer uninterrupted views due to larger glass panels and minimal framing,” says interior designer Claire Garner, as well as a seamless indoor-to-outdoor transition. Because of the space needed to open fully, sliding doors are best for modern homes with panoramic views, succeeding in bringing the outside in.
As far as care and maintenance is concerned, they do require a little more attention than other options as, in addition to cleaning the glass, it’s also necessary to regularly clean the runners to prevent dust build-up and keep them running smoothly. For sliding doors with tracks, rails or hinges, don’t be tempted to use lubrication as this enables dust and dirt to stick. Use a soft brush and vacuum cleaner, instead.
Bi-fold doors
Like sliding doors, these create a seamless inside-to-outside transition, ideal when entertaining. Plus, thanks to folding, they can be tucked into the corner, further maximising the space. Natalie says that bi-fold glazed doors are best for “when you want the focus to be in the middle of the room – as half the space is opened up from the middle – and where there is fixed furniture on either side of the room.”
As well as letting natural light in, they can replace the back wall of your home, and their thermal credentials are normally good (although not as good as solid brick), if you stick with a reputable brand. However, because of the large expanse of glass, you will likely need to clean them more. Their frames are available in hardwearing aluminium, composite, timber (which adds warmth), and the more affordable uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride).
Pivot doors
Making a bold statement, pivot glass doors are perfect for modern homes or design-forward renovations. “They make a dramatic entrance, both figuratively and literally,” says Charlie.
According to Greg Knight, managing director at John Knight Glass, these doors introduce a captivating feature to your space, with their weight elegantly balanced on a pivot point along the horizontal frame. The pivot design allows for significantly larger doors than standard hinged ones, amplifying their impact and aesthetic appeal.
“Beyond pivot doors’ practicality, their unique hinge positioning becomes a captivating point of interest for guests, adding an intriguing element to your project,” says Greg. “As larger glass panels continue to gain popularity in both new builds and renovations,” adds Greg, “a pivot door system empowers you to apply a sleek, spacious treatment to your openings.”
Pocket doors
Single pocket doors give a similar look to bi-folds, but they are so much neater, and have an added ‘wow factor’, as they glide seamlessly into the fabric of the building. If you are considering pocket doors, particularly for exterior applications, it’s essential that this is discussed with your architect and builder.
“The fabric of the building must be designed and built in a way to house the large frameset of the doors that must be recessed into the wall, whilst maintaining insulation values and water tightness,” adds Greg.
In terms of care and maintenance, like with sliding doors, it’s key to keep pocket doors’ tracks free from debris, with regular brushing to ensure smooth operation.
What will it cost?
Overall costs largely depend on whether you’re opting for an off-the-shelf or bespoke solution, and on the type of glass used. A bespoke option will cost considerably more, and the glass will vary in price depending on its thermal credentials, on whether it needs to be fire-proof, and whether it’s coated to better cope with direct sunlight to prevent the overheating of the space.
The amount of glass used will also have a big impact on costs. Installation fees will very much depend on the complexity of the installation. Josh Gill, managing director at Creating Spaces, points out that while an installer might set a standard rate, other factors can impact the cost, such as the condition of brickwork and the removal of the old door.
Don’t forget…
- Before installation, take into account factors such as architectural style, space constraints, and the desired levels of natural light.
- SWD Bespoke’s marketing manager, Olivia McGuire, says sliding doors are best for kitchens and dining rooms, while arched or hinged glazed options can work internally, too, in feature areas like living rooms or studies.
- The choice of frame colour and finish will impact your design’s overall aesthetic, says Natalie from Maxlight. “For example, black aluminium frames are very popular for a modern, industrial look.” If you want a cosier vibe, you might opt for timber frames instead – although, as Natalie suggests, these may require occasional repainting.
- To clean your glass, use a streak-free glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth. “Avoid harsh chemicals,” advises Natalie, “especially if the glass has special coatings like UV protection or ‘anti-glare’. It’s also worth checking seals and weatherproofing annually, particularly for external doors which are exposed to the elements.”
- Ensure your glazed doors meet safety standards such as fire safety regulations.
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