This summer's project is to gut the kitchen and start again, but this is going to involve some changes to doors.

Our current kitchen is large about 5m in length and 3m width, at the far end is a window which looks out onto the patio which we have dreamed since we have moved in of knocking through and installing patio doors. There are currently kitchen units on either side of window.

I envisage losing the units either side a metre up, giving us a full clear wall to install the doors, but I am stuck on the most efficient to give maximum opening. We called a window company in a year ago who suggested both sliding and french doors, indicating the french would probably provide the widest opening area.

Any thoughts on this task, or suggestions on the doors?

My recommendation would be Folding Sliding Doors for as much of the opening as you possibly can.

We have a room that is 4.2m wide, with a 3m opening at the end. We put in 3 x 1m door panels that concertina back on themselves to make the entire opening open. It looks fantastic. Not cheap but looks great!

Ben

Thanks Ben

Who did you use?

Folding doors have been discussed before. So do a search on this forum for more info on them.
I have both a sliding door and french windows opening out onto my back garden(from different rooms!), and both look great. The sliding doors give the biggest opening, cost a lot more but have the wow factor! I used sunfold for mine and they were a disaster - didn't deliver when said they would (several times),didn't have all the parts when finally arrived, door didn't work properly when finall installed, customer service was non-existant nobody could be as bad
so avoid them!

Bez

Ossie, I'm not clear as to the width at the end you want to put the doors - 3m or 5m. If it's the 5m wall, and if you have a southerly aspect, and are reasonably sheltered , the sliding / folding doors would be nice. However, you will need to be careful as to which you use, as they need to be well installed to work properly over time.Bear in mind that timber expands and contracts with the seasons, so seals are vulnerable.Likewise PVC frames will expand and contract, so fittings tend to move relative to each other making locking awkward.( Anyone with woodgrain PVC doors facing south will know what I mean. ) What I'm getting at is that aluminium sliding / folding doors are best.
If it's the 3m wall, I think you'll find french doors in the middle might suit best, as sliding doors will open to one side , which tends to upset the balance of a narrow room. It would also mean you have 2 corners that don't need to be kept clear.
Hope these ramblings are helpful.

Thanks for that Bez I shall have a search and see about the folding doors. Thanks for tip on Sunfold.

Mr.P the end wall is 3m in width and the centre distance for the opening measures 2.08m, I am trying to maximise this opening to the fullest, realising obviously for 6 months a year the space either side of the doors could still be used, so I am envisaging this to be a breakfast bar area. The folding doors seem a great idea as they can fold into one side, or french windows that open out could be better as long as they don't impact too much on the small patio. Thanks for tips on the materials.

We used a company called ID systems based up in Norwich www.i-d-systems.co.uk

For a 2m opening they might be quite expensive band you might be better with French doors - but worth a look.

As for service etc of ID Systemsn - I can't fault them at all.

Ben

Just remember that sliding doors need TWICE as much room to open widthwise.

Sliding doors are always easier for the burglar to gain entry (true)

Opening doors both look more sophisticated and suit all types of property, and they also take up far less space widthwise. You can install double doors, as my friend has, and they look absolutely beautiful.

Good luck - hope it all turns out as you want, whichever choice you make.

If you're thinking about opening PVCu doors, you might want to consider a set done by Screwfix. Their catalogue includes 1800mm and 2100mm widths. They come in plain/clear or Georgian Bar design.

I've yet to find a set with opening handles on both doors, though, so if anyone else can suggest a supplier, I'd be grateful (Thanks).