ᐅ Minimum width for a double-leaf window or patio door?

We have two patio doors, each double-leaf and two meters (6.5 feet) wide. That makes 4 meters (13 feet) of windows within an 8-meter (26 feet) wide wall — plenty of natural light comes in.

At the time, this was a relatively cost-effective solution compared to a sliding or lift-and-slide door.

We can live quite well with it; you can easily go outside through either leaf. The phrase means: I somewhat regret my choice in hindsight.

Today, I would install at least one of these doors as a sliding or lift-and-slide door. Or use glass across the entire width with a sliding or lift-and-slide door. Alternatively, I might have installed a large floor-to-ceiling window along with a smaller sliding or lift-and-slide door.

Back when planning, our lifestyle at home wasn’t as developed yet. We wanted to keep it “affordable” and be able to access the terrace on either side, left or right. Looking back, that wasn’t necessary... out of habit, people only use one side anyway.

The space required inside for the door leaves to open is — in my opinion — a significant disadvantage, especially in a small house.

In summer, when all doors are open, the leaves have to be secured with a stopper; otherwise, they might swing open and shut uncontrollably.

Regards,
Thorsten

We have a lift-and-slide door, and I would choose it again. Simply great, because you never have an obstructive door in the way.
Our window panel is 2.70 meters (8 feet 10 inches) wide, and the sliding door can be opened to almost half its width. We have a passage that is over one meter (3 feet 3 inches) wide. Simply wonderful.

Hello everyone,

interesting discussion.
Can you give me a rough idea of the cost difference between a double door and a sliding/tilt-and-slide door?

Also, I would like a step-free entrance, meaning a frame flush with the floor. Is that problematic in terms of rainwater or similar issues? How does the cost compare to a version with a frame that you have to step over?

Thanks!!

Of course, this applies only to individual cases and is not representative.

The single-leaf patio door (SH door) would have cost me an additional 2000 euros compared to the already visible extra charge for the double-leaf door without a central mullion.
Very roughly speaking: the price for the SH door was about twice that of the double-leaf door.
That startled me at the time, especially since I had two of them installed.

Considering the overall cost of a house, I was foolish back then.
Today, I would pay the extra cost for an SH door immediately and choose one. Much better. Much more practical.
Since I would probably only choose one door plus a window, it wouldn’t have come close to doubling the total cost.

PS: Our patio doors have an almost completely level entry. The bottom frame is about 5 mm (0.2 inches) above the finished floor level.
There are solutions that reduce this to 0 mm, but expect a significant additional cost of around +1000 euros or more.
There are also almost frameless window designs at the bottom… an additional extra cost as well.

Best regards,
Thorsten

PS: Rainwater. Many factors come into play here, including the height at which your house is built and, as mentioned, much more. When properly designed and executed, there are indeed solutions that are completely at ground level and do not pose any risk to the building structure from rain or heavy rainfall.

Drainage in front of doors or additional drainage systems along the house (besides the splash protection) are usually necessary in these cases (with additional costs for pipes/excavation work). In individual cases, only a skilled architect or planner involved in the specific project can provide further assistance, as the details here quickly become very complex. Such measures are, of course, not inexpensive. These aspects must be planned and implemented perfectly to ensure everything functions properly and sustainably over time.

Good evening,

readytorumble schrieb:

Can you roughly tell me the cost difference between a two-panel door and a lift-and-slide door?

For a 2.01 x 2.135 meter (6.6 x 7 feet) frameless lift-and-slide door, it’s about €1,000. I would always recommend choosing a pure sliding door element. It tends to last longer than the warranty periods.

readytorumble schrieb:

I would also like a step-free entrance, meaning the frame is flush with the floor. Is this problematic with rainwater or similar? What is the cost difference compared to the version with a frame you have to step over?

You can have the entrance lowered for an extra charge; however, I wouldn’t skip it completely. Otherwise, even with light rain, you won’t be able to fully open a window. Additionally, the necessary drainage outside—usually on the terrace—must be considered. For those concerned about aesthetics, it can look less appealing.

Regards, Bauexperte