Patio doors remain one of the most popular home upgrades in the UK, and for good reason. They pull in more natural light, improve ventilation, and can add real value when you come to sell. But before you start browsing styles, you need a clear picture of what you'll actually pay — because the gap between a basic uPVC slider and a bespoke aluminium bifold is thousands of pounds.
In 2026, a standard set of patio doors in the UK costs anywhere from £500 to £3,000 for the doors alone, with installation adding another £100 to £400 depending on complexity. Factor in structural work, glazing upgrades, and finishing, and a full project can stretch from £1,000 up to £6,000+.
This guide breaks down costs by material, style, and the extras that often get left out of headline quotes.
UK Patio Door Prices by Material
The frame material is the single biggest cost driver. It also dictates how long your doors last, how much upkeep they need, and how they look from the kerb.
uPVC Patio Doors
uPVC is the cheapest route in. A standard white sliding set starts around £500, and even with installation you're unlikely to top £1,500 unless you're going large or adding upgrades.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | £500 – £1,500 installed |
| Maintenance | Very low — occasional wipe down |
| Lifespan | 20–25 years |
| Downside | Thicker frames, limited colour range, can warp in extreme heat |
If you want the look of aluminium without the price tag, hybrid doors with an aluminium core and uPVC exterior are worth a look. They give you slimmer sightlines and better rigidity for roughly 20–30% more than standard uPVC.
Timber Patio Doors
Timber suits period properties and conservation areas where modern materials would look out of place. Engineered timber is the standard now — it's stable, insulates well, and avoids the warping you get with cheap softwood.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | £800 – £2,500 installed |
| Maintenance | High — treat or repaint every 3–5 years |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years with proper care |
| Downside | Ongoing upkeep; neglected timber rots fast |
The temptation is to save money with softwood-engineered frames, but the long-term cost of repairs and early replacement usually wipes out any upfront saving.
Aluminium Patio Doors
Aluminium patio doors sit at the sweet spot for most homeowners in 2026. They cost roughly the same as timber upfront but need far less maintenance, last longer, and offer the slimmest frame profiles on the market.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | £1,000 – £3,000 installed |
| Maintenance | Low — wash the frames occasionally |
| Lifespan | 30–40 years |
| Advantage | Slim sightlines, huge colour choice, excellent strength-to-weight ratio |
The powder-coated finish on aluminium patio doors is baked on at high temperature, so it won't peel, flake or fade like painted uPVC or timber. Popular colours in 2026 include anthracite grey (RAL 7016), satin black, and chartwell green — all available across most aluminium systems.
For larger openings or modern extensions, aluminium bifold doors are the go-to. They fold back completely, blurring the line between inside and out, and the strength of aluminium means you can span wider openings with fewer, slimmer frames.
Steel Patio Doors
Steel is the premium end. It's three times stronger than aluminium, has a 50+ year lifespan, and brings an industrial aesthetic that's hard to replicate. But you pay for it.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | £2,000 – £5,000+ installed |
| Maintenance | Very low |
| Lifespan | 50+ years |
| Best for | High-security applications, luxury builds |
If security is your absolute priority, steel is unbeatable. You can even weld burglar bars directly into the frame.
Patio Door Prices by Style
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding doors run on a track and don't swing in or out, so they suit tight spaces where a bifold or French door would eat into your room or garden.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | £500 – £1,500 |
| Best opening | Up to 3.5 metres |
| Install time | 4–6 hours |
| Locking | Single-point (upgradable) |
The downside is security. Most sliding doors rely on a single locking point, so budget £30 for an anti-lift device and consider upgrading to a multi-point system if the manufacturer allows it.
French Patio Doors
French doors are hinged double doors that swing from the centre. They suit traditional properties and smaller openings where a full wall of glass would overwhelm the space.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | £500 – £1,500 |
| Best opening | Up to 2.5 metres |
| Install time | 4–6 hours |
| Locking | Multi-point as standard |
You can open just one leaf for everyday access, or both for summer airflow. The trade-off is swing space — they need clearance inside or out.
Bifold Patio Doors
Bifolds fold back like a concertina, stacking to one side and opening up the entire wall. They're the most expensive style but deliver the biggest visual impact.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | £1,000 – £4,000 |
| Best opening | 2.5 metres to 6 metres+ |
| Install time | 1–2 days |
| Locking | Multi-point as standard |
Once your opening exceeds 2.5 metres, bifolds become the practical choice. Aluminium is the dominant material here — the strength of aluminium frames allows wider individual panels (up to 1.2 metres each in some systems), meaning fewer frames and more glass.
What Affects the Total Cost of Patio Doors?
Size and Configuration
Wider openings need more panels, and each panel adds roughly £700–£1,000 to the material cost. A 3-panel aluminium bifold runs £3,000–£4,500; a 5-panel set on the same system can hit £5,500–£7,000.
Glazing
Double glazing is standard on virtually all patio doors sold in 2026. Triple glazing adds £500–£2,000 depending on the size, but it's worth considering if you're on a busy road or in an exposed coastal location. Toughened safety glass is mandatory for any glazing within 800mm of the floor — it's usually included, but check.
Colour and Finish
Standard white uPVC is the cheapest. Move to a wood-grain foil or a custom RAL colour and you're adding £150–£400. On aluminium patio doors, the powder-coating process means virtually any colour is available at a relatively small premium — typically £100–£300 for non-standard shades.
Security Upgrades
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Integral blinds: £2,000–£4,000 (built between glass panes — no dusting, no cords)
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Security lighting: ~£150
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Anti-lift device: ~£30
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Hydraulic door closer: £20–£100
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Multi-point lock upgrade: £50–£200
Structural Work
If you're replacing existing doors, installation is straightforward. If you're creating a new opening or widening one, add:
| Work | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Structural engineer | £300–£600 |
| Steel lintel | £500–£1,500 |
| Building control approval | £200–£500 |
| Wall reconstruction | £300–£1,000 |
Installation Costs in Detail
Labour rates vary by region — London and the South East run £200–£250 per day, while the North and Midlands sit closer to £150–£200. Most patio door installations need one tradesperson for sliding or French doors, and two for bifolds.
| Job Type | Labour Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding or French door replacement | £100–£200 | 4–6 hours |
| Bifold door installation | £200–£400 | 1–2 days |
| New opening / structural work | £500–£1,500+ | 1–3 days |
A reputable installer should include removal of the old door, fitting, glazing, weatherproofing, and a FENSA certificate. What's often not included: scaffolding (for upper floors), skip hire, decoration, and any structural engineer or building control fees.
DIY Patio Door Installation
Fitting patio doors yourself is possible but not recommended unless you're experienced. The doors are heavy, the tolerances are tight, and a poorly fitted door leaks air and water.
If you do go DIY, you'll still need a structural engineer to sign off the lintel if you're altering the opening. The tools you'll need:
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Electric screwdriver
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Tape measure and spirit level
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Construction foam
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Frame screws
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Aluminium foil vapour barrier
The saving is roughly £500–£1,000 on labour, but mistakes — dropped glass, misaligned frames, failed weatherproofing — can cost far more to fix. Most manufacturer warranties are also void without professional installation.
Maintenance and Long-Term Costs
uPVC
Respray every 10–15 years if the colour fades or chips. Cost: ~£250 for a professional finish. DIY liquid dip is cheaper but rarely looks as good or lasts as long.
Timber
Treat with oil, wax, or varnish every 2–3 years. Materials cost £15–£35 per litre, plus labour if you hire someone. Neglect this and you're looking at rot, warp, and eventual replacement.
Aluminium
Wash the frames with soapy water once or twice a year. Lubricate the locks and hinges annually. That's it. The powder coat won't peel or fade, and the frames won't rust.
Steel
Much like aluminium — minimal upkeep. A periodic wash and lock lubrication is sufficient for decades.
Patio Door Cost Summary
| Component | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doors (supply only) | £500–£1,000 (uPVC slider) | £1,500–£2,500 (aluminium slider/French) | £3,000–£5,000+ (aluminium/steel bifold) |
| Installation | £100–£200 | £200–£400 | £400–£800 (complex/structural) |
| Extras & upgrades | £50–£200 | £200–£500 | £500–£2,000+ (triple glazing, integral blinds) |
| Total project | £700–£1,500 | £2,000–£3,500 | £4,000–£7,000+ |
Patio Door FAQs
How much do patio doors cost in the UK?
Between £500 and £3,000 for the doors, plus £100–£400 for installation. A full project typically runs £1,000–£4,000 for most homeowners.
What's the cheapest patio door option?
A standard white uPVC sliding door with double glazing and no extras. Expect to pay around £500 for the door and £200 to fit it.
What's the most expensive patio door option?
A bespoke steel or premium aluminium bifold with triple glazing, integral blinds, and a custom colour. £5,000+ is not unusual.
Do patio doors add value to your home?
Yes. Estate agents consistently flag patio doors as a selling point, particularly aluminium bifolds that open onto a garden. The ROI is strong if the doors suit the property and are properly fitted.
How long do patio doors last?
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uPVC: 20–25 years
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Timber: 20–30 years with care
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Aluminium: 30–40 years
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Steel: 50+ years
Should patio doors open in or out?
Outward-opening French doors save interior space but take more weather exposure. Inward-opening is more secure (hinges protected) and easier for emergency access. Most modern outward doors have protected hinge mechanisms, so either works.
How much does it cost to maintain patio doors?
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uPVC respray: ~£250 every 10–15 years
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Timber treatment: £15–£35 per litre every 2–3 years
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Aluminium/steel: Minimal — just washing and occasional lubrication
Can I install patio doors myself?
You can, but it's not recommended unless you're experienced. The doors are heavy, tolerances are tight, and mistakes cost more than the labour saving. Most warranties are also void without professional installation.
