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.
How Much Do Patio Doors Cost by Material?
uPVC patio doors typically cost £500–£1,500 installed, timber £800–£2,500, aluminium £1,000–£3,000 and steel £2,000–£5,000+. Aluminium sits mid-range on price but lasts 30–40 years with minimal upkeep, which makes it the best long-term value for most homes.
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.
How Much Do uPVC Patio Doors Cost?
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.
How Much Do Timber Patio Doors Cost?
Timber patio doors typically cost £800–£2,500 installed, but they need treating or repainting every 3–5 years to stop them rotting.
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.
How Much Do Aluminium Patio Doors Cost?
Aluminium patio doors typically cost £1,000–£3,000 installed and last 30–40 years. See how they compare in our aluminium vs PVC patio doors guide.
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.
How Much Do Steel Patio Doors Cost?
Steel patio doors typically cost £2,000–£5,000+ installed, making them the most expensive option.
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.
How Much Do Sliding, French and Bifold Patio Doors Cost?
Sliding and French patio doors typically cost £500–£1,500, while bifold patio doors cost £1,000–£4,000 because they need more panels and take 1–2 days to fit. Sliding doors suit openings up to about 3.5 metres; bifolds come into their own from around 2.5 metres upwards.
How Much Do Sliding Patio Doors Cost?
Sliding patio doors typically cost £500–£1,500 and take 4–6 hours to fit. For a full breakdown including labour, see how much a sliding patio door costs with installation, or browse our aluminium sliding 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.
How Much Do French Patio Doors Cost?
French patio doors typically cost £500–£1,500 and suit openings up to about 2.5 metres. Learn more in our guide to what French doors are or view our aluminium French 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.
How Much Do Bifold Patio Doors Cost?
Bifold patio doors typically cost £1,000–£4,000 and take 1–2 days to install. Our bifold door cost guide breaks prices down by panel count.
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 number of panels, glazing specification, colour, security upgrades and any structural work are the main factors. Replacing doors in an existing opening keeps costs down, while widening or creating an opening can add roughly £1,300–£3,600 for an engineer, lintel, building control and making good.
How Does Size Affect Patio Door Prices?
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.
How Much Does Triple Glazing Add?
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.
Does the Colour Affect the Price?
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.
How Much Do Security Upgrades Cost?
-
Integral blinds: £2,000–£4,000 (built between glass panes — no dusting, no cords)
-
Security lighting: ~£150
-
Anti-lift device: ~£30
-
Hydraulic door closer: £20–£100
-
Multi-point lock upgrade: £50–£200
How Much Does Structural Work Add?
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 |
How Much Does Patio Door Installation Cost?
Fitting a replacement sliding or French patio door typically costs £100–£200 in labour and takes 4–6 hours, while bifold installation costs £200–£400 over 1–2 days. New openings or structural work push labour to £500–£1,500+.
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.
Is DIY Patio Door Installation Worth It?
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:
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.
What Are the Long-Term Running Costs of Patio Doors?
Aluminium and steel patio doors cost almost nothing to maintain beyond a wash and annual lubrication. uPVC may need a respray (around £250) every 10–15 years, while timber needs treating every 2–3 years at £15–£35 per litre of product, plus labour.
How Much Does uPVC Maintenance Cost?
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.
How Much Does Timber Maintenance Cost?
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.
How Much Does Aluminium Maintenance Cost?
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.
How Much Does Steel Maintenance Cost?
Much like aluminium — minimal upkeep. A periodic wash and lock lubrication is sufficient for decades.
How Much Does a Full Patio Door Project Cost?
Budget around £700–£1,500 for a fitted uPVC slider, £2,000–£3,500 for a mid-range aluminium sliding or French door project, and £4,000–£7,000+ for a premium aluminium or steel bifold with upgrades such as triple glazing or integral blinds.
| 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?
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?
-
uPVC respray: ~£250 every 10–15 years
-
Timber treatment: £15–£35 per litre every 2–3 years
-
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.
How much does it cost to replace patio doors?
Replacing patio doors in an existing opening usually costs £500–£1,500 for uPVC and £1,000–£3,000 for aluminium, installed. Labour for a like-for-like swap is typically £100–£200 and takes 4–6 hours. Budget more if the opening needs widening or a new lintel. Check the standard UK patio door sizes before you order.
What is the difference between French doors and patio doors?
Patio door is the umbrella term for any glazed door opening onto a garden or patio, including sliding, French and bifold styles. French doors are one type of patio door: a pair of hinged doors that open from the centre. Read more in what is a patio door?
Do new patio doors need building regulations approval?
Yes. Replacement patio doors in England and Wales must meet Building Regulations for thermal performance and safety glazing. A FENSA or CERTASS registered installer can self-certify the work; otherwise you need building control approval. New or widened openings also need structural sign-off.
