Get A Quote
One of our team would be happy to have a chat with you about your requirements, answer any unanswered questions and measure up at a time that suits you to provide you a free, no obligation quote.
The UK patio door market has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, driven by advancements in materials, evolving consumer preferences, and regulatory shifts toward energy efficiency.
In 2024, the industry reached a valuation of £4.7 billion, with projections indicating steady growth at a 3% compound annual rate through 2032.
This expansion is fuelled by rising demand for bi-folding, sliding, and French doors across residential and commercial sectors, particularly in Surrey and the broader South East where Sheerwater Glass has cemented its reputation as a leading installer.
Below, we explore the forces shaping this dynamic market, from material innovations to installation trends, providing journalists and industry stakeholders with actionable insights.
UK Patio Door Market Overview: Growth Drivers and Key Statistics
Market Size and Projections
The UK doors market, valued at £4.7 billion in 2023, is poised to reach £5.8 billion by 2032.
Patio doors account for approximately 35% of this sector, with aluminium frames dominating premium installations and uPVC remaining the budget-friendly choice for 62% of homeowners. Key growth drivers include:
- Urbanisation: 84% of the UK population now resides in cities, spurring demand for space-efficient designs like sliding and bi-folding systems.
- Retrofit Boom: 48% of 2024 sales involved replacing existing doors, driven by energy efficiency concerns.
- Material Innovation: Aluminium’s market share surged to 28% in 2024 (up from 19% in 2020) due to its slimline profiles and corrosion resistance.
Regional Demand Patterns
Surrey emerges as a hotspot for premium installations, with Sheerwater Glass reporting a 41% year-on-year increase in aluminium bi-fold orders in Woking and Guildford.
Nationally, the South East accounts for 32% of all patio door installations, followed by London (25%) and the Midlands (18%).
Material Analysis: uPVC vs. Aluminium vs. Timber
uPVC: The Cost-Effective Leader
- Market Share: 40% of patio doors installed in 2024 used uPVC frames.
- Pricing: Average supply and install cost: £2,300 for sliding systems.
- Advantages: Low maintenance (annual cleaning saves £120 vs. timber), thermal efficiency (U-values as low as 1.2 W/m²K), and 10-year warranties standard.
Aluminium: The Premium Choice
- Growth: Sales rose 30% in 2023, with Sliders UK attributing this to 45% shorter lead times for bespoke colours.
- Performance: Achieves U-values of 0.8 W/m²K with thermal breaks, outperforming uPVC in commercial settings.
- Aesthetics: 57% of Surrey homeowners choose anthracite grey or black finishes to complement modern extensions.
Timber: Niche Appeal with Challenges
- Decline: Now holds just 12% market share due to maintenance requirements (average £180/year upkeep).
- Exceptions: Listed buildings in Surrey (e.g., Guildford’s conservation areas) still require timber to meet planning rules.
Door Type Trends: Sliding, Bi-Folding, and French Systems
Sliding Doors: Space-Saving Champions
- Popularity: 42% of patio door installations in 2024.
- Innovations: One company’s Aluminium’s 2023 sales jumped 30% with "slim sightline" systems (frame widths under 50mm).
- Costs: Aluminium sliding doors average £3,200 installed vs. £2,300 for uPVC.
Bi-Folding Doors: Luxury Market Expansion
- Installations: 28% growth in 2024, led by 6-panel configurations for one manufacturer.
- Lead Times: You can expect a 6–8 week timeline for our bespoke bi-folds.
- Security: Sheerwater Glass reports 89% of clients choose multi-point locking (BS PAS 24:2016 compliant).
French Doors: Traditional Appeal
- Market Position: 19% of installations, favoured for period properties.
- Material Shift: 68% now use aluminium clad timber to reduce maintenance.
Installation Costs and Regulatory Considerations
Pricing Breakdown
| Door Type | uPVC (Supply + Fit) | Aluminium (Supply + Fit) |
| Sliding (2.4m) | £2,300+ | £3,200+ |
| Bi-Fold (Per Leaf) | £N/A | £1,200+ |
| French (1.8m) | £2,200+ | £2,800+ |
| Source: Sheerwater Glass 2025 |
Building Regulations
- Thermal Efficiency: Must achieve U-values ≤1.4 W/m²K under Part L1B.
- Safety Glass: All glazing below 800mm requires toughened/tempered panels (BS EN 12600).
- Accessibility: Thresholds ≤15mm for wheelchair compliance (Part M).
Future Outlook: Smart Tech and Sustainability
Emerging Technologies
- Smart Integration: 22% of 2024 installations included sensor-enabled locks or integrated blinds.
- Solar Glazing: Pilots in Surrey homes show 8% reduction in HVAC costs via photovoltaic glass.
Market Projections
- Volume: UK patio door installations expected to hit 1.2 million/year by 2030 (up from 840,000 in 2024).
- Material Shift: Aluminium to capture 38% market share by 2027 as uPVC prices rise.
- Circular Economy: 73% of manufacturers or installers now offer take back schemes for old door frames.
Spotlight: Sheerwater Glass’s Role in Surrey’s Market
As Surrey’s leading installer, Sheerwater Glass has adapted to these trends by:
- Material Expertise: Offering certified aluminium systems from Cortizo and Sheerline.
- Efficiency Focus: Achieving average U-values of 0.9 W/m²K through thermally broken profiles.
- Efficient Service: Survey to installation timelines leveraging expert and local supply chains.
With planning reforms and Net Zero targets accelerating retrofit demand, the patio door sector presents ample opportunities to track technological and regulatory developments. For a consultation contact Sheerwater Glass.
