Fitting ShutterKits plantation shutters across a large sliding doorway is a great option that can operate alongside the glass doors. With two main ways as installation options that are both equally effective depending on the individual opening space. Choosing between sliding and folding options, with correct measurements look fantastic.
A couple of deciding factors will determine the best option for the space. When your sliding doors open onto a patio or entertaining area, do they open left or right, right to left? Is there enough space either side of the doorway into the room to fold them for door access? Choosing plantation shutters involves deciding how you want to use that space throughout the day. Our ShutterKits painted timber and stained timber ranges include sliding and folding options. The right arrangement needs to suit your daily needs.
Panel Travel and Everyday Access
On a sliding system, shutter panels are mostly conjoined shutters that form one large panel that then slides past another conjoined set on separate tracks. When they overlap within the doorway, the parked panels cover the fixed pane of the glass.
If suitable room space and tracking arrangement allowance are sufficient, folding panels can travel past the opening and concertina onto one another allowing them to be ‘stacked’ to one side or the other or both. They will protrude into the room if installed in a sliding doorway. If they’re installed as a room divider for example, and there is available wall space, stacking to one side is a great option.
For everyday use, identify the shutter panel(s) that would move first if you were to enter or exit the doorway. Sending through a layout photo or drawing is always helpful to establish this.
Sliding and Folding Layouts
A sofa beside the doorway occupies space that a folding shutter panel may need as it swings into the room. Folded panels also form a stack at the side of the opening. Its projection and position need to leave room for you to pass.
Sliding panels travel along the face of the opening, with parallel tracks requiring depth. Their parking position uses space across the glass or besides it, depending on the arrangement.
Our painted timber shutters have folding and sliding options with matching pelmets and tracking systems. We’ll help you choose what option would be best depending on your situation with regards to space, what you’d like to achieve and the clearances required to make it happen.
Louvre Size and Operating Clearance
Each blade rotates within the shutter panel, sweeping towards the glass on one side and into the room on the other. Your chosen louvre size therefore needs sufficient clearance through its full tilt range. With a sliding system, there are two options available. The louvre blades can either be in their closed position to bypass the other or the open position. The open position requires more space. The tracks in the pelmet need to be situated wider apart to accommodate this.
Materials and Panel Widths
Across large sliding doors, each shutter panel adds vertical stiles to the view. The permitted panel width helps establish how many divisions the installation needs, alongside its height and supporting hardware.
Timber shutters are designed for indoor use. For shutters fitted outside the glass and exposed to weather, our external aluminium range provides the best option. Fixed in place installation is the best for great weathering and a very popular choice.
Sun Exposure and Installation Details
West-facing glass receives low-angle afternoon sun, while north-facing glazing offers opportunities for winter warmth. The Australian Government’s Your Home guidance links shading design to orientation and climate. Internal shutters control incoming light; external shading intercepts sunlight outside the glass.
For Australian homes, establish the shade needed alongside the opening you want to retain. Send us:
- Opening dimensions in millimetres, recorded as width × drop.
- Photographs showing any protrusions or any concerns.
- Photograph of the opening is so helpful to visualise the space.
These details let us recommend the best fitting options for your doorway. Please contact us for your sliding door shutter needs.
FAQs
Q: Can shutters work with an existing sliding flyscreen?
A: Compatibility with existing flyscreens usually isn’t a problem. Due to the screens being on the outside.
Q: Do shutter louvres need to close before the panels slide?
A: Closing the shutter louvres for sliding depends on the selected tracking system and blade clearance available. Some arrangements require closed blades where panels pass each other. We can confirm the operating requirements for your proposed configuration.
Q: What measurements are needed for shutters on large sliding doors?
A: Measuring for shutters across large sliding doors requires the opening’s width and drop in millimetres, plus any details of potential obstructions. The chosen installation type determines the final measuring instructions.