A sliding door is just a big window, and if correctly built in (check if the glass is the correct sized for the door if a bit old) with the correct sized lintels this should not be a big problem as the loads would be transferred to the sides, allowing the door to slide easily. Silicon spray (being a Yachtie were we use this stuff everywhere), we now use silicone spray on all our windows in our 1930 home and the windows glide across with one finger before they used to tilt when trying to open them. I would place the door head up to line up with the others and one thing you might consider is placing a window seat, (rebate the bottom channels into the window seat) and have the window seat in and out, place a cushion over the entire seat, should be fantastic and if the deck is built, than no balustrade is required. If it is a stacker slider, i would do the seat for the entire length. So instead of looking a bit funny they will think it was supposed to be like that. We should all think outside the square more often. RAM

We've ended up choosing Yokor Windows & Doors. They're a Chinese import company with very high quality product. A builder friend of mine recommend him who used them in his own house. We are yet to order though. They were about 8k cheaper than The other company we were tossing up between. The only issue i don't like their flyscreen product so we'll get that from someone else.

Hi Siriuskey, They are timber looking tiles - we absolutely love them. We are considering the same for the new place but potentially herringbone/parquetry arrangement. Much more expensive vs. laminate but easier to clean and no concern in relation to water...

you can have internal timber frames and external aluminimium which are different colours and better insulation with thermal break double glazing so should be able to have any colour you like for a price...check with your local window manufacturer for specifics