Custom Wood Clad Lift and Slide Door with Glass | Features and Costs

Key Takeaways

• Custom wood-clad lift and slide doors combine wood’s beauty with aluminum’s durability.
• These doors are perfect for large openings, offering seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
• The lift and slide mechanism ensures effortless operation and a tight seal for better insulation.
• Panda Windows & Doors provides premium materials and extensive customization options to fit any design preference.

Custom Wood Clad Lift & Slide Door with Glass: An Overview

Custom wood-clad lift & slide doors with glass offer the best door solution for projects where the warmth and natural beauty of wood and the practicality and low maintenance of aluminum are desired. Clad door systems typically feature a wood interior (for a classic appearance) and an exterior covered with aluminum cladding, which provides protection against the elements and enhances the door’s durability.

Like any other sliding door system, lift & slide doors move horizontally along a floor track (which makes them a great space-saving option) and usually feature large glazed surfaces that allow for unobstructed views and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

However, they differ significantly in their operation mechanism. 

Unlike traditional sliding doors that require you to pull the glass panel with your weight to open or close, liftslide systems have a specialized handle that makes opening and closing effortless, even for door panels that weigh up to 600 Ibs.

How Lift-Slide Doors Work

Lift and Slide doors have an integrated handle that when turned lifts the door panel slightly off the track, allowing it to glide easily. 

When the handle is turned in the other direction, the panel is lowered backed onto the track, and locked in place. This particular feature stops the door from being opened accidentally.

Wood-clad lift and slide door by Panda. The lock-in feature of the door creates a weather-tight and thermally efficient seal that eliminates the draughts and energy loss associated with regular sliding doors.

Features

Wood and Aluminum Cladding

The combination of wood and aluminum in these doors is one of their defining features. 

The solid timber frame provides the structural integrity needed for large openings, while the aluminum cladding protects the wood from weathering and reduces the need for maintenance.

Interior view of wood-clad lift & slide door frame by Panda.

The wood interior can be customized with various species and finishes to match the decor of your home. Whether you prefer the rich look of mahogany or the classic appeal of oak, there is a wood option to suit your taste.

At Panda, we use finely engineered extruded aluminum for the exterior cladding, which is available as a thermally broken option for projects where thermal performance is a major concern.

Customization

You can customize every aspect of your wood-clad lift and slide doors, from the choice of wood species and finishing to the size, track options, configurations, and glazing options. 

We have over 20 different hardwood species you can choose from, including poplar, sapele mahogany, oak, maple, knotty pine, walnut, and alder – and of course, for woods not listed or a custom wood detailing you’d like, we can get it for you.

Choose from any one of our several barefoot-friendly, flush track options designed specifically to promote a seamless flow between spaces. Our lift and slide door systems are custom-made to fit any configuration with classic 2-panel, 3-panel, and double-sliding options available.

Insulation & Energy Efficiency

Lift and slide doors offer superior insulation and energy efficiency compared to regular sliding doors. The lifting action of the door creates an airtight seal that minimizes heat loss when the door is closed.

Since most of the door’s total surface area is glass, your choice of glazing can affect its overall energy efficiency – which is why our lift and slide doors come standard with low-E glass. But you’re not limited to this option alone – we can use double or triple-glazing or other thermally enhanced options for your door.

Moreover, wood being a natural insulator contributes to the door’s energy efficiency while our thermally broken aluminum cladding can further enhance thermal performance. 

Durability & Maintenance

4-panel wood-clad lift & slide door system by Panda.

Wood-clad lift and slide doors are durable and low-maintenance. The solid wood component of the door is incredibly sturdy and stable and can last for a long time. The exterior aluminum cladding, on the other hand, protects the wood core from the elements and requires minimal upkeep to maintain its beauty.

Costs

Lift and slide doors prioritize sealing, insulation, and ease of operation but come at a higher price point compared to regular sliding doors which are more cost-effective. 

Generally speaking, the price can start at $5,000 for basic designs and rise to $15,000 and more depending on the materials used, customizations requested, and hardware installed. To get a better idea of how much your custom lift and slide door will cost, you can contact us to request a quote.

Choose Panda Windows & Doors For Your Custom Wood-Clad Lift & Slide Doors

Your door sets the tone for your home and can elevate its design. But, choosing a partner who understands your vision and has the expertise to bring it to life can be daunting. At Panda Windows & Doors, we understand what it takes to create stunning and functional doors that complement your home’s architecture.

When you choose us, you get:

• An industry leader with over 30 years of experience ready to translate your vision into aesthetically pleasing door solutions.
• Innovative designs to meet your needs, whether you want an energy-efficient product or security-optimized doors.
• Premium doors that reflect your style and will remain functional and attractive for many years.
• Exceptional customer support to answer all your questions and ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Contact us to find out more about our bespoke wood-clad folding doors for your home or business today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do lift & slide doors work?

Our lift and slide door systems have an integrated handle that lifts the door panel off the track for effortless opening and closing, with a lock-in feature for weather-tight sealing.

How do these doors enhance energy efficiency compared to regular sliding doors?

At Panda, our lift & slide doors are designed to provide superior insulation and energy efficiency. The lifting mechanism creates an airtight seal when the door is closed, significantly reducing heat loss. The use of low-E glass as a standard ensures optimal thermal performance. The natural insulating properties of wood further contribute to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Can I customize my wood-clad lift & slide doors?

Yes, you can choose from various wood species, finishes, sizes, track options, configurations, and glazing options to suit your needs.

What is the lifespan of wood-clad lift and slide doors?

Our custom wood-clad lift and slide doors are built to last. The aluminum cladding on the exterior protects the wood frame from weathering, while the solid timber frame provides strength and stability.

Can these doors be installed in older homes?

Yes, you can upgrade your existing entrance with our custom wood-clad lift and slide doors. We can customize the door so it fits seamlessly with your home’s existing architecture.