A Practical Guide to Made to Measure Patio Doors
If you're upgrading your patio doors, you've probably noticed standard options rarely fit perfectly. Made to measure patio doors are the solution, custom-built to your home's precise dimensions—a guarantee a generic door can't promise. This actionable approach ensures a perfect seal, boosting energy efficiency, enhancing security, and creating a flawless transition from your indoor living space to your garden.
Our expertise at Premier Screens Ltd lies in completing this upgrade. A bespoke door is only half the solution; our made-to-measure screens ensure you can use your new doors to their full potential, creating a truly seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
Why Custom Patio Doors Are Upgrading UK Homes
Standard patio doors are designed for "standard" homes, but few properties fit that mould. Whether you have an unusually sized opening, unique architectural details, or a specific aesthetic in mind, a generic door often falls short. This is where the actionable choice of made-to-measure doors proves its value.
Imagine a door that glides smoothly without catching, with no awkward gaps letting in draughts. That’s what a custom solution delivers. It’s a decisive move away from the "one-size-fits-all" mindset, empowering you to get exactly what your property needs.
The demand for these tailored solutions is growing. The UK patio door market is projected to expand from around 840,000 installations in 2024 to 1.2 million per year by 2030. A significant 48% of sales in 2024 were for retrofits, as homeowners replace old doors with modern, efficient alternatives. You can learn more about the UK patio door trends driving this demand.
The Power of a Perfect Fit
Choosing a made-to-measure patio door is a smart investment in your home's comfort and performance. Here are the actionable benefits you’ll notice immediately:
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: A door that fits its frame perfectly eliminates gaps. This stops heat from escaping in winter and keeps your home cool in summer, directly lowering your energy bills.
- Improved Security: Bespoke doors integrate seamlessly with high-quality locking systems, leaving no weak points for potential intruders.
- Increased Property Value: A high-quality, custom-fitted patio door is a major selling point, adding tangible value and serious kerb appeal.
- Uncompromised Aesthetics: You gain total control over the style, materials, and colour, ensuring the door perfectly complements your home’s unique character.
Beyond the Door Itself
A beautiful new door is only the first step. To get the most out of it, you need to be able to open it whenever you like. This is where a custom screen solution from Premier Screens Ltd makes all the difference. Pairing your new patio doors with our made-to-measure insect screens means you can let fresh air in without welcoming flies, midges, and other pests.
By combining a bespoke patio door with a precisely fitted screen from Premier Screens Ltd, you create a complete system offering seamless access to the outdoors, unobstructed views, and a pest-free environment. It’s the ultimate upgrade for any home that values both style and practicality.
The table below provides an actionable overview of why a bespoke solution for both doors and screens is superior to standard, off-the-shelf products.
Key Advantages of Made to Measure Patio Doors
This summary breaks down the core benefits that custom-fit patio doors and screens offer over standard, off-the-shelf options.
| Feature | Made to Measure (Bespoke) | Standard (Off-the-Shelf) |
|---|---|---|
| Fit and Seal | Flawless, airtight fit for any opening. | Gaps and draughts are common; often needs fillers. |
| Energy Efficiency | Maximised, leading to lower energy bills. | Sub-optimal; potential for significant heat loss. |
| Design Freedom | Total control over style, colour, and materials. | Limited choices in size, style, and finish. |
| Operational Smoothness | Engineered for your specific opening for easy use. | Can be stiff or awkward if the fit isn't exact. |
| Screen Integration | Premier Screens Ltd screens fit perfectly for total pest protection. | Standard screens may not fit, leaving gaps for pests. |
As you can see, the benefits add up quickly. A made-to-measure system is not just about getting a door that fits—it’s about creating a more comfortable, efficient, and secure home.
Finding the Right Screen for Your Patio Door Style
You’ve invested in beautiful patio doors; the last thing you want is a generic screen that spoils the view. At Premier Screens Ltd, we know there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. The perfect screen should blend in so seamlessly you forget it’s there, feeling like an integral part of the door itself.
Your actionable choice depends on your door type, how you use the space, and your personal taste. Whether you have vast bi-folding doors or a traditional French door, we have a system designed to match.
Let's look at the main screen types to help you decide which will work best in your home.
Retractable Screens for Uninterrupted Views
Imagine a screen that’s there when you need it and vanishes when you don’t. That’s the brilliance of a retractable screen from Premier Screens Ltd. Tucked away in a discreet cassette, the mesh glides out smoothly when required and rolls away, leaving your view completely clear.
This design makes them the go-to choice for large-span doors where the connection to the outdoors is the main event.
- Best for Bi-Fold and Sliding Doors: Our retractable screens are engineered to cover the wide openings of modern doors, offering full insect protection without spoiling the expansive feel.
- Minimalist Aesthetic: When retracted, the screen disappears into its housing, maintaining a modern, minimalist look.
- Flexible Operation: Pull the screen across as much or as little as you want, giving you total control over ventilation and access.
These systems are a perfect example of how made to measure patio doors are best complemented by accessories that are just as bespoke. You can explore our dedicated systems further in our guide to roller fly screens for patio doors.
Plissé Screens for Elegant Functionality
Plissé screens, or pleated screens, bring a different style to the table. Instead of rolling up, the mesh neatly folds away like a concertina. The result is a softer, more sophisticated look that’s both attractive and incredibly practical.
A standout feature is the ultra-low-profile bottom track—often just a few millimetres high. This creates a virtually flat threshold, a huge plus for families with young children or for ensuring easy wheelchair access.
At Premier Screens Ltd, our Plissé screens offer the full coverage of a retractable system but with a distinctive, decorative quality. Their concertina-style fold is remarkably durable and operates with a gentle push, combining elegance with robust functionality.
Hinged and Sliding Screens for Traditional Durability
For doorways with high daily traffic, a robust, frame-based screen is the right call. Our hinged and sliding fly screens work just like a second door, giving you a permanent and sturdy barrier against insects.
Hinged screens are perfect for single or double French doors. They swing open, typically in the opposite direction of your main door, for easy access. They are a classic, reliable option that feels solid and dependable.
Sliding screens are designed to work with sliding glass doors. They sit on a parallel track, allowing you to slide the screen open right alongside the glass panel—an incredibly intuitive system for high-traffic patios.
Chain Screens for Commercial and High-Traffic Areas
While less common in homes, our chain screens are an ingenious solution for commercial kitchens or busy back doors. Think of a café with staff constantly walking in and out with their hands full.
These screens are made of hanging strips of anodised aluminium chain, heavy enough to keep pests out but light enough for people to walk straight through. This hands-free access is their biggest benefit, ensuring you maintain hygiene and airflow without slowing workflow. They are the true workhorses of the insect screen world, built for pure durability and convenience.
Choosing Your Ideal Mesh and Frame Materials
You’ve picked the right screen system for your made to measure patio doors. The next actionable step is choosing the materials. The frame is the skeleton and the mesh is the skin—both are critical for how well your screen works and how long it lasts.
At Premier Screens Ltd, we know a screen for a home with a boisterous dog has different needs than one designed to keep pollen out. That's why we guide you to the perfect combination of materials for your specific situation.
Selecting The Right Mesh For Your Lifestyle
The mesh is the real workhorse of your screen. The right one for you depends on where you live, your family's health needs, and even your pets. We've set up our mesh options to solve common, real-world problems, making it simple for you to find your ideal match.
- Standard Insect Mesh: Our go-to choice for UK homes, creating a solid barrier against flies, wasps, and mosquitoes. You get to enjoy the breeze without the buzz.
- Superfine Midge Mesh: If you live near water or in midge-heavy parts of the UK, our superfine midge mesh has a tighter weave designed specifically to block them without cutting off airflow.
- Pollen Mesh: For hay fever sufferers, this is a game-changer. It’s engineered to capture a huge percentage of airborne allergens, letting you air out your home without the sneezing and itchy eyes.
- Pet-Resistant Mesh: Made from a much thicker, stronger material, our pet-resistant mesh is built to handle claws, paws, and excited bumps, giving you peace of mind that your screen will stay in one piece.
To help you compare these options at a glance, we've put together this simple guide.
Premier Screens Mesh Comparison Guide
This table provides an actionable breakdown of which mesh is best suited for different needs, helping you pinpoint the perfect solution for your home.
| Mesh Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Insect | General household use | Keeps out common insects like flies and wasps |
| Superfine Midge | Homes near water or in rural areas | Blocks tiny midges and other small insects |
| Pollen Mesh | Allergy and hay fever sufferers | Filters airborne pollen and other allergens |
| Pet-Resistant Mesh | Households with cats, dogs, or other pets | Extra durable to withstand scratches and impacts |
Hopefully, that makes the choice clearer! For a more in-depth look, our guide on the best fly screen mesh options for UK homes has all the extra detail you might need.
Why We Use Polyester-Coated Aluminium Frames
A brilliant mesh is only as good as the frame holding it. From our years of experience, we’ve learned what works. That’s why at Premier Screens Ltd, we exclusively use polyester-coated aluminium for all our screen frames. Aluminium is strong, light, and rust-resistant. We take it a step further by applying a tough polyester powder coating, which is baked onto the frame.
This powder-coating process creates a finish far superior to standard paint. It’s more resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading, ensuring your Premier Screens Ltd frames look pristine for years, even when exposed to harsh sunlight and rain.
This robust construction means our frames are a smart long-term investment. They won’t warp, crack, or corrode, providing a stable, reliable housing for your mesh. It's this combination of a strong aluminium core and a resilient polyester coating that delivers a product truly built to last.
How to Measure Your Door Opening Accurately
Getting the measurements right for your new screen is the single most important actionable step for your made to measure patio doors. It’s a straightforward task that ensures your Premier Screens Ltd system fits perfectly and works smoothly from day one.
The correct method depends on how you want the screen fitted. We offer two main installation styles:
- Reveal Fit: The screen is installed inside the door recess. This is a popular choice for a neat, almost invisible look.
- Face Fit: The screen is mounted onto the face of the door frame. This is often the best option if handles or sensors are in the way.
Before you begin, grab a quality metal tape measure for an accurate reading.
The Triple-Check Rule for Width and Height
To guarantee a professional fit, always take readings from three different points to capture the opening’s true dimensions.
For a Reveal Fit Installation (Inside the Frame):
- Measure the Width: Take three measurements across the inside of the door frame—top, middle, and bottom.
- Record the Smallest Width: Jot down the smallest of these three numbers. This is your final reveal width.
- Measure the Height: Do the same vertically—left, centre, and right.
- Record the Smallest Height: Again, write down the smallest of the three. This is your final reveal height.
Why the smallest? It ensures the screen’s housing will fit cleanly inside the opening without scraping or catching.
For a Face Fit Installation (On the Frame):
- Measure the Opening Width: Measure the width of the clear opening in three places (top, middle, bottom).
- Record the Largest Width: Take the largest of the three figures. You’ll then add the width of the side channels (listed on our product pages).
- Measure the Opening Height: Take three vertical measurements of the clear opening.
- Record the Largest Height: Record the largest of these numbers, and add the height of the top cassette to get your final height.
This ensures the frame has a solid surface to mount onto and will comfortably cover the entire opening.
Taking three measurements for both width and height is a non-negotiable step for a professional-quality fit. This simple action accounts for any variations in your door frame, preventing gaps and ensuring your Premier Screens Ltd system operates smoothly from day one.
Once you have your measurements, you are ready for the next step.
As you can see, once your mesh and frame are chosen, you're on the direct path to the perfect screen for your home or business.
Checking for Obstructions
Finally, perform this quick, actionable check: look around the door frame for anything that could get in the way. Bulky door handles, alarm sensors, or deep, decorative trim can all interfere with a reveal fit. If you find any obstructions, a face fit will be the simpler and more effective solution.
With these accurate measurements, you’re all set to use the Premier Screens Ltd online quote calculator. Enter your figures, choose your system and materials, and you’ll get an instant, transparent price.
Getting Your Screens Installed and Meeting Regulations
Once you have measurements for your made-to-measure patio doors, the next actionable decision is installation. You can choose a DIY job or hire professionals. At Premier Screens Ltd, we support you either way to ensure a flawless finish.
Our DIY kits are a brilliant and budget-friendly option for hands-on individuals. Each kit has everything you need, backed by clear installation instructions. It's the ideal route if you get satisfaction from doing it yourself.
If you’d rather have it sorted with zero fuss, our professional installation service is the answer. Our skilled technicians handle everything, guaranteeing a perfect, secure fit with no hassle on your part.
Choosing Your Installation Path
Deciding how to install your screens boils down to a trade-off between cost, convenience, and confidence. A DIY kit gives you full control and saves money, whereas our professional service is a true "fit and forget" solution.
- DIY Installation: Perfect for anyone comfortable with basic tools. A satisfying project that saves on labour costs.
- Professional Installation: The best choice for guaranteed results, especially for complex setups. Our team ensures your screen is fitted to the highest standard.
After picking your custom doors, it’s helpful to understand the full project scope. Getting familiar with the process for installing sliding glass patio doors provides a complete picture of the precision needed for both the door and the screen.
Meeting Commercial Food Safety Standards
For our commercial customers, especially in the food and hospitality sector, fitting the right door screens is a legal necessity. Restaurants and cafés must follow strict Food Standards Agency (FSA) rules to prevent pests from entering food handling areas.
Our fly screens are designed to help your business achieve full FSA compliance. By creating a solid barrier against insects, our screens help you maintain a hygienic kitchen, protect stock, and avoid fines or a damaged reputation. It's a fundamental investment in your business's health and integrity, an actionable step you can take today.
Compliance also creates a cleaner dining environment. The natural ventilation from our screens can reduce reliance on air conditioning, lowering energy bills. The UK doors market, valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2024, is growing fast. Premier Screens Ltd offers custom fly screens like our plissé and magnetic systems that work perfectly with popular commercial doors.
Your Simple Guide to Ordering and Costs
You've decided a made-to-measure patio door screen from Premier Screens Ltd is the right solution. Now, let's get to the final actionable steps: understanding the cost and placing your order. We've made this part transparent and straightforward.
The final price is determined by the size of the opening, your choice of system (retractable, plissé, etc.), the mesh you select, frame colour, and whether you opt for a DIY kit or our professional installation service. You control all these factors.
The Value of Buying Direct from a UK Manufacturer
When you order from Premier Screens Ltd, you're buying directly from the manufacturer, not a reseller. This means no middlemen markups. Our direct-to-you model lets us offer genuine trade pricing to everyone.
Here are the actionable advantages for you:
- Better Value: We cut out extra layers in the supply chain, passing the savings directly to you.
- Expert Support: You’re talking to the people who design and build the products. You get solid, expert advice every time.
- Faster Turnaround: Your order goes directly from our UK factory to your door, ensuring fast and reliable nationwide delivery.
Buying direct from Premier Screens Ltd isn’t just about a better price. It's an investment in a durable, low-maintenance solution that brings daily comfort, backed by a team of UK-based experts who know our products inside and out.
Your 5-Step Path to the Perfect Screen
Follow these five actionable steps to go from measuring your door to enjoying a perfectly fitted screen.
- Measure Your Opening: Use the "Triple-Check Rule" to get accurate width and height measurements for either a reveal or face fit.
- Get an Instant Quote: Head to our online quote tool. Enter your dimensions for an immediate, no-nonsense price.
- Customise Your Screen: Make it your own. Choose your system, pick the right mesh (standard, midge, or pet-resistant), and select a matching frame colour.
- Choose Your Installation Method: Decide what works best for you—the savings of a DIY kit or the convenience of our professional installation service.
- Place Your Order: Once you’re happy with your choices, place your order. We’ll start manufacturing your bespoke screen and ship it directly to you.
This straightforward path ensures you get a flawless, pest-free solution without any hassle.
Still Have a Few Questions?
Choosing the right screen is a big decision, and it’s natural to have questions. Here are straightforward answers to common queries to help you feel confident in your choice with Premier Screens Ltd.
How Do These Screens Hold Up in British Weather?
We build our screens specifically to handle the unpredictable UK climate. We use strong, polyester-coated aluminium for the frames, which stands up to everything from constant drizzle to a summer heatwave without corroding, chipping, or fading.
When you pair that frame with our hard-wearing mesh, you're not just buying a screen; you're investing in a solution from Premier Screens Ltd that will perform beautifully for years with minimal fuss.
Can I Fit a Screen to My Existing Bi-Fold Doors?
Absolutely. This is one of the most common reasons customers come to us. Our made-to-measure systems are ideal for retrofitting, especially on bi-fold and large sliding doors. Our retractable and plissé screens are the most popular choices.
The real magic is that our screens disappear completely when you don’t need them. This actionable design leaves your view and walk-through space entirely clear, so you don't have to compromise on that wonderful open feeling your bi-folds provide.
What Kind of Maintenance is Involved?
Very little. We designed our screens at Premier Screens Ltd to be as low-maintenance as possible.
- Frames: A quick wipe with a soft, damp cloth every now and then is all that's needed to keep them looking smart.
- Mesh: A gentle once-over with the brush attachment on your vacuum will remove any dust or cobwebs.
That’s it. A few minutes of simple care each season is all that’s needed to keep your screen running smoothly.
Are Your Screens Any Good Against Midges?
Yes, they are incredibly effective—as long as you take the actionable step of picking the right mesh. If you live in an area with midges, our superfine midge mesh is the definitive answer.
The weave is much tighter than standard insect mesh, creating a barrier that even the tiniest pests can’t get through. It lets you keep your doors wide open for ventilation without worrying about intruders. It’s total protection, without sacrificing the breeze.
Ready to enjoy an insect-free home? For expert advice and a bespoke system made right here in the UK, you can rely on Premier Screens Ltd.
