Tracked shutters for bifold, patio and French doors

How a tracked system works

The panels run on a top track, and usually a bottom guide, so they stay straight and cannot swing into the room. Depending on the space you have, the panels either bypass, sliding past each other on parallel tracks, or bi-fold, concertinaing into a stack at one or both sides. The louvres tilt just as on a window shutter, so you can control light with the doors closed.

Bifolds, patio doors and French doors

Each door type suits a slightly different arrangement:

• Bifold doors: folding panels stack to the same side as the doors so the full opening is usable.
• Sliding patio doors: bypass panels slide behind one another to clear the moving pane.
• French doors: tracked panels can clear the doors fully when you want to open both leaves.
• Glazed walls and room dividers: tracked panels can screen a large area of glass or split a room.

Space you need around the door

A tracked system needs room above the opening for the track and room at the side for the panels to stack. It also needs a clear floor line if there is a bottom guide. Deep new-build reveals and generous wall space usually make this easy. Where space is tight, perfect fit blinds on each door pane may be the better answer, and we will say so at the visit.

Why choose shutters over blinds on doors

Shutters feel solid, cope with daily use and look like part of the architecture of the room. They also add a layer between you and the glass on a large glazed wall. Blinds are quicker and lighter; our guide on blinds for bifold doors covers those options if you would rather go that way.

Materials, guarantee and lead time

Tracked shutters are available in hardwood, MDF and waterproof ranges. Selected shutter ranges carry a manufacturer's lifetime guarantee. We measure at the free home visit and our own fitters install the track and panels. Shutters usually take six to ten weeks, with temporary blinds available in the meantime.

Panel sizes and louvres

Tracked panels are usually larger than hinged window panels, so the louvre size is chosen to suit the height of the door. Wider louvres give a clearer view to the garden when open. We match panels to the door mullions where possible, so the shutter lines up with the frame behind it.

Everyday use

Tracked shutters are designed to be moved daily. The panels slide on quiet runners and lock in place when stacked, so they do not drift in a draught. When the doors are shut, tilting the louvres gives light and privacy in the evening, just like a window shutter.

Tracked shutters as room dividers

The same track system can close off part of a room, such as screening a kitchen from a dining area or dividing a large open-plan space. The panels fold back when you want the room open and close when you want a quieter corner. Because the louvres tilt, light still passes through, so the divided space does not feel dark. We measure ceiling height and floor level at the visit, as both need to be true for panels to run smoothly.