Sliding doors: how to use them in your next project

10 January 2023

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A popular choice in Kiwi homes to create a connection between indoors and out, sliding doors have been evolving over the years to suit changing styles. We spoke with the creators of the original Ranchslider, Fisher Windows, to learn more.

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The Ranchslider Sliding Door

A prime example of endurance and longevity, the Ranchslider first appeared in New Zealand in the 1960s. A design developed by Fisher Windows founder Lou Fisher, it has been reimagined over the years to meet the expectations and needs of designers, architects and homeowners today.

Wayne Goodman, the Fisher Windows representative for the Tasman region, says since Lou Fisher introduced the original Kiwi Ranchslider, the brand has continued to place a lot of emphasis on research and design. Today, the brand is an industry leader and provides a complete range of aluminium joinery for specific products as well as custom-design situations.

“Although the original Ranchslider was innovative in its day, by today’s standards we would regard that first model as quite an average slider,” says Wayne. “Today’s Ranchslider is very easy-to-operate with quality sliding doors.”

The Kiwi classic Ranchslider Sliding Door has a single panel that slides the same way behind a fixed panel, which means there are no intrusive panels to obstruct.

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Wayne explains that R anchsliders used to be retrofitted or installed into a wooden frame. “They’ve evolved since then – the central track used to get filled with water and dust. Today, we have what we call a Smoothtech Chevron track which not only ensures that the sliding door glides easily, it also provides a flush sill which is modern looking and easy to clean.”

Another major evolution, he says, has been the development of the LevelStep. “Essentially this allows for your sliding door to be recessed into the floor so that the track and the sill of the Ranchslider are at the same level as your internal floor and external surface, thus removing a potential trip hazard,” says Wayne.

“It means homeowners and their guests are able to move from indoors to outdoors without having to step over an unsightly raised door frame. And I know removing that step sounds like such a simple and obvious thing to do, but in reality it’s actually quite an achievement,” says Wayne.

The smooth sliding Euroslider from Fisher Windows.

The Euroslider from Fisher Windows offers maximum protection from rain and wind without obstructing the view.

Euroslider Doors

Of course, with the advancements that the Ranchslider has seen since its development in the 1960s, new products have also entered the market – including Fisher Windows’ range of Euroslider Doors. With New Zealand’s often wet and windy weather conditions, Wayne says these are a smart choice.

“We have our beautifully designed Euroslider which has the sliding panels on the outside of the fixed glass, meaning all the water stays on the outside. With a standard sliding door, the water comes inside to the bottom of the sill before draining away – whereas with a Euroslider it all stays outside.”

To achieve this, a small step down to the external surface is required.

“But there are plenty of options,” says Wayne.

The Euroslider Bi-parting Sliding Door features in Tasman View House, winner of the 2018 NZIA Nelson/Marlborough Architecture Awards.

Community contributions

Advancements in technology and products aside, Fisher Windows has kept its community minded outlook at the forefront of its company culture.

“Lou Fisher, who was the founder of the company, also set up the Spirit of Adventure Trust,” shares Wayne.

Every year, each of the 19 Fisher Windows branches sends a young person from their local community to sea to take part in the voyage of a lifetime.

“Alongside the Spirit of Adventure Trust we provide these young Kiwis with the opportunity to learn and develop skills such as leadership, communication, discipline and resilience,” says Wayne.

They come back from these voyages somehow taller and braver, and they develop life-long friendships. We think it is one of the most amazing adventures any young person can have.”

Learn more about Fisher Windows and explore its product range.