Balcony / terrace doors

How do HST sliding doors differ from PSK sliding doors?

When considering the look and practicality of your home, sliding door systems are likely one of the first features that come to mind. They provide many benefits for both homes and commercial spaces, such as allowing natural light to flood in, offering clear views of the outdoors, and providing convenient access to patios or balconies.

While sliding doors are generally viewed as valuable additions that can boost a property's resale value, not all systems are equally functional or dependable. Understanding the differences between HST and PSK sliding doors will help you select the ideal option for your home.

Sliding systems represent a breakthrough in window design, inspired by architects’ passion for expansive glazing. Sliding doors are unique in enabling large glass surfaces while offering smooth operation, modern style, and aesthetic appeal. If you want to bring nature closer to your home or brighten your living space with natural light, sliding doors are an ideal choice. Because their sliding panels don’t require extra room to open, they’re suitable for any space, no matter its size. On the market, there are two main types of sliding doors: PSK and HST. They vary in several important ways, and understanding these differences will help you select the best option for your home.

Like other sliding systems, PSK doors are designed to accommodate large glazed panels, with sashes reaching up to 1.6 meters in width. These expansive glass sections allow abundant natural light to fill the space and create a sense of openness, making PSK sliding doors a popular choice for both contemporary and traditional homes. The PSK sliding door features a distinctive opening mechanism: when closed, the sashes align in a single plane, but to open, the door must first tilt backward and then slide along the right track. Since the tracks are fixed to both the top and bottom frames, a low threshold isn’t possible, which can be inconvenient, particularly for elderly or disabled individuals. Additionally, despite the large size and weight of the sashes, the system operates similarly to traditional tilt-and-turn windows, making it more prone to issues with opening and closing.

The HST system operates on a lift-and-slide mechanism, meaning that to open the sash, it must first be lifted. This design is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of home styles, from traditional to modern. In the HST system, each door panel moves along its own track, allowing for numerous configurations of fixed and sliding components. Unlike the PSK sliding door, the HST system does not require a high threshold; the threshold can be level with the floor, providing seamless, barrier-free access to outdoor spaces like gardens, terraces, or balconies. Lift-and-slide doors generally accommodate larger sliding sections compared to tilt-and-slide doors. An HST sash can be as wide as 3 meters, offering a clear opening width of up to 2.9 meters. By pairing two sliding sashes side by side, you can achieve an impressive opening span of nearly 6 meters. However, the standout feature of the HST system is its ability to create 90-degree corner configurations, which greatly enhance both the interior and exterior aesthetics of your home. Overall, the HST lift-and-slide system is the most practical and efficient choice for openings wider than 2.5 meters.