Patio Door Types: A Guide

by | Jul 6, 2021 | Home Improvement

Did you know that over half of homeowners have made home improvements during the lockdown?

Since we’re having to stay home more, it makes sense to make home the best it can be.

image - Patio Door Types: A Guide

Patio Door Types: A Guide

A great way to upgrade the aesthetic of your home is to install new patio doors.

There are lots of patio door types to choose from to suit any design style or room layout.

Keep reading for inspiring ideas on how to refresh your house with patio doors.

Benefits of Patio Doors

Patio doors are an ideal way to invite natural light and fresh air into your home. And a good patio door can boost the visual appeal of a room.

Choose a style that complements the room and enhances your view of the outdoors.

Sunlight

Exposure to sunlight can increase serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin boosts the mood, helping us feel calm and focused.

So, let the sunshine in! Imagine your home office with rays of sunlight streaming in, inspiring your creativity.

Or picture your kitchen lit up with morning sun, boosting your mood.

Energy

When you allow more natural light into your home, you can save on energy bills. Let the sun brighten your days instead of electricity.

Throw open the doors to let in a cooling breeze. This is better than turning to an artificial means to cool off.

Appearance

Break up the wide, flat wall with a trendy patio door. With all the types of patio doors, you can choose a style to complement your room.

Sparkling glass and sturdy panes make a stunning focal point to any room. And the scenery through the glass will change day-to-day and season-to-season.

Nature

Connect with the outdoors while working or studying inside. A large, unobstructed view can inspire feelings of comfort and peace.

Spending time close to nature can help with anxiety and depression. Bring the outside in with a panoramic view, and reap the benefits.

Value

High-quality patio doors add beauty and class to any home. Even if you aren’t planning to sell, it’s smart to increase your home’s value.

The modern, stylish convenience appeals to all demographics. Expect to raise your home’s value with patio door installation.

In fact, installing patio doors is one of Homebuilding & Renovating’s top tips to add value to your home. They cite the increased sense of space as a factor in raised value.

So, now you’ve decided to install or upgrade patio doors in your home. What do you choose? Keep going for details to help you decide.

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Materials

The frame and border of patio doors come in any number of materials. Consider home decor, door function, and budget when browsing patio door types.

Vinyl

One of the most popular options, vinyl is versatile. It’s often used to make siding for homes due to its durability.

So, it’s a good choice for patio doors. It will not dent, fade, or warp. And it comes in lots of colors to fit in with your home decor.

Furthermore, it’s energy-efficient. Vinyl seals out extreme temperatures. This will help to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills down.

Wood

The most classic material, wood provides timeless elegance. Solid wood also provides the best soundproofing of all patio door types materials.

You can paint or finish wood to go along with upgrades to your decor throughout the years.

Yet, wood is the most expensive. And it might rot or warp if you don’t treat it.

Steel or Aluminum

These patio doors are long-lasting. They withstand all weather conditions. And they resist warping, peeling, or chipping.

One drawback is the tendency to dent.

Cheaper to install than wood, steel is also more energy-efficient. If you choose this option, be sure to treat against rust to ensure longevity.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass comes in any color and can mimic a wood finish or remain smooth. This makes it an ideal material for any style.

It’s durable like vinyl but is more solid, durable, and lightweight. Thus, it’s more expensive.

But its longevity makes it a smart investment for all types of patio doors.

Patio Door Types

Pairing material with patio door types can be challenging. There are many types of patio doors to go with any room design.

The best patio doors are more than access points. They’re a crucial part of home design.

Consider style, space, and function when choosing the best patio doors for your home.

Pocket Glass Door

These doors open by sliding on tracks into a cavity in the wall. Because they disappear into the wall, they leave a clean, open space behind.

This option is ideal when space is tight. Hinged doors need space to swing into. When this is unavailable, pocket glass doors work wonders.

Expect a more contemporary appearance from this option as there is no frame when open.

Sliding Glass Patio Doors

Like the pocket style, sliding glass doors slide on tracks to open and close. But instead of disappearing into a space in the wall, one panel slides over another.

One panel remains stationary in this option. This allows light to pass through, but it is not a functioning door in itself.

This sleek option fits into tighter spaces. Its sleek, simple lines complement any design from contemporary to traditional.

Sliding glass patio doors are popular. Their convenience, versatility, and ease of use make them a good choice.

Folding Patio Doors

Another space-saving option is folding patio doors. The doors fold accordion-style onto themselves when opened. Like sliding doors, they, too glide along a track.

But instead of sliding one over another, they fold.

This opens the space, allowing free movement. Light, fresh air, and people pass through with ease. And the doors tuck off to the side, out of the way.

This style favors the modern. But a high-quality company will provide customizations to fit in with your tastes.

Stacking Glass Walls

These feature many panels that stack on top of each other when opened. Like the folding patio doors, this option opens more clear space up.

But unlike the folding doors, there is no need for room for the bulk of folded doors to go after opening.

This is another contemporary style that fits in well with modern design.

French Doors

There are a few types of patio French doors. They often open by swinging on a hinge. This most classic option is dramatic and traditional.

You can choose to have one or more doors. Choose from two operational doors, both swinging on hinges. Or one can remain stationary as a window panel.

French doors allow for grille customization to level up your home decor.

But if you don’t have space for doors to swing in or out, consider sliding French patio doors. They combine style and function to provide beautiful ease of use.

Safety

Inviting the outdoors inside doesn’t have to mean inviting danger, too. There are steps you can take to ensure your patio doors are secure.

First, go with high quality. A sturdy frame can better withstand tampering. And strengthened glass is harder to break.

Further, a three-point locking mechanism is ideal. This fits a deadbolt on the top and bottom as well as in the center near the handles.

And buy a security bar to put in place, preventing the doors from opening.

Do you have young children at home? Consider safety stickers. They alert children or visually impaired visitors of the presence of glass.

And, as with any other doorway, a safety gate can help keep children and pets from straying.

Your patio door installation company can advise the best security options.

Go With the Pros

An ill-fitting door won’t open and close as it should. It may squeak or allow wind, cold, and rain to creep in.

And if you’re still unsure what patio door types are best for your home, consult with the professionals. A trusted company like Renewal by Andersen will guide you.

When looking into which company to use, start by doing your research. You want someone with many years of experience.

Check their website. Positive customer reviews are essential. And you should be able to find contact information for the company on display.

It’s best to go with a company that specializes in doors and windows. They know the industry, the products, and the trends.

And ensure they offer a warranty on products and services.

Discounts are great. Hiring a friend is a nice gesture. But you want to ensure to protect your investment by hiring only the best.

Investing in Value

Adding patio doors to your home can provide an instant upgrade. All patio door types provide style and class.

But you’re also increasing the value of your home. And, best of all, you’re letting in natural light. The benefits of sunlight and nature for our well-being are numerous.

With everyone spending more time at home, it’s worth investing in home upgrades. Patio doors, when done right, are a wise investment in your home and yourself.

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