Whether you just bought a home that needs updates or you’ve been living there for a while, you may need to replace your patio doors. Most homeowners become overwhelmed with the array of patio door options. Sliding, French, and bi-fold doors are just a few of the patio door styles you can choose from, but you may be wondering which of these patio door types is best.
There are many factors to consider with these types of patio doors. Pinnacle Home Improvements is a reputable patio door installer that focuses on unparalleled craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. We know that it can be difficult to determine which option is best for your new patio doors. In this blog post, we review the types of patio doors to help you explore your options.
Introduction to Patio Doors
Patio doors offer a way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home. They illuminate your home’s interior with natural light. While there are standard sliding glass doors, you have many other patio door options to make your home feel open and airy. Take a look at the five types of patio doors that can serve as a stunning upgrade for your home:
Sliding Patio Doors
By far, one of the most common types of patio doors is the sliding patio door. These usually feature two or three panels that glide smoothly along a track and overlap when opened. With sliding glass doors, one panel stays fixed in place.
Sliding patio doors, typically consisting of two or three panels, operate by smoothly sliding and overlapping, with one panel remaining fixed in place. Sliding patio doors don’t open outward or inward, which makes them an excellent option to conserve space. Wind will never slam your sliding patio doors shut, and you have the option to slightly open sliding glass doors to allow ventilation without opening up the entire door.
Since sliding patio doors consist of sliding glass door panels, they offer the potential for a full and unobstructed view outdoors. If you have a mountain or ocean view, or a gorgeous pool area, sliding glass doors are a wonderful choice.
Sliding patio doors can be great, though there are a few downsides to these sliding glass doors. One of the biggest concerns with sliding patio doors is that you’ll need to keep them maintained. You’ll have to keep the track free of debris to allow the panels to slide effortlessly.
Sliding glass doors can come off the track, which can be difficult to resolve, especially if you have larger panels. Although sliding patio doors come in various options, they’re somewhat limited in sizes and design options. While this can be helpful if something smashes into the panels and breaks your sliding glass doors in terms of finding the standard size for replacement, it does put some limitations on you in terms of design.
French Patio Doors
If there’s a smaller opening to your backyard, you may want to upgrade to French patio doors. These are two doors that open from the center, either inward or outward. You can open one door or both at once for a wider opening.
French patio doors are gorgeous with a stunning aesthetic appeal. They let in a lot of light and help you connect your interior with your exterior living spaces. You can’t have screens with French doors, which may allow bugs to come inside. French doors can also slam shut if you don’t have them secured on windy days, which can cause damage to the glass panels.
Some homeowners choose sliding French doors instead. Sliding French doors provide the classical look of French doors but with the convenience of sliding glass doors. They’re more modern and can save space. However, as with the traditional version, sliding French doors may have their aesthetic ruined by adding a screen. If you live in a climate where mosquitoes and other bugs tend to flock, these doors work best if they open to a screened-in patio area.
Hinged Patio Doors
Hinged patio doors, as the name suggests, open with hinges rather than open on a track like sliding glass doors. While French doors have hinges, not all hinged patio doors fall into that category, as they can consist of single or double doors. With hinged patio doors, you get a stunning look with enhanced security, making it ideal if this opening faces the street. These hinged doors are also ideal if you want a wide entrance and an elegant look for your home.
However, hinged patio doors won’t be right for every home. They require a wider area to open inward or outward, and if you’re limited on this space, sliding glass doors would be a better choice. Additionally, if you live in a colder climate and have your heart set on hinged doors over sliding glass doors, you will need to have them swing inward as they will be impeded by snow and ice.
Bifold Patio Doors
Bifold patio doors are one of the newer types of patio doors. Instead of performing like sliding glass doors on a track, the glass panels fold back onto one another, offering one of the most opulent options for indoor-outdoor living and embracing stunning views. When this type of patio door is closed, the panels may disrupt a view, but most of them include a convenient entry and exit point that allows for quick access to the outdoors without having to open the entire set.
With bifold doors, you get a more flexible configuration than you do with typical sliding doors. Sliding doors only open on a track. These fold back, saving space and providing unmatched aesthetics. However, bifold doors are far more costly than traditional sliding doors and require proper maintenance and installation.
Pocket Patio Doors
If you want to step up from sliding glass doors, pocket patio doors may be an ideal solution. Unlike traditional sliding doors, pocket patio doors slide into the adjoining wall in a pocket that makes them disappear from view when they’re fully open. You may find that this type of sliding door is the best patio door for your home as it conserves space and allows you to enjoy the view.
Patio Door Materials
As if deciding on the types of patio doors isn’t a big enough decision, you’ll also have to decide on the materials for your patio doors:
Vinyl
When you have patio doors made of vinyl or one that has a rigid vinyl sheath, they’re easy to maintain and durable. Vinyl is also a budget-friendly material that may help you keep your costs down for your patio door replacement. However, vinyl can crack and warp over time, and it’s also less energy efficient compared to other materials.
Aluminum
With aluminum sliding glass patio doors, this durable material is low-maintenance and resistant to mildew. It comes in many decorative options, too, making this door frame a great choice. However, it will add to the cost with a higher upfront investment. Also, aluminum can retain moisture and may rust.
Wood
Wood patio doors are often used for hinged or French patio door designs. The classic style and variety of decorative glass options make this a charming material for your patio doors. However, while a wood frame is sure to be appealing, it will require a greater commitment to maintenance than other materials.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass sliding glass patio doors offer a nice balance of durability and style. Fiberglass is an excellent material since it resists dents and warping. It also doesn’t peel, and can be stained or painted. You’ll love the ease of care that fiberglass provides, though it comes at a higher upfront investment. While it’s strong, it isn’t impervious, meaning that it can still be damaged.
Comparing Patio Doors on Features and Benefits
When choosing sliding patio doors or another patio door option, budget is surely a concern, but so too will be finding the right style and balance of features for your home. Here are some additional comparison metrics on the features and benefits of sliding glass patio doors, other styles, and the materials used:
Most Energy Efficient
Energy efficiency is likely a concern, especially since most of them feature big sections of patio door glass. Glass is certainly a poor insulator, which is why your energy efficiency will come from the frame material. As such, quality metal, fiberglass, or wood can all help promote an energy-efficient interior, though making sure installation is done correctly and features weather stripping will help keep air from leaking.
Security Features
Homeowners are often concerned with sliding patio doors and safety. With the latest designs and innovations, these glass doors are now more secure than ever. Aluminum and metal frames allow for greater reinforcement that protects your home.
Design and View
Patio doors certainly allow for better access and views to outdoor spaces, though some have a greater advantage, particularly for modern style. The French style may hinder some of that view, unless the sliding door option is incorporated. Bifold doors are also a great way to let that natural light in and have better access, though when closed, they can fragment the scene.
Choosing the Right Patio Door for Your Home
How do you know which patio doors will be best for your home? It’s vital to match your architectural style to carry a seamless feel from indoors to outdoors. Think of the room the patio doors will be in and how it may complement other windows in there.
You should also think about whether there’s enough space for these doors if you want them in a hinged style. If you have them open inward, they can block space in your room, thereby shrinking it. Likewise, if they open outward, you need to make sure they will open and shut with ease rather than drag along your deck or patio.
In addition to style, thought must be put into your climate. In cold weather, you may want only a little fresh air coming in to break up the stifling warm air from your heater. Doors that slide open offer a bit more control in opening just a crack.
If all of this feels overwhelming, then let Pinnacle Home Improvements help. We provide personalized guidance to help you find the right style from grille pattern to exterior colors and beyond. It isn’t always easy to make these choices, especially when you’re faced with choosing vinyl, wood, or another material for these doors.
Most homeowners don’t realize how many choices are involved with replacing patio doors. That’s why we’re here to lead the way for a smooth process from start to finish, allowing you to explore the variety of options that can enhance your home’s style and space. We provide information for our clients, such as how to insulate windows for winter and much more, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find your perfect patio doors.
