For many, a patio door is one of the most used doors in their entire house. This is especially true during the summer months when enjoying some time outside on the patio or deck. How many times can you remember opening and closing your patio door screen to go get something from inside the house? Choosing a patio door doesn’t have to mean that you are just replacing the old one with the same exact style.
There are several types of patio doors available that may fit your needs. In this article, we’ll show you what to look for to make sure that you select a patio door that you will be happy with for years to come.
Types of Patio Doors:
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors are perhaps the most popular style of patio doors because of their versatility, ease of use, style and affordability. Sliding patio doors make it super easy to get in and out of the house fast which can be great for summertime grilling when you need to run in and get something.
One of the best things about sliding patio doors is that there’s so much glass which lets the light really shine in on a sunny day and opens up the look of the room.
Most sliding patio doors will also have a patio door screen that can be open and shut for when you want to let fresh air into your house while keeping bugs and other pests out.
Swinging or French Patio Doors
French patio doors are hinged like a regular entry door. They can come in several different styles with variations such as color, finish, decorative glass and more. You can also have different door configurations like a normal side-by-side french doors or have three doors in a row, depending on how wide your patio door opening is on your house. Most of the time, you will see French patio doors with full view glass panels in order to let natural sunlight into your home.
Folding Patio Doors
Folding patio doors can make a real statement for your backyard. Typically, a folding patio door system is meant for very wide spaces as the system works like an accordion. A typical folding patio door system will have anywhere from 2 to 8 panels or individual full glass doors that open or close on a track system.
Materials Used in Patio Doors
Patio doors can be made from a wide variety of different matters. Choosing a patio door including picking one made from a material that’s right for you. We’ll go over each patio door material below.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a very popular material used for patio doors. It is very strong, durable, energy efficient and will stand up to warm and cold climates. Vinyl patio doors won’t fade, peel, rot or warp. You choose from many different colors and finishes including several faux wood finishes to match the decor of your home.
Wood
Real wood patio doors can be beautiful but they are also the most expensive and hardest to maintain over time. Types of wood that are commonly used in the construction of patio doors include alder, pine, fir and mahogany. While the look of a wood patio door is unique, they are susceptible to warping, cracking and even rotting if not properly maintained.
Aluminum or Steel
Metal patio doors such as those made with aluminum or steel can be very durable. They are a more cost-effective alternative to the other materials mentioned here but are not as energy efficient. Most of the time, aluminum and steel doors are treated to be corrosion and rust resistant.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a great material for patio doors. It is lightweight, durable and weather resistant. Patio doors made of fiberglass have many similarities to vinyl patio doors except that they are typically more expensive.
What’s the Best Patio Door?
It’s hard to say which style of patio door is going to be the best for your home without considering how you would like to use it. For instance, someone who wants to keep their patio door open without letting pesky bugs or mosquitoes into their home will appreciate a sliding patio door. If you want more of a traditional door for your patio, you may want to get a swinging or French patio door that swings open rather than sliding.