Guide to Choosing the Perfect Patio Doors: Style, Function, and Durability

Selecting the right patio doors can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home and improve its functionality. This guide will help you navigate the various styles, materials, and functionalities of patio doors to choose the best option for your needs.

Why Choose Patio Doors?

Patio doors are one of the most popular features of any home. They offer convenient access and unimpeded views, while also flooding interior spaces with natural light. Modern patio doors have come a long way, offering significant improvements in energy efficiency, weather resistance, and security.

What to Consider When Buying Patio Doors

While old-style patio doors were notorious for heat loss, leakage, and poor security, modern doors offer substantial enhancements. Today's quality frames and glass are more energy-efficient and weather-resistant, and many products incorporate multi-point locking mechanisms for better security. Make sure to choose a reputable company with high-quality products and a comprehensive warranty to ensure you get the best products and installation for your home.

PATIO DOOR STYLES

Choosing a patio door style often comes down to a matter of aesthetics and functionality. Here are three basic patio door styles and a brief description of each:

Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors, also called gliding, bypass, or slider doors, are extremely popular. They let in a lot of natural light and are easy to maintain. Slider doors consist of two or more individual panels, at least one of which slides back and forth on hidden rollers. The sliding panels combine with fixed panels to create dramatically broad expanses of glass. Panels slide parallel to the wall, so they don’t interfere with furniture placement or walking areas. Sliding doors are often used when space is limited, as swinging doors need room to swing inward or outward when opened.

Swinging Patio Doors

Swinging patio doors, also called hinged patio doors, operate in much the same fashion as standard exterior doors. They feature full-view glass panels that often hang in pairs. The doors are center hung, hinged on either side of a central mullion, and open much like butterfly wings. A second type of hinged patio door is the French door. French doors are hinged at the side jambs so that the door panels meet when closed. The latching mechanism is contained in an astragal mounted to one of the doors. When French doors open, the entire area between the hinges is clear.

Folding Patio Doors

Folding patio doors operate in an accordion-style, with each section sliding on an overhead track and neatly folding away for full access. Available in several configurations, ranging from two to eight leaves, these doors can open a wide area to the great outdoors.

PATIO DOOR MATERIALS

Consider five primary patio door materials: vinyl, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. Your choice will depend on various factors such as functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Here's a breakdown of each:

Vinyl Patio Doors

Vinyl patio doors are one of the most common options. The strong plastic material can be designed to mimic more stylish materials, with colorful exterior frames matching the design and style of your home. Tinted glass can also be added, and metallic interior handles can be customized. Vinyl is durable, low-maintenance, and stands up to the elements without peeling, flaking, rotting, or corroding. It is very energy-efficient, making it an ideal choice for those seeking cost-effective and energy-efficient options. However, extreme temperature shifts can potentially cause cracks in the vinyl, and vinyl can be more flammable than some other patio door materials.

Steel Patio Doors

Steel is a more economical option. It offers strength and durability, making it a good choice for most climates. Steel patio doors may not be as stylish as wood patio doors but they are more energy-efficient and less expensive. They require less maintenance and shouldn’t bow or warp if they are properly installed with quality materials. In especially moist areas, steel patio doors may require more upkeep.

Aluminum Patio Doors

Aluminum patio doors combine lightness with strength, making them an excellent choice for modern homes. They are weather-resistant and offer the best energy efficiency. Aluminum doors are also low-maintenance, not prone to rot or corrosion, and are available in elegant designs. They are also more durable and can handle extreme weather conditions. However, aluminum doors might be more expensive compared to other materials.

Fiberglass Patio Doors

Fiberglass patio doors are a blend of fiberglass and vinyl, offering the benefits of both materials. They are energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant. Fiberglass doors are also more durable than traditional vinyl doors and can withstand extreme thermal changes without cracking. They are available in a wide range of styles and colors, making them a versatile option for any home.

Wood Patio Doors

Wood patio doors offer a classic and natural look, but they require more maintenance than other materials. Wood can warp, crack, and rot over time, especially if not properly sealed and protected. However, wood patio doors can be treated to prevent these issues and can be a beautiful addition to any home. They are a good choice for those who want a traditional appearance and are willing to invest more effort in maintenance.

Ultimately, the choice of patio door style and material depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. By considering both aesthetics and functionality, you can choose the perfect patio doors for your home. Whether you choose vinyl, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or wood, make sure to opt for a reputable manufacturer and installer to ensure a quality installation and long-lasting performance.