Introduction to Patio Doors
Patio doors are more than just an entryway—they’re a key design element that can transform your home. The right patio door can make all the difference, expanding your living space, maximizing natural light, and creating a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a room, improve energy efficiency, or simply update the look of your home, patio doors offer a wide range of possibilities. From replacing existing doors to selecting the perfect patio door for new construction, understanding your options is essential. You will want to consider how your choices will impact natural light, energy efficiency, and the flow between your living space and outdoor areas.
Is there a best patio door?
Patio doors are designed to bring the outside in. They offer expansive views and a seamless connection to your outdoor space. If you’re considering purchasing a new patio door, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by different designs, styles, and materials.
We are here to help! Below, we discuss the types of patio doors and how each one can be configured. Spoiler alert: the possibilities are endless! If you’re about to embark on a patio door project, one of these patio door styles is sure to fit your needs.
Nothing transforms your outdoor living space like a beautiful new door!
There are several factors to consider when it comes to choosing any door: your budget, the amount of traffic the door will see, your home’s style, and your space. It’s also important to evaluate patio door features, such as customization options, to ensure they match your style and functional needs. While the front door is often the focal point for curb appeal, security, and natural light at your home’s entry, patio doors play a significant role in enhancing these aspects for your outdoor living areas. Costs can vary significantly based on the material, size, and type of patio door you choose, and installation costs may differ if structural modifications are required.
How do the following types of doors compare?
For personalized guidance and expert advice, schedule a free consultation to compare options and choose the best patio door for your home.
Sliding Patio Door
A sliding patio door is one of the most popular types of patio door. Often referred to as a gliding door, it is a great option if you have more wall space. Sliding patio doors, also known as gliding doors, are popular for their space-saving design, making them ideal for smaller patios, decks, or balconies. With a sliding door, furniture can sit much closer to the opening, both on the inside of the door and on the patio. Sliding patio doors are also easy to operate and clean.
Sliding doors are most often seen in more modern and contemporary settings, but of course, there are traditional or rustic designs that can allow sliding doors to fit into a traditional home aesthetic. Sliding doors have plenty of options for customization and are ideal for tight spaces because they do not require room to swing open.
The panes and transom on this multi-slide door look beautiful in this traditional setting.
Typically, sliding patio doors have two or more panels, with at least one glass panel that slides open horizontally. Multi-slide doors are a more dramatic sliding patio door option. These doors have multiple sliding panels that stack as they open. They can stack on the wall near the door opening, or they can stack inside a wall like a pocket door. While standard sliding doors are great for replacement projects, multi-slide doors are best suited to new construction projects or large-scale remodels. If your project calls for a scenic patio door, multi-slide doors can be 12 feet high and over 50 ft wide.
This huge bi-parting sliding door is now a favorite area in the home.
Lift and Slide Patio Door
Lift and slide doors create a wall of glass for wonderful views, with the added benefit of easy, weightless movement. An operating mechanism lifts the door panels slightly when the door handle is turned, and the door glides smoothly along a track with minimal effort. These doors are available in dozens of configurations, fitting openings as wide as 47 feet and as tall as 12 feet. Panels can stack in full view or be concealed within a wall pocket. Lift and slides are the perfect combination of functionality and beauty—easy to use and a joy to behold!
Multi-Slide Patio Door
A sliding door with multiple moving panels that either stack or conceal in a wall pocket when open is called a multi-slide door. They add an expansive view through huge openings, with options available up to 50 feet wide and 12 feet tall. Some are even available with push-button motorized operation for ease of use. While standard sliding doors are great for replacement projects, multi-slide doors are best suited to new construction projects or large-scale remodels, due to structural requirements.
Hinged/French Patio Door
Hinged, French or swinging, patio doors are classic and timeless. They look right at home in traditional architectural settings, but there is also a range of color, design, and hardware options that can modernize them to fit perfectly in contemporary settings. If space is limited, one beautiful, hinged patio door might be the way to go. If you have space, French patio doors make for an elegant and traditional entrance, enhancing outdoor views.
French patio doors offer a traditional look and require space to swing open. Hinged doors can swing out or in, depending on preference.
This customer made a bold statement with three side-by-side French patio doors, each with a transom.
Sidelites and a huge arched transom make these French patio doors the focal point of the sitting room.
Hinged doors are ideal if the patio door will be a primary point of entry and will see a lot of traffic. Depending on your space and budget, there are innumerable options for customizing your hinged patio door installation. Sidelites or a transom can enhance the beauty of a single-hinged door. French patio doors with sidelites or complementary windows create an elegant look and allow plenty of natural light. If interior space is a consideration, it’s also possible to have outswing patio doors, like this St. Matthews customer.
This simple black door with a transom is elegant, perfect for a primary door, and allows for plenty of natural light.
Folding Patio Door
Folding patio doors, also known as bifold doors, are an attractive and practical solution for connecting your indoor and outdoor living spaces. These doors feature large glass panels that glide along a track and stack to one or both sides, using an accordion-like folding mechanism. Folding patio doors create wide, unobstructed openings, offer aesthetic appeal, and are easy to operate. They are ideal for seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces but are generally more expensive than other patio door options. Modern bifold doors are space-saving, energy efficient, and available in a variety of materials, making them strong, weather-resistant, and low maintenance.
The Marvin Ultimate Bifold Door can reach widths of up to 55 feet, making it one of the largest folding doors in the industry!
Custom Options for Patio Doors
Beyond choosing the type of patio door you want, you also need to decide which custom patio door features are important. Selecting the right patio door features allows you to tailor your door to your style and needs, ensuring it complements your home perfectly. For example, features like operable panels can help bring in more fresh air, improving indoor comfort and enhancing the connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Does your patio door have to match your home’s architectural style? If so, are the existing doors a unique shape or size? Or maybe you want to choose your hardware styles or finishes. Perhaps you are looking for a specific interior or exterior finish? There are many ways to customize your patio doors.
- Multiple Door Panels, Both Operable and Non-Operable
- Custom Sizing
- Divided Lite Options and Patterns
- Hardware Styles and Finishes
- Multi-Point Locking Systems
- Storm Doors
- Standard and Custom Exterior Finishes
- Interior Finishes
- Low-E Glass
- ENERGY STAR® Qualified Styles
- Internal Blinds for Easy Maintenance and Privacy Control.
Space and Layout Considerations
The layout of your home and the available space play a significant role in determining the best patio door style. Sliding patio doors are an excellent choice for tight spaces, as their space-saving design eliminates the need for swing clearance and allows furniture to be placed closer to the opening. Hinged patio doors, including French doors, are perfect for creating a wide opening and a more traditional style, making them ideal for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces when you have ample room. For those seeking expansive openings and a seamless transition between living space and outdoor areas, bifold doors and multi-slide doors offer multiple panels that glide or fold away, maximizing space efficiency and providing a dramatic, unobstructed view. Consider your home’s layout, the desired door type, and how you want to use your indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure you choose the right patio door for your needs.
Security and Safety Features
Ensuring the security and safety of your living space is essential when selecting patio doors. Today’s patio doors come equipped with advanced security features, such as multi-point locking systems and reinforced frames, to provide peace of mind. Outswing doors can offer an added layer of protection, making it more difficult for intruders to force entry. Many patio doors can also be integrated with smart home security systems for enhanced monitoring and control. For optimal safety and performance, professional installation is highly recommended to ensure that your new doors are properly fitted and secured. By prioritizing security and safety features, you can enjoy both the beauty and functionality of your patio doors while keeping your home and family safe.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a patio door, but Door Store and Windows can help. Our design experts will help you wade through all of the options, from space considerations to materials and finish so that when your project is done, you’ll be overjoyed by the result. Contact us today at (502) 896-1717 to get started!
