Thinking about installing a new patio door this year? Choosing a new patio door is a matter of aesthetics and functionality. You’ll want to look at the interior design of your home, the architecture and natural feel and look inside and out. Consider how convenient each patio door style might be to your particular lifestyle.
Patio Door Styles
Below are three of the basic patio door styles and a brief description of each.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding doors let in a lot of natural light and are easy to maintain. This style generally consists of two or more individual panels, at least one of which slides back and forth on hidden rollers. The screen doors make for great ventilation and easy access to the deck or back yard. The sliding panels can also be combined with fixed panels to create an extra wide wall of glass. Panels slide parallel to the wall so they don’t interfere with furniture placement or walking areas.
Swinging Patio Doors
Swinging patio doors, also referred to as hinged patio doors, operate similar to standard exterior doors but they usually have full view glass panels and hang in pairs. The system includes two doors connected by a hinge in a continuous sill frame; one is fixed, the other is active and swings in or out.
French Doors
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 hardware mounted to one of the doors. When French doors open, the entire area between the hinges is clear. French doors often have elegant grid and grille patterns to add visual interest to the door.
Selecting Patio Doors For Your Home
Be sure to consider the space available around the door, both inside and outside. If the space is tight, consider sticking with a sliding patio door or a swinging door that won’t interfere with traffic or furniture. For small patios or balconies, sliding patio doors or in-swing hinged doors are a good choice. Outswing doors are best when interior room space is at a premium and you have a roof overhang.
Choose the right style and type of glass for maximum efficiency. Many products now have built-in sunblinds and Low-E glass to reduce energy use and protect against UV damage. Security is also a big consideration for patio doors. Be sure the door you select is strong enough to keep out any intruders.
Finally, be sure to consider how the doors you choose will match the color scheme and look of your home’s existing décor. Getting an in-home consultation quote from a reputable home improvement contractor will often eliminate the buyer’s remorse you get when you discover the door that looked so great in the store just doesn’t work in your current space.
Home Town Restyling carries a complete line of patio doors and exterior doors. We also have full time, licensed and insured crews on staff for professional installation. Stop by or contact us today for a free estimate. You can also download your FREE Guide, Iowa Contractor Comparison Guide – How to Make Your Remodeling Project a Success for tips on hiring the right local contractor.
