Did you know that 59.6% of single-family homes created in 2019 have a patio? Homeowners love the idea of being able to spend time outdoors right from the comfort of their own home, which is why patios and decks are so popular right now!
With the perfect patio, however, you’ll need to have an easy way to get in and out of the house. This is where patio doors come in!
While there are plenty of ways you can decorate and design the patio itself, there are also a variety of patio door options that you can choose from to create the perfect outdoor space.
Keep reading as we talk about the different types of patio doors and patio door materials.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors are a great option for new patio doors because they are so easy to use and still look so stylish. They are also a pretty affordable option if you’re trying to save a little bit of money.
One of the main benefits of using sliding doors is that they don’t swing open, which means you’ll have more space usable in the room they are attached to. You can put furniture or indoor plants right by the door without ever having to worry about them getting in the way, for example.
These doors come in various heights as well, so you can have a full wall of doors if you prefer! You can customize the look and style of your sliding doors so that they match the height of your walls and ceilings easily, which is a huge benefit if you have a non-standard style home.
Bi-Fold Patio Doors
Bi-fold patio doors will typically have multiple panels, but instead of sliding, they will open on a hinge. If you can imagine what an accordion looks like, these types of patio doors open and close in a similar folding manner. The main difference, however, is that you can also slide bi-fold patio doors when they are bent open so that they create a more open space.
They are an easy option for homeowners that want to be able to easily open the door and let fresh air and light into the room without having to open the entire set of panels each time. You can even put this type of door on a corner of a room rather than on one single wall!
Bi-folding doors are also great if you’re looking for something that is low maintenance.
Hinged or French Patio Doors
Similar to traditional doors that you’ll use in your home, hinged doors are a classic option in that they open and shut in a swinging motion. You can get a set of two operable doors that sit side-by-side, or you can choose to have one operable door with one fixed door. To save even more money, you can also choose to have just a single door by itself.
There are many combinations possible with these classic doors, especially if you want to get more creative with the window patterns. Since they swing open and shut, a homeowner typically wouldn’t choose these as the patio door option if the main goal was to get a lot of open light or airflow, so you can go with a small window if you prefer how that looks.
You can get an abundance of natural light with French doors, and if you put large windows on either side, you can really brighten up a space with ease.
Multi-Slide Patio Doors
While these may seem similar to regular sliding doors, they create more of a panoramic view. Their appearance is a little more elegant overall, and since they can be longer than your typical patio door, they are perfect for large decks or patio spaces.
You can mix and match different types of panels to go for an edgy look or you can stick with something a little more basic if you have a more traditional home. Either way, there are many configurations for multi-slide doors that you can work with.
Multi-slide doors can have thick, thin, or virtually invisible frames (if you’re looking for something more modern).
Patio Door Materials to Consider
Once you know which of the patio door options you like best, you’ll have to think about what material you want for that door style. There are pros and cons to each type of material, but it’ll come down to what climate you live in, what your home’s type is, and what type of look you prefer.
Remember to keep your budget in mind as well when choosing a material, as some are definitely more pricey than others. Talk with the experts, like those you’ll find when you search “window company near me,” about what your best options may be after completing your research.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an extremely durable and strong material, which is why it is great for an indoor/outdoor door. It is a little more expensive than some of the other options that you have available, but it’s worth its cost in how long it can last without replacement or damage.
It’s also a fairly lightweight door, so even though it is strong, it is not going to give a heavy appearance to the door itself.
You can get fiberglass in every color and style that you might want, so feel free to get creative with this option! If you want to get a look that mimics real wood or other textures, that’s also an option with a fiberglass door.
Wood
If you’re going for a classic look, wood is a great choice because it is a more traditional type of material. It is less durable than some of the other options, but it is much more soundproof than other door materials are, and you can paint it to be any color that you like.
Most of the time, homeowners will choose wood if they are selecting a hinged door rather than a sliding or bi-folding option.
You can easily cover the outside of the wood door with another material, like aluminum or vinyl, to offer some more protection from the elements. This gives you a great wooden door on the inside with a weather-proofed door on the outside.
Remember that wooden doors can be expensive, and you’ll have to treat the door with necessary products regularly to prevent moisture build-up, sun damage, or wood rot.
Vinyl
Vinyl is the perfect material choice for a homeowner that wants something less expensive but also extremely durable. This is one of the more popular types of materials chosen for patio doors because it lasts such a long time.
While vinyl is made relatively cheaply, it is a very energy-efficient material that doesn’t dent, rust, peel, or warp easily. This is a no-nonsense patio door material that can be shaped to look like other materials, including metal or wood, depending on your preferences.
Metal
Steel or aluminum patio doors are another great option because they are so durable and can withstand changing weather or storms easily. They don’t chip or peel, which means they are easier to care for than some of the other material options here.
Metal doors are easier to install, which makes the cost lower, and steel can be very energy-efficient. These types of doors also have an anti-rust treatment on them so that they will last for a long time, but it’s important to reapply this if the door is scratched or the treatment starts to fade.
Aluminum is cheaper than metal, but it can get damaged more easily, so that’s something to consider before you choose this material type.
Figure Out Which Patio Doors Are Best
There are so many types of patio doors out there to choose from, but the right choice for your home is out there! With a little research, you’ll be able to determine which door makes the most sense for your patio or deck.
Look at the different material options, which doors match your home best, and what sort of look you’re going for. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the pros and cons of each type of door, as well as each material type, before you make your decision.
If you need extra help, you can always talk to the experts at patio door service companies to get more assistance with your choice.
Did you like this article? If so, be sure to take a look at the rest of our blog for more home design tips like these.