There are several types of patio doors to choose from, each with its own advantages depending on your space and style. Sliding glass patio doors are a popular choice that brings natural light into your home and brightens the view of your backyard. Unlike hinged doors, they don’t require swing space and can fit into tight spaces. Look for strong, time-tested weatherstripping and an insulated frame that fits tightly for minimal air infiltration.
Sliding
With their easy glide and expanse of glass, sliding patio doors integrate flawlessly as the portal for family barbecues, parties, and outdoor activities. With options up to 16 feet wide and eight feet tall, these doors can be made to fit your space and your style. Add a grid to mimic multi-pane windows, choose from many hardware finishes and colors, or ask about energy-efficient glass packages that deliver significant savings and may qualify for ENERGY STAR.
Aluminum patio doors are available in several colors and offer a sleek, modern look. With narrow frames, they can be etched with floral patterns or other designs that reflect your home décor and personal style. Tinted glass also creates an aesthetic that complements many types of homes. Aluminum also withstands weather extremes, and it’s less likely to warp or corrode than other frame materials.
French Doors
French patio doors are a classic choice that opens fully to create a wide, unobstructed view of your backyard. Available in single or double configurations, they hinge on the side and swing open like a traditional door, offering a formal, elegant look that pairs well with colonial and traditional-style homes.
Because they seal tightly along the entire frame when closed, French doors can offer excellent energy efficiency alongside their classic appearance. They’re also easy to customize with grilles, transoms, and decorative glass to match your home’s existing style.
Hinged
One of the most popular types of patio doors, hinged patio doors are a classic choice for homes that favor traditional architectural styles. They open fully to allow a full view of your backyard and can be customized with grilles, transoms, sidelites, and blinds between the glass for added aesthetic appeal.
In addition to a wide range of design options, hinged patio doors offer better security than sliding door models, since they’re more difficult to force open from the outside. Look for multi-point locking systems and reinforced strike plate areas when choosing a new hinged patio door.
Hinged patio doors are also a great option for tighter spaces, since they don’t require large door frames like sliding doors. Choose from French and contemporary style designs to find the right fit for your home, and our door installation team will make sure it’s fitted and sealed correctly. With a wide selection of colors, textures, and glass options, these doors are a beautiful way to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
Custom
Choosing the right exterior door replacement can affect your home’s security, style, and value. It can also save energy costs and help you improve the comfort of your living spaces. Poorly fitting doors, broken locks, and outdated designs can compromise your home’s safety, detract from its appeal, and lead to high energy bills. We also offer a full range of replacement doors if you’re updating more than just your patio entrance.
Upgrade your door selection with pivot or bi-folding options to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. These dramatic systems open up your space and encourage people to move outdoors.
Look for patio doors with narrow frames to maximize the amount of glass. Aluminum is an excellent option because it expands and contracts minimally with temperature changes. It’s available in several colors and can be clad with low-maintenance materials. For a more personalized look, choose etched or screen-printed designs. Add grilles and transoms for extra privacy, or add blinds between the glass to reduce glare and light transmission.
Look for ENERGY STAR certified patio doors to maximize energy savings, whatever style you choose. You can learn more about how door construction affects performance from the U.S. Department of Energy’s guide to doors.
Ready to choose the right patio door for your home? Contact Salt Lake City Windows and Doors for a free quote.