Exterior Door Remodeling Ideas

Patio Doors

Shopping for a door for your patio? Many styles and options are available, but patio doors typically come in two types. Here are some items to consider when you choose a patio door for your home.

First, determine the type of door best suited for the location. Think about the space available, the amount of light you want flowing into your house, the desired size of the opening, and the door style that matches the architecture.

Traditional sliding patio doors contain narrow stiles, so they offer the most glass area and the most view. The doors allow large volumes of fresh air into a home, and create an extra-wide entrance. Carefully decide which of the two panels you want to slide; many doors come in left- or right-opening models and cannot be reversed.

French patio doors, or swinging doors, are easier to open than sliding doors when you need to carry groceries or a small child. French doors are available with either a center-hinge (one panel swings open in front of a stationary panel) or double-swing (both panels swing open in opposite directions) configuration. Although a double-swing design creates the biggest opening, it also requires the most wall and floor space, and it can be expensive to equip with a working screen.

New sliding door systems contain multiple door panels, so entire walls slide or fold away to create openings 40 feet wide or more. Lift-slide doors operate like standard sliding patio doors. Slide-fold doors are hinged and fold up at one or both ends of the window wall.