Patio doors provide easy access, great views and a flood of natural light. When it’s time to update your patio door, the options seem endless with all the different styles and materials. Check out these five tips to help you determine which patio door is the right fit for your home.
Choose a Door Style
There are three common door styles from which to choose when updating your patio doors. Sliding patio doors are popular because they do not take up much space, and they are easy to maintain. Swinging doors, which swing open like traditional front doors or interior doors, offer elegance for more formal rooms. Generally, they are full glass panels and come in twos. Lastly, folding doors, like sliding doors, follow a track, but instead of sliding, they fold like an accordion, and they vary in size.
Consider the Amount of Space
The amount of space in the room plays a major role in what type of door to choose. If the room is smaller, and the furniture takes up a lot of room, a sliding door is the best fit. Swinging doors take up a lot of area, which will reduce the interior space and greatly change the appearance and functionality of the room. Just because the room is small, however, doesn’t mean you can’t have a swinging door. Consider minimizing your furniture and/or choosing a single swinging door and a stationary panel to give the look of French doors without taking up the same amount of space.
Select the Appropriate Type of Glass
Patio doors tend to have large panels of glass to let in light. However, depending on your budget, tastes and wants, there are many different types of glass from which to choose. Clear panels made from Low-E glass let in a lot of natural light, and they block dangerous UV rays. On the other hand, completely clear panels offer no level of privacy. Decorative glass panels like beveled glass still let in large amounts of light, but they also offer privacy from neighbors. On the downside, with decorative glass, you cannot enjoy a clear view of your patio and backyard.
Ensure it Meshes With Your Style
Finally, ensure you choose a style and material that matches the style of your patio and home. For example, if your house has high-quality wood siding and shingles, a wood door or fiberglass door that simulates the look of wood will really complement your home. Putting this type of door on a simple suburban home with vinyl siding, however, may look over-the-top. So a vinyl sliding door is a better option.
There is a patio door for every home, but not all patio doors fit every home. Consider the style of your home, the amount of space you have and your goals when searching for your next patio door. For more information about doors, contact us to discuss the best options for your home.
