When choosing patio doors for your home, you want to consider more than just price alone. Those doors help to create ambiance in the space, as they provide a view to the outside and may allow for lots of light and air circulation when opened. These doors also need to be durable against potential damage from things like serving carts and other items you might move back and forth onto the patio, as well as being scratched or pawed at by family pets. To ensure you get the right patio doors for your space, note a few important factors to keep in mind.

Material

Wood doors are very attractive, and you can also paint or stain wood yourself for when you want to change the look of your patio doors. However, wood doors may be the least durable, as they can absorb moisture and then cup or bow, and may also get scratched or chipped from those aforementioned pets, a grill, child's toy, or other such item you accidentally hit against the door. PVC, vinyl, and aluminium are easy to clean and may be more durable and more lightweight, so they're less likely to need adjusting and other maintenance over time.

Clearance

French doors, meaning two separate doors that both swing out, can look very grand and inviting, but need more clearance than sliding doors. Consider the location of interior and exterior furniture and foot traffic and if you would have room for these doors before making your choice of doors.

If you want the look of two doors that open individually but don't have the space for actual French doors, consider one hinged door with a stationary glass panel on one side. This gives you lots of glass for a nice view to the outside and the feeling of French doors, but without the same needed clearance.

Glass

Sliding glass doors are also a popular choice for a patio door. Clear float glass refers to plain, thin glass that is very clear but which isn't very strong; it may not be the best choice for a patio door, where an errant toy may very well break the glass. Instead, opt for tempered glass for maximum strength and durability.

If you need added privacy, look for grills in the glass; these are wood or metal frames that create small panels in the pane of glass in the door, to provide some obstruction of the view through the door. Tinted or reflective glass will block exterior light so it doesn't shine through the door, and persons on the outside can't see inside your home.

Share