Patio doors would be easier to pick out if they were just there to look at. But because they serve such a versatile purpose, they’re tricky. They’re a door, a window, a decoration, and they have a huge effect on the aesthetics of the room.
The wide variety of options for patio doors gives you the flexibility to find the perfect fit for your unique space. Here’s a breakdown of what you might want to consider when searching for patio doors:
Styles
A good set of patio doors compliments the style of your house. Keep in mind the exterior and interior styles of your house when looking through all the unique options.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding doors are one of the most popular styles for patios because they don’t interrupt space on either side. You don’t have to worry about doors swinging into furniture, taking up walking space, or rubbing against carpet. They consist of clean, straight lines, let in a good amount of light, and give your room a modern look.
Out-swing/In-swing
Doors
If you can afford a little space, hinged doors are a viable option. Just make sure they won’t bump into any furniture or block any walking paths if left open. They often come in pairs, so on summer nights you can swing the doors in or out and let in a nice breeze. Hinged doors also come in a wide variety of styles, so if an arch top frame suits the feel of the room, go for it.
Folding
Folding patio doors open up accordion-style, so they can potentially open as wide as an entire wall. They are less common, but beautiful when done right. The wide open doorways that folding doors provide connect your room more strongly to the outdoors.
Materials
Material affects style, durability, upkeep, and energy efficiency. The best material for your patio doors largely depends on the local climate, and of course, what you want from the doors.
Wood
Perhaps the most versatile option, wood comes in tons of different varieties and brings distinction to any room. Of course, since wood is a natural material, the upkeep is more extensive than other materials. Dense heat or moisture can warp the shape, but that shouldn’t be a problem in milder climates.
Clad-wood
This is a wood door with a metal or fiberglass exterior, like a shell of armor. Clad-wood provides a regular wooden door with the extra-protection and low-maintenance qualities of fiberglass or metal.
Vinyl
Inexpensive, energy-efficient, and durable, lots of homes choose to have vinyl patio doors. Add to that how easily they can mimic more expensive materials, and they are an obvious choice for any home looking to pinch a few pennies and still look great. However, because of the large size of doors and the amount of use that a door gets, it is imperative that you choose a high-quality vinyl door. It’s worth the investment.
Fiberglass
As sturdy as steel without the risk of dents, as stylish as wood without the risk of warping, low maintenance, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient to boot, fiberglass has it all. No matter your climate, fiberglass is a versatile, long-lasting door.
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About Lake Washington Windows & Doors
Lake Washington Windows & Doors is a licensed general contractor specializing in replacement window products. Our service area extends throughout the Greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Issaquah, Kent, Renton, Woodinville and more. The professional team at Lake Washington Windows has more than 100 combined years of window, door and siding experience, so you can rest assured that we can recommend the best solution for your home and budget.
