Type Of Glass Doors For Patio
Do you like the idea of having a glass door on your patio but don't know what type to choose?
You're not alone.
Many homeowners are curious about the different types of glass doors available and what would be the best option for their homes.
In this blog post, we'll explore the four most popular types of glass patio doors and discuss the pros and cons of each one.
By the end of this post, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which type of glass door is right for your home. So, let's get started!
Different Patio Door Options
Two of the most common patio door options are hinged and sliding patio doors. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before making a decision.
Generally, you should consider the following things before choosing one:
The size of your patio or deck: You would want to install a door that doesn't hinder your movement or block off too much of your view.
The locking mechanism of your door: Your house's security is paramount. Sliding and hinged doors come with different locking mechanisms, so you would want to consider the one that offers the best security for your home.
The style of your home: You want the door to complement the look of your house.
Your budget: Just like with anything else, there are different price points for patio doors. You'll want to find one that fits your budget.
Now that we've gone over some general things to consider let's take a closer look at each type of door.
Hinged (and French) Patio Doors
Hinged patio doors, also known as French doors, are naturally the most popular choice for many homeowners.
You can go for a double door with one fixed and one operable side, or install a single door. Similarly, you get the flexibility to choose whether you want the doors to swing inwards, outwards or both ways.
Moreover, hinged patio doors come in a variety of styles, including those with and without windows, and can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, aluminum, or vinyl.
One of the main benefits of hinged patio doors is that they're very easy to operate.
Simply open the door and walk through - it's that easy!
Another benefit of hinged doors is the amount of security they offer. They are tough to break because of their sturdy hardware and locking mechanism.
Also, hinged doors can be easy to repair in case of wear and tear.
However, one of the main drawbacks of hinged patio doors is that they take up a lot of space.
When the door is open, it will block part of your patio or deck, which may not be ideal if you have a small space. In addition, hinged doors can be difficult to open if you have large furniture on your patio or deck.
Also, hinged doors might open up by themselves in events of strong winds. This might concern you if you live in such a climate.
| Standard Size(in") | ||
| Width | Height | Size |
| 48 | 80 | 48x80 |
| 60 | 80, 96 | 60x80, 60x96 |
| 64 | 80 | 64x80 |
| 72 | 76, 80, 96 | 72x76, 72x80, 72x96 |
| 96 | 80 | 96x80 |
| 124 | 80 | 124x80 |
Common Size:
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors are another popular option for many homeowners.
They're similar to hinged doors in that they come in various styles and can be made from different materials.
However, instead of opening like a door, sliding doors open just by sliding. This can be done manually or automated with the help of a motor.
One of the main benefits of sliding patio doors is that they're very easy to operate. All you have to do is push it sideways, and the door will open. This opening feature works very well for children and elderlies as they don't have to use much force.
Another benefit of sliding doors is that they don't take up as much space as hinged doors. When the door is open, it only takes up half of the opening, which leaves plenty of space for you to move around.
In addition, sliding doors are great for people who have large furniture on their patio or deck because they can still be opened and closed easily.
However, one of the main drawbacks of sliding patio doors is that they can be challenging to clean.
Since the door slides open and closed, there's a chance that dirt and dust will accumulate on the tracks, which are harder to reach. This can be a problem if you live in an area with a lot of wind or dust.
Moreover, sliding doors can be easily forced open if they're not properly secured or locked.
Make sure you have considered these things when thinking about installing a sliding patio door.
Bi-fold Patio Doors
Bi-fold patio doors are a newer option that's becoming increasingly popular.
They're similar to sliding doors in that they open by sliding, but instead of opening to one side, they open in the middle. This allows them to fold up like an accordion, which takes up less space than a traditional sliding door.
One of the main benefits of bi-fold doors is that they're very easy to operate. A little push will open them up, and you can easily get past them.
Plus, they don't take up as much space as hinged doors. Just like sliding doors, they leave plenty of space to move in and out of them without obstructing your view.
Lastly, bi-fold doors are stylish and add to the beauty of your house's interior.
However, one of the main drawbacks of bi-fold patio doors is that they can be difficult to clean.
Since the door opens in the middle, there's a chance that dirt and dust will accumulate in the crease. This can be a problem if you live in an area with a lot of wind or dust.
Also, you will need multiple locks to keep your house secured.
| Standard Size(ft') | ||||
| 10ft | 11ft | 12ft | 13ft | 14ft |
| 15ft | 16ft | 17ft | 18ft | 19ft |
| 20ft | 21ft | 22ft | 23ft | 24ft |
| 25ft | 26ft | 27ft | 28ft | 29ft |
| 30ft | 31ft | 32ft | 33ft | ... |
Multi-Slide Patio Doors
Multi-slide patio doors function like an extended form of regular sliding doors.
They have multiple panels that slide on each other and are stacked on either side when the door is open. This allows you to open up a larger portion of your door, which is excellent for enjoying the outdoors.
Besides easy operation, they offer vast, panoramic views of the outdoors and are excellent for energy efficiency.
However, cleaning these kinds of doors can be a bit of a challenge. Plus, you might have to regularly oil the tracks to keep them working smoothly.
Moreover, similar to bi-fold, multi-slide doors need extra security measures to secure your house.
So, these are some of the most popular types of glass doors for patios. Ensure to consider your area's climate, security, and the size of your deck before choosing any one of these.
