How to Choose a Patio Door for Your Home?

Choosing the right patio door for your home will not only add to the aesthetics of your residence, but it could also increase the resale value of your home if you ever decide to relocate. In order to make the best decision, you should be as informed as possible about the various options available to you for choosing new patio doors. Basically, there are two categories of patio doors, those being hinged doors and sliding doors.

Each will provide different benefits to you, and one of the major factors involved in choosing one or the other will be the available space near the patio door. More space is required for hinged patio doors, because they swing open either inward or outward. Sliding patio doors are situated on a track, and therefore don’t require as much functional space when in use.

These are generally better situated as backdoor patios which open up on your yard, as opposed to hinged patio doors which might be better for an entrance which faces a busy street, since they are equipped with a deadbolt for greater security. Here are some options you should consider when trying to decide what type of patio door to install at your residence.

French patio doors

These are a classic option, consisting of either one or multiple panels which open by swinging inward or outward. You’ll be able to choose from two different operable doors, or you might opt for a single operable door if you prefer a simpler look and function. You’ll also be able to choose from multiple grille patterns, so that you can have a style which is both contemporary and well-suited to your interior decor.

Sliding patio doors

Many homeowners love the ease of use provided by sliding patio doors, as well as their affordability. Because they don’t swing open, you’ll be able to use more space in any room they’re situated in, even placing furniture in close proximity to the door. These doors provide a tremendous source of natural light, and they’re also quite easy to maintain. Many sliding doors are constructed of energy-efficient vinyl, which makes them a breeze to clean and to keep looking like new.

Multi-slide patio doors

If you should choose a multi-slide patio door, you’ll have a panoramic view of the exterior, and they go very well with a patio or deck, because they create a large open area. You have the option of mixing and matching the various configurations of panels, even with the possibility of stacking them for maximum airflow. Multi-slide patio doors can be as many as 10 panels wide, and can either operate in stacking or pocketing mode.

Bi-fold patio doors

These type of patio doors operate in a slightly different manner than multi-slide patio doors would. Bi-fold panel doors are actually a special type of multi-panel door connected to a slide, but they fold together like an accordion when they’re opened. That means they can be opened up during good weather to allow plenty of fresh air and sunlight into the household. Of course, they can be customized in terms of material, and in terms of whatever type of finish you want applied, with the possibility of grille options and upgraded hardware to choose from.