Best Patio Doors for Indoor-Outdoor Living

There might not be anything more inviting than opening up a home’s interior to the outdoors on a day filled with blue skies and a temperate breeze. Even on colder days, just having an expanse of glass can bring nature inside with wide panoramic views. The style and quality of patio doors make the difference between ordinary patios and luxury outdoor living spaces. The right doors can create a resort-like experience where you want to relax and soak in the sun’s rays and the views.

General Contractors have access to products that can elevate any indoor-outdoor living experience, from space-saving sliding doors to custom patio door sizes. Builders need to source suitable options that meet their clients’ needs, based on materials, construction/fabrication, performance, and appearance. In this article, we will explore the best patio door options for indoor outdoor living contractors who want to offer their clients optimal solutions and professional door installations.

Patio Door Types

Whether your next building project is new construction or simply calls for replacing patio doors to achieve an upscale makeover to an existing outdoor living space, you have an excellent variety of doors to choose from. At the start of the project, refer to our construction project timeline guide to allow yourself enough time to order doors and windows. This is especially important if your client is looking for custom architectural door styles. Here are some of the most common and best patio door options for indoor-outdoor living contractors, along with their advantages.

Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are likely the most common choice for builders when it comes to patio and deck access. These are typically two glass panels, with one panel fixed and the other operable via a floor track and pull hardware. This setup offers clean views with a contemporary appearance.

Sliding patio doors are an excellent choice for smaller areas where floor and patio space are at a premium. Furniture can be placed close to the doors without requiring swing space. These door setups often come with a screen option. Another advantage of sliding glass doors is their affordable price tag and ease of installation.

Multi-Slide Doors

Multi-slide doors are also called telescoping doors. These units offer a bit more versatility with three or more glass panels that stack behind one another for more expansive openings. Configurations include bypass sliding, bi-parting, and pocket doors.

The larger panels and wider openings offer abundant natural daylight, creating a brighter interior. These contemporary doors provide larger, unobstructed views of the outdoor scenery. Multi-slide doors are ideal for homes with large terrace spaces that want to make the outdoors an extension of the indoor living space.

French Doors

French doors are often chosen for more traditional-style homes due to their classic hinged operation. These commonly feature a single door for smaller spaces or a double door that opens from the center for larger areas. French doors can be customized with grilles or muntins for a classic appearance.

Double French doors allow for more air flow and ventilation. While floor space is required for the doors to swing open, there isn’t anything more elegant for a home with that old-world charm. French patio doors are timeless.

Bi-fold Patio Doors

Bi-fold patio doors, also known as accordion doors, are sliding door panels hinged at the center that open against one another, like the folds in an accordion. The doors usually open out to provide more floor space inside. The track is flush with the floor, offering a great option for those with accessibility needs.

Bi-fold patio doors are a great option for those with plenty of terrace space. Because they open fully, this is the optimal patio door option for clients who want to maximize natural daylight, fresh air, and unobstructed views.

Patio Door Materials

When it comes to materials, there are many factors to consider when researching the best door options for indoor-outdoor living contractors. When selecting doors, general contractors look for durable materials that align with a homeowner’s aesthetic, energy requirements, and maintenance needs. Frames are available in at least six materials. Considerations for glass panels are varied as well. In both cases, you want to consider weather-resistance and energy efficiency.

Aluminum Frames

Aluminum is naturally rust-resistant and doesn’t attract insects or mildew. This material is also lightweight. While aluminum isn’t the most insulating material, it is a good, affordable choice for moderate climates. The look is clean and modern. Aluminum is often used for sliding patio doors.

Clad Wood

Solid wood frames can be wrapped in aluminum or vinyl cladding. The wood core provides superior strength to other materials. The cladding provides a protective layer for the strong wood frames, helping prevent moisture and pests. Cladding requires less maintenance. You have a variety of factory-finished colors to choose from.

Fiberglass and Composite Frames

Fiberglass and composites are great choices for longevity, durability, and energy efficiency. They offer a wide choice of colors and textures. These frame materials are dimensionally stable, so they tend not to warp or crack. This material option is low-maintenance and offers a good return on investment. Fiberglass and composite frames are classified as high-performance.

Steel Patio Doors

There is no denying that steel frames offer superior strength and plenty of security. Steel is impact and pest-resistant. Steel often requires a suitable coating to prevent rust. However, stainless steel is rust-resistant and sleek, offering a contemporary aesthetic. Steel frames are a good option for multi-sliding and bi-folding patio doors that are subject to lots of movement. They also perform well in high-wind areas.

Vinyl Frames

Vinyl is an affordable alternative to other frame materials. It is fairly low-maintenance, moisture-resistant, and available in many colors. Vinyl frames are available with well-insulated cores for improved energy efficiency. Clients looking to stay within a tight budget will do well with vinyl door frames.

Wood Patio Doors

If your customer is seeking classic beauty and design customization, wood frames are the way to go. Solid wood is strong and aesthetically pleasing. A traditional home beckons for wood doors and windows. Wood is suitable for all types of patio doors, including French doors, bi-folds, and sliding. Wood does require maintenance, such as a sealer or painted finish. Staining and sealing wood frames maintains the natural appearance and grain. Painting wood allows for unlimited customization to match your customer’s design preferences.

Glazing

The glass and glazing methods are as important as the framing components of patio doors. The glass is what offers panoramic views and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition while protecting homeowners from the elements and intruders.

General contractors choose high-R-value products to ensure compliance with building codes and provide maximum comfort. Patio doors are available with double and triple-paned glazing for optimal energy efficiency and noise reduction. The cavities between panes are typically filled with a gas, such as argon, to improve thermal performance. There are also Low-E glass coatings that help to reflect harmful UV rays and protect flooring and fabrics from fading.

The individual glass panes are generally tempered, as required by building codes. Tempered glass is known for its strength and safety in the event of breakage. The glass shatters into small pieces rather than sharp shards. You will also find impact-resistant glass that is superior to other glass during storms, high winds, and attempted break-ins.

In Summary

Knowledgeable general contractors know the benefits of choosing high-quality patio doors for their clients. Patio doors are vital components for the success of a home or building project. These products complete the building envelope, ensuring that the structure is protected from weather and secured against intruders while providing clear views and unlimited access to the surrounding landscape. We offer the best patio door options for indoor outdoor living contractors.

There are many styles and materials to choose from for patio doors. They can be hinged, sliding, folding, and even overhead. Frames range from solid wood to metal and fiberglass. There are endless options for colors and factory or field-applied finishes. High-end patio doors can be customized to complement the aesthetic of any home-building project, from minimalist modern to country chic.

Before you start your next home build or remodeling project, be sure to reach out to Arcadia Sash and Door Inc. We offer a wide range of specialized products for contractors, including all types of patio door systems. Superior craftsmanship and the highest-quality products ensure the best project outcomes. Located in Los Angeles County, our family-owned business has decades of experience providing superior door and window products. Contractors who partner with us experience the confidence that comes with excellent craftsmanship on every building project. We are available to answer any questions you might have about our patio door collections. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more.