During the summer months, families and friends will be moving in and out of your home to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. Most likely, they are moving through your patio doors. The constant opening and closing of the doors may lead to wear and tear. You want to look at aesthetics and practicality. Should you choose a French patio doors or perhaps a sliding door? What options fit your needs and your aesthetic style best?

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are some of the most popular types of patio doors available today. They are versatile and easy to use. They allow you to have a full view of the backyard while your friends and family grill or the kids play outside. The glass doors allow natural light to fill your home, reducing your overall energy costs for lighting and providing a fresh and uplifting atmosphere. Add a screen to keep out critters and unwanted insects.

There are some things to keep in mind with sliding doors. For example, if you have younger children and pets, little noses and finger (or paw) prints on the glass may become a hassle to clean. Yet, this is a very popular option for many families.

French Patio Doors

There are many options for those who want a traditional French patio door. Styles and colors are customized to the owner’s liking. Be creative in your options, and have one, two, or even three French doors side-by-side for quite an elegant look. While not as much light comes in through these types of doors, natural light can go through. If sunlight is very important to you and your family, opt for full view glass panels, which allow you the convenience of seeing a full view of your backyard while also allowing in good amount of natural light.

Folding Patio Doors

Another interesting option, great for open wide spaces, is the folding patio door system. Much like an accordion, this type of folding door has several panels with full glass doors. They move on a track system.

Materials

A variety of materials can be used for these patio door options. Choose from fiberglass, wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel. Each has its unique benefits. For example, vinyl and fiberglass are durable while wood patio doors are incredibly beautiful. Cost can be a factor, with wood doors needing regular maintenance over time due to warping and rot from the outside elements. Fiberglass may be costlier. Though more cost-effective initially, options like aluminum and steel are not as energy efficient, but both are less susceptible to wear over the years than wood patio doors.

Choose the patio doors that fit your family’s lifestyle. Whether energy efficient and spacious, modern and trendy, or perhaps something more traditionally elegant, your patio doors will provide a unique window into your home.