Aside from the fresh air and unobstructed view, there are other reasons why a patio door makes a good investment for the home. Designers, engineers, and architects all regard outdoor living spaces such as decks, balconies, and patios as highly valuable in terms of both aesthetics and functionality for a home.

If you want to spruce up your patio for any purpose, we’ve outlined the eight major types of patio doors below, covering different budgets and aesthetic preferences for you to consider.

8 Main Types of Patio Doors

It’s worth noting that there are more than eight types of patio doors available on the market. However, when it comes to structure, design, and function, the following are considered the main types.

1. Sliding Patio Doors

This is the most common type of patio door. As the name suggests, it’s mounted on a track and consists of two glass door panels.The traditional style has only one sliding panel, while the other remains stationary. Modern sliding patio doors now offer a wider outdoor view because both panels can slide along the track. On the plus side, they are affordable, easy to install, and very space-efficient. The downside is that the tracks require regular maintenance.

2. French Patio Doors

Unlike sliding patio doors, both sides of French patio doors can open fully. They are installed in the door frame with hinges, providing a large opening for people to pass through and a full view of the outdoors.On the upside, French patio doors can be customized, are easy to install, and offer decent security. The downside is that they are not as space-efficient as sliding patio doors, since both panels open outward.

3. Bi-fold Patio Doors

Bi-fold doors are also known as accordion doors, as they consist of at least four door panels or frames that fold when opened. However, their glass panels are divided into multiple frames, which breaks up the outdoor view when the doors are closed.While they are highly aesthetic and decorative, they are not space-efficient and the segmented glass frames block the view. Additionally, their complex design makes them unsuitable for DIY installation.

4. Pivot Patio Doors

As the name implies, pivot patio doors rotate on a pivot when opening or closing. This is made possible by hinges attached to the top and bottom of the door, rather than the sides like regular doors.Pivot patio doors can open and close either at the center or off-center, providing unobstructed access between indoor and outdoor spaces. On the downside, they are complex to install and may be more expensive. On the upside, they are unique, decorative, and give a hotel-like ambiance.

5. Corner Patio Doors

Image Credit: YIDAThe first thing to consider with this type of patio door is the complexity of installation. This is because they almost always require the installation of a supporting pillar to function properly.Corner patio doors can come in sliding, single, or bi-fold styles. They can also be customized for a full outdoor view, with options for different materials and unique designs to create a statement patio door. Overall, they are worth considering, though they are quite expensive and harder to install.

6. Guillotine Cavity Patio Doors

If you want a theater-like view of the outdoors, with doors that retract up and down into ceiling and floor pockets when opened, the guillotine cavity patio door is a great choice. It operates on a motor system and consists of two movable glass panels.This is a very high-end option, so the downside is that it is expensive and requires professional installation and regular maintenance. The upside is that it is very luxurious, motorized for convenience, and offers a perfect, unobstructed view.

7. Garage Style Patio Doors

type is also called a vertical folding patio door. If you want to add a strong industrial feel to your home, this is a good option to consider. As the name suggests, it uses a machine or motor system to open and lift the door panels upward.On the downside, they are very expensive and require consultation with professionals, as their installation involves structural changes to the home. They also require high maintenance. Nevertheless, if you want a patio door with strong visual appeal, this is an excellent choice.

8. Dutch Patio Doors

This type is similar to French patio doors, as it also consists of two hinged panels. The main difference is that French doors open vertically, while Dutch doors split horizontally. This means you can have an unobstructed view from the top or bottom alone, or a full view by swinging both panels open.Also known as farm-style doors, they are a great aesthetic fit for farmhouse-style homes, rustic interiors, and industrial-style homes. On the downside, they can look outdated and are not very space-efficient. However, they are affordable, low-maintenance, and easy to install.

5 Material Types of Patio Doors to Consider

Now that we’ve covered the main types of patio doors, let’s look at the most common materials used to manufacture them. Here are the key materials for patio doors:

1. Vinyl

Vinyl is one of the most durable and affordable materials for patio doors. It is energy-efficient, does not expand, warp, or fade, and is an excellent insulator against heat and cold.Furthermore, it does not dent, peel, corrode, or rust. It can also be customized to shape or look like wood or metal. All things considered, it can easily fit any style you want for your patio door.

2. Fiberglass

Fiberglass has all the advantages of vinyl. On the upside, it is the most durable material on this list. The downside is that it is more expensive. Its solid yet lightweight nature makes it an excellent material for motorized patio doors, among other types.Like vinyl, fiberglass is very flexible. It can also be shaped to look like metal or wood and customized with various finishes.

3. Wood

While wood remains a popular material, it’s important to note that it can be quite expensive and not as durable as vinyl or fiberglass. However, if you want a material that reduces noise and vibration, wood is an ideal choice.For patio doors, wood is still the top choice for French door frames and exterior siding. A popular technique nowadays is to add a layer of vinyl or aluminum to the exterior side of the wood for weatherproofing.

4. Aluminum

If you’re looking for an affordable material that gets the job done, aluminum is an option. However, its major downside is that it is a poor insulator. It becomes extremely hot or cold depending on the weather, which can cause the indoor temperature to be affected by the door’s temperature.

5. Steel

Steel is both durable and affordable. Compared to aluminum, it is a better choice in terms of insulation. It is designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it a good material for patio doors. Additionally, it has a low upfront cost, so you can easily explore customized designs for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to what we’ve already covered, there are some frequently asked questions that may be helpful. Below are key FAQs about patio doors that you should know before installation:

• What are patio doors? Basically, patio doors refer to sliding doors installed as openings to patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces.
• What are the traditional types of patio doors? Traditionally, there are two major types: sliding and hinged.
• Are patio doors only for practical use? No. Patio doors are not just functional—they also add aesthetic value and can increase a home’s overall value.

Types of Patio Doors: The Conclusion

In summary, patio doors are significant not only for their aesthetics but also for their practicality and functionality. Beyond providing an outdoor view, they offer insulation, better ventilation, and smooth air flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

With this in mind, it’s important to choose your patio door carefully. Based on all the information we’ve shared, we’re confident you’ll be able to make a better-informed decision.