Your outdoor space is an essential part of your home, its vibe, aesthetic, and hosting capability. Curating the right furniture, decor, and landscape is important, but so is picking the right patio door.
Here, Superior PRO will guide you through the key considerations for selecting the ideal patio door for your outdoor space, including style, materials, and budgetary concerns.
After you've finished reading, please call us to schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our expert designers. Explore the wide variety of patio door options with Superior PRO today!
Understand Your Space and Outdoor Needs
Before deciding on the type of patio door you want, it's essential to understand the available space and create a list that outlines your outdoor needs.
Your new patio door begins with you, your capabilities, and what you want to achieve with your outdoor space.
Assess Your Space
It's essential to conduct an accurate spatial assessment before undertaking any architectural considerations, such as installing a patio door.
Start assessing your space by:
- Measuring available wall space for the door
- Consider your ideal furniture placement (both inside and outside) and how the door will swing and/or slide
- Determine how much natural light you want to bring in
Taking these steps will ensure that your builders have a clear understanding of the space required for your patio door.
Consider Functionality
Beyond spatial considerations, you have to answer questions of functionality as well:
- Do you want frequent access to your backyard, pool, or garden? Or will you only use the door occasionally?
- Do you need a wide opening to potentially move furniture or entertain a large number of guests?
- Will your children or pets frequently use the door?
How you want to use your patio door is just as important as its aesthetic appeal.
Indoor/Outdoor Flow
How do you think your patio door will contribute to the transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces? Is it easy to navigate to the patio door, or will some maneuvering be required?
Also, consider the impact of the patio door's style on the visual and physical continuity of your spaces. You don't want something that looks nice on its own but sticks out like a sore thumb against the backdrop of interior and exterior spaces.
Explore Different Types of Patio Doors
There are several types of glass doors for patio spaces to consider. Before making any decisions, it's important to understand all the options available to you:
- Sliding Patio Doors
- French Patio Doors
- Folding (Bi-Fold or Accordion) Doors
- Pivot or Multi-Side Doors
Every patio door style has benefits and drawbacks, with some matching specific spaces and motifs better than others. Consult with the pros at Superior PRO to see which type is best for you.
Choose the Right Material
Your back patio door material is another important aspect to consider. Whichever material you decide on, it's going to affect the feel, appearance, and functionality of your patio door:
- Vinyl
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Fiberglass or Composite
- Clad Wood
What you don't want to do is rush into a choice for material based on cost alone. Picking the most affordable option might save you some money, but it may also negatively impact the appeal of your outdoor space.
Consider Glass and Energy Efficiency
The type of glass you choose for your patio door will impact not only the visual appeal of your door but also its energy performance.
Glass Type
- Double or triple-pane glass for insulation
- Low-Energy coatings to reflect heat and UV rays
- Tempered safety glass for added physical and UV protection
Energy Performance Ratings
- Consider doors that are Energy Star® certified
- Think about how much U-factor (insulation value) you need
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ratings are also important to discuss with your builder
Climate Considerations
If you live in a colder climate, prioritize insulation and select patio doors with a low U-factor. On the other hand, those in warmer climates should hone in on doors with increased UV protection and SHGC ratings.
Aesthetic and Design Choices
Possibly the most critical decision to make about your back patio door is its aesthetic and other specific design choices. You should not only match your home's architecture, but the color and finish options should complement your home's trim or siding.
Additionally, the door's hardware and grids should match your personal style and shouldn't clash with the rest of your home's appeal.
Security and Safety Features
Different types of sliding doors have various security features to think about. How safe do you need your patio door to be?
Many doors have:
- Multi-point locking systems
- Reinforced frames or impact-resistant glass
- Childproof locks and pet-friendly features
- Optional smart lock or alarm integrations
Depending on your space, certain security features might be unnecessary. Contemplate the safety of your outdoor space and whether you need additional security features.
Budget and Long-Term Value
The final decision to make about your back patio door: how much you want to spend on it. While establishing your initial budget is important, it's crucial to balance that figure against the door's lifetime cost; its maintenance, energy savings, and overall durability.
Contact Superior PRO for All Your Patio Door Needs
Now that you've got a better understanding of your options, it's time to give Superior PRO a call! Alternatively, you can visit one of our locations to speak with a qualified representative and see doors and materials in person. We can help you whittle down your patio door options, from sliding doors to French doors and everything in between.
Call SuperiorPRO today to receive a free quote!