Patio and Sliding Doors for Any Budget

What is a Patio Door?

A patio or sliding door is a door with a large glass window opening in a structure providing door access from a room to the outdoors. A traditional sliding glass door is generally a single unit consisting of two-panel sections to slide open. Another modern design, a wall-sized glass pocket door, has movable panels that slide into wall pockets, disappearing for a 'completely open' indoor-outdoor room experience.

From a historical perspective, a patio or sliding glass door first appeared as an element of pre-war style architecture in Europe and North America. The earliest example is the sliding Shōji panel door originating from Japanese architecture.

What Types of Patio Doors Are Available? 

With the selection of swinging, sliding, bi-fold, and French patio doors currently available, homeowners have the flexibility to create a custom design for a reasonable investment. A plan that complements their style and further defines an outdoor living space. The type of patio door selected depends on the home's design and the owner's lifestyle. For example: is the door opening to an extensive outdoor living space that flows from an interior living space? Is the door for a tiny balcony? Or is it part of a giant wall of windows?

Are Patio Doors Less Efficient Than Other Doors?  

Previously, patio and sliding doors were heavier; they had a reputation for being less energy-efficient and getting misaligned or stuck in their tracks. Today's patio and sliding doors generally offer slimmer designs, resolving misalignment problems that caused sticking. Due to lighter materials and design improvements, they typically provide a larger viewing area as well.

What Makes a Patio Door More Efficient? 

The anatomy of an energy-efficient door includes: 

• Improved Core Materials: Fiberglass or steel with a polyurethane foam core and wood are among the most energy-efficient door materials in today's market.
• Multiple Glass Panes: Double or triple-paned insulating glass can reduce heat flow and block harmful UV rays. 
• Tighter Fit and Improved Weather Stripping: New door frames may include a magnetic strip to create a tighter seal that reduces air leakage around the edges.

Do ENERGY STAR Patio Doors Save You Money?

Depending on the project scope, homeowners can save energy and money by updating their homes with ENERGY STAR patio doors. Before starting the search, review this recent list built by ENERGY STAR and its partners, including the most efficient sliding doors. The list includes Associated Materials, Great Lakes Window, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork, Pella, Ply Gem Windows, Thermo-Tech Windows and Doors, and Winchester Industries. 

Are you ready to save money? Here are two ways to reduce your energy bills: work with local utilities that offer financial incentives and claim Federal tax credits when purchasing ENERGY STAR-certified patio doors. Check out the Rise Rebate Finder for options in your region!

What Are the Benefits of Patio Doors?

Beyond the energy-saving potential, adding patio doors can transform your home and lifestyle. These benefits allow you to enjoy more natural light, make the most of the garden, improve flow within your home, and in many cases, extend your living space.

How Long Do Patio Doors Last?

With consistent cleaning, care, and little maintenance, a sliding patio door can last approximately 30 years. Cleaning sliding doors can extend their life as dirt and grime can clog the track. This dirt makes patio doors hard to open and can reduce the lifespan if the track or seal becomes damaged.

What Is the Average Cost to Install a Patio Door?

Patio doors are unique because they need to offer a broad opening for exterior living space and insulate your interior. In many cases (e.g., custom products, more oversized doors, et al.,) hiring a professional will help you get the project done quickly, safely, and correctly the first time. If you wonder how much installation may cost, Home Advisor's knowledge base identifies a range of $1,200 and $10,000 with an average cost of $2,500. This estimate includes professional installation, which runs between $70 and $120 per hour, with a standard job taking between three and five hours. Lowes offers a clear, 14-point roadmap that might help you along the way for homeowners accomplished at renovation and familiar with installing preassembled patio doors.

What Are The Best Brands of Patio Doors?

The J.D. Power patio doors study spotlights customer satisfaction based on performance in several factors. The study's rankings include Renewal by Andersen in the manufacturer segment capturing a score of 891, closely followed by Infinity from Marvin (879) and Champion (878). Looking at the retail segment, Renewal by Andersen also ranks highest with a score of 890. Window World landed second place with a score of 883.