Patio Doors 101: The Homeowner’s Guide to Patio Doors

Whether you’re selecting a new patio door type for your home or replacing your current patio door, Pella offers plenty of options to fit the style, budget and the functionality of your space.

Patio doors are available in wood, fiberglass and vinyl and can be customized to fit your home’s architectural style. The right patio door can help to create an inviting space to bring the outdoors in or create a seamless transition between your interior and exterior living spaces. Learning what goes into purchasing a new or replacement patio door will help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and your home.

It may be time to replace your current patio door with a different type of door, or maybe you just need a replacement screen for your patio door. As a homeowner, it’s important to take care of your patio doors to help them maintain their value year after year. If your patio door has been letting in drafts or leaks during rainstorms, this is a sign it needs to be replaced.

When you decide it’s time to replace your patio door, you’ll need to determine what type of replacement patio door you want. Pella offers different types of patio doors at various price points and in three materials — each with unique benefits. You may currently have hinged or French patio doors, but if you’re looking to maximize the space near the door, a sliding door might be a smart, space-saving choice.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, low-maintenance and energy-efficient option, Pella® 250 Series patio doors are a great choice. Maybe you’re looking for hinged French patio doors or a more modern bifold patio door. These patio doors are available in wood through Pella® Reserve™ and Pella® Architect Series® in both traditional and contemporary styling. Wood patio doors may be a larger investment, but they present more opportunity to customize your patio door to fit your unique style.

Shopping for a new or replacement patio door can be exciting. Once you have an understanding of the type of patio door and the material you want for your home, it’s time to think about different features like finishes and upgrades. You want your patio door to be high functioning and work well with your space. Do you have children or pets around your house? Between-the-glass blinds may be a good option to prevent damage and also reduce dust and allergens in your home.

Since patio doors are often located on the first floor, it’s also important to consider security. Pella offers dual-point locking doors that help to deter compromised security compared to doors with just a single lock. You can even upgrade your doors to include Insynctive, allowing you to monitor the security of your doors and windows, whether at home or away.¹⁴

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for patio doors is that a replacement patio door can increase your home value. Patio doors are a long-term investment in your home. And when you choose an energy-efficient patio door, you will likely see a decline in your utility costs.

Once you upgrade your patio doors, you'll begin to see many benefits. A new patio door with engineered weatherproofing can help increase your home’s comfort. New patio doors will also enhance the beauty of your home, inside and out.

Pella patio doors have many features and options to further update your home. Upgrading your patio doors with insulated frames and triple-pane glass can help reduce the sound transfer from inside to out and make your home even more energy-efficient. Plus, between-the-glass blinds make your patio doors easier to care for.

All of Pella's patio doors are designed with function and efficiency top-of-mind to make your life easier.

In order to get all the benefits from your new patio doors, like improved comfort, energy savings and increased security, your patio doors need to be installed correctly. When you work with an experienced Pella professional, installing patio doors can be stress-free. There are four different options for installation including manufacturer’s installers, Pella Certified Contractors, your local home improvement store or doing it yourself.

There are two methods of installation for patio doors: pocket and full-frame. Depending on your current home's construction and if you're replacing your patio door, you will need to determine which installation method is right for you. Hiring a professional is a time-saving and low-stress option for you to get your patio doors replaced quickly. When preparing for installation, make sure all your furniture is out of the way. And if you have children or pets at home, it may make sense to find arrangements to get them out of the house for the time being. All these tips will help to ensure the installation process goes seamlessly.

Replacing or creating new patio doors is an opportunity to get creative in your home’s design. We offer many features and options for designing custom patio doors.

Pella truly lets you customize your patio door to your unique needs. Pella Reserve patio doors offer the most opportunities for customization, with custom sizes, grille patterns and designs, finishes, wood types and glass options. Upgrade your patio door with safety features, like extra locks, integrated security sensors and between-the-glass blinds, or customize your patio door with unique grille patterns. The possibilities for adding character to your home through patio doors are virtually endless.

When you’re ready to invest in a new or replacement patio door, Pella is here to help. Our team considers all the needs of your home, from architectural style to climate conditions. Choosing Pella means you’re choosing a long-lasting, quality-tested product.