Things to Consider When Shopping for Replacement Patio Doors

A patio door is much more than a gateway to the outside. The right patio door can help cut energy costs, provide natural light and improve the value of your home. With multiple places to buy, types of doors, material options and customizations available, let’s walk through things to consider when shopping for a new patio door.

When the time comes to shop for a replacement patio door, you first need to consider where you want to buy. There are several different places to purchase a Pella patio door: through a showroom, online or at your local Lowe’s store.

If you’d like a Pella expert to help you from start to finish, work with a showroom. You can schedule an in-home consultation with a Pella representative. They will show you design, material and color options, measure your patio doors and explain the installation day process. You’ll also receive a free no-obligation quote. Whether you’re looking for sliding glass door replacement options or elegant French doors, a Pella professional will take care of every step in the process to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Buying patio doors online is another choice. This option is great for DIY-enthusiasts who are ready to tackle the project on their own. You’ll get to measure, select, order and install your replacement door without having to invite someone into your home. Finally, purchasing a patio door at Lowe’s is an option as well. This allows you to do most of the project on your own, but still benefit from asking questions to a Lowe’s specialist along the way.

There are four types of patio doors. When selecting a type of patio door, consider your budget, how you want it to open and how much space you have.

Due in large part to its ease of operation and low-maintenance approach, one of the most common types of patio doors is the sliding patio door. Sliding patio doors don’t swing open, so they make a great choice for smaller rooms where space is a concern. With a sliding patio door, you’re able to place your furniture closer to the door without having to consider door swing.

If you have more wall space, consider taking your sliding door to the next level with a multi-slide patio door. Comprised of large panels of glass, these doors create the look of a wall of windows and enhance your connection to the outdoors. Multi-slide patio doors slide out of the way and stack against each other when open, creating an expansive indoor-outdoor living area.

Bifold patio doors open like an accordion. Just like multi-slide patio doors, these folding glass doors typically span the length of an entire wall. They are great for adding a unique look and expansive glass to your indoor-outdoor space.

Finally, many homeowners love and are familiar with French, or hinged, patio doors. These doors are very versatile and open either inward or outward. Options are available for two operable doors that swing open from the middle, one operable door paired with one fixed door or just a single door for an elegant look.

Once you settle on a type of patio door that will function best in your space, decide what type of material you’re looking for. Pella offers patio doors in three materials: wood, fiberglass and vinyl. While all our materials are designed and tested to be energy efficient, these three options each look and perform a little differently, so take the time to compare them and understand what will work best for your home.

Wood patio doors are naturally beautiful and crafted to last a long time. Since wood is an organic material and a naturally good insulator, these patio doors are designed to decrease your utility costs. Wood is an option for all available patio door types: sliding, multi-slide, bifold and French.

Pella’s high-performing fiberglass patio doors are a low-maintenance option. Made from our proprietary fiberglass material, these doors withstand extreme highs and lows in temperatures, making them ideal for climates that fluctuate with the seasons. While energy-efficient fiberglass patio doors help save money on your energy bills, a hassle-free powder-coat finish improves durability. Fiberglass patio doors are available in a sliding option.

Vinyl patio doors are a great choice for any homeowner. Available in sliding, multi-slide and hinged operation, vinyl patio doors are low-maintenance and easy to take care of. This material is also the most budget-friendly option that will look great for years to come.

After you’ve decided the type and material of your patio door, consider whether you want to customize certain features and options. Whether you choose a wood, fiberglass or vinyl patio door, there are numerous color options to fit each architectural style.

If your home has a traditional style, accentuate it with between-the-glass grilles. Grille patterns are an easy way to add character to your patio door and enhance curb appeal. There are a variety of grille patterns, including traditional and Victorian, or you can customize a grille to get exactly the pattern you’re looking for.

Looking for a low-maintenance solution that offers enhanced privacy? Between-the-glass blinds are an upgrade option that do double-duty. These allow you to control the amount of light entering your space and adjust privacy levels. Enclosed between panes of glass, these blinds also reduce dust and allergens around your home and help save you time cleaning. For added convenience, upgrade to smart home technology and control your blinds on the go from a device.

Don’t overlook the small details that can finish off your patio door. Whether you want a traditional patio door or a modern one, beautiful and secure hardware options are available to complete your look.

As you consider where to buy, what door type and material you’d like and how you plan to customize it, remember that there’s not a template to building a perfect door. You have the freedom to make this patio door your own. The best patio door for your home is one that you love. It should function practically, look beautiful and fit your budget.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more about the replacement patio door process.