What is the best patio door?

What is a patio door?

A patio door describes various styles of door that tend to allow access to your patio, garden, terrace, or balcony. They lead to the outside from your home or your porch.

Aren’t these just the same as normal doors? Well, no. Not quite. Patio doors are usually different from ‘standard’ doors in appearance and the way that they can be opened and closed.
While your front and interior doors might be a blend of solid material and glass (for security and privacy), patio doors are designed with that ‘bridge to your garden’ function in mind.

They’re normally made from entirely transparent glass, allowing lots of light into your home. Not to mention they provide excellent visibility to your outdoor space, even when they’re shut. It’s best to think of them as part-window and part-door, as they aim to bring you the benefits of both.

Stable doors

Only have room for a single door? Consider a stable door. These are rustic doors that are split into two parts that can open independently from the other, which is great if you have pets or kids! While you might think that this could make stable doors less secure, they’re actually as strong and durable as any other high-quality door.

French doors

While French doors can be a little pricier than the others we’ve mentioned, they do have their perks. These classic doors open outwards or inwards as a pair. They’re also hinged at their sides and have no central pillar — giving you unhindered views. 

As these doors create a large opening out into your outdoor space, they’re particularly great if you host a lot of gatherings or dinner parties, or if you have an area where you like to enjoy long summer days. As French doors are still associated with European opulence and style, they’re a sought after feature that will only increase the market value of your home.

Bi-fold doors

If you’re looking for a sophisticated, space-saving option, consider bi-fold doors. These doors have side hinges and a bottom rail so that the door opens to form a folded concertina. The huge benefit of this is that it stacks neatly and tucks itself away to the side when open, giving you as much room as possible.

What should I look for when buying a patio door?

Our top tip is to always prioritise quality when choosing a new patio door. As long as the glass and frame are made by a reputable manufacturer, you should be in safe hands. Just make sure you do some research on the company you’re using to install your doors.

It can also be a good idea to chat to a windows and doors expert. If you do, ask about your potential new door’s security and whether it is an insulative, hardwearing option.

Next — cost. You’ll probably already have a budget in mind, but make sure you’re balancing cost with quality. The cheapest option might seem tempting, but getting the job done in the short term won’t always lead you to the safest, most durable option. While we’re confident in the quality of all our products, the same can’t be said for every company.

What is the most energy efficient patio door?

There isn’t a significant difference between the insulation levels of different style patio doors so long as they’ve been built to a high standard.
This being said, if you’re worried about insulation, keep in mind that wider doors are less energy efficient than smaller walls. Ultimately, insulated solid walls are more heat-retentive than doors. So having less door and more wall space will be advantageous.

Also, if your patio door contains a glass panel, make sure it has high-performance double or triple glazing.

A proper installation is crucial too. So again, ensure your manufacturer and installer are reliable and highly qualified.

Is a sliding or French door better?

Almost settled on a door but stuck deciding between sliding and French? It’s an understandable dilemma — they’re both great doors. To settle it, we’d say the biggest question you have to answer is “Do I want my door to open fully or am I fine with always having a fixed glass panel?” If you’d like a full opening, opt for French doors. If you’re content with or would prefer to have a fixed glass panel, go for sliding!

How we can help

Need some more inspiration? Have a look at our brochures. Ready to buy your new porch? Drop in to see us at our Littlehampton showroom or give us a call for a free, no-obligation quote.