So you've finally decided to install a new patio door. Such a project can be quite exciting though selecting the right kind of door for your home can be quite a disconcerting task. With so many options available for patio doors you may find yourself scratching your head or even throwing your hands in the air out of frustration. With regard to options it's not just the styles and colors that you'll need to choose from but construction materials and quality as well. Fortunately you now have the option of having custom patio doors built for your home and aren't necessarily forced to select from patio doors and pulled off an assembly line. Ultimately the type of patio door you select for your home will depend largely on your home's existing design, your lifestyle, personal tastes, convenience, and of course budget. Here are some tips that should help you select the right door for you and your home.
Patio doors open in a number of different ways. From the traditional swinging inward or outward patio doors to those that slide back and forth you want to be very careful in the type you select. Things like existing furniture and any new furniture that may go along with a new patio door need to be placed and/or moved to locations that allow your new patio door to open freely and without the possibility of damage. Homeowners with very little space around their new patio door should consider using a single swinging door or sliding doors as these require very little, if any, room to open and close.
When it comes to the actual design of the new patio door it's a good idea to keep in mind that patio doors are often seen as a connection or entryway into an outdoor living space. With that firmly in mind you'll want to take great care in choosing designs that complement both the immediate interior of your home and any outdoor living space or yard that is adjacent to your new patio door. Though some homeowners find success with patio doors that are in sharp contrast to existing decor and/or their outdoor living space purposefully contrasting these things may not work out for you so be wary.
Glass is often a major component of modern patio doors so you'll need to take some time and perhaps even speak with an interior designer or contractor prior to selecting any new patio door. You want to go this route simply because there are many different types of glass available on the modern market and each type brings with it pros and cons. Glass treated with chemicals that reflect ultraviolet light for example are great at keeping a home cooler and protecting furniture though they may not be the type of glass that keeps prying eyes outside from seeing indoors. There's also single, double, and triple pane glass available for patio doors further complicating the issue for you. You want to determine what type of glass is going to be in your new patio door so that it not only complements your home but protects it as well. If you've got children or grandchildren you may even want to consider reinforced glass.
As with most things these days patio doors are constructed from a number of different materials. While wood is probably the most traditional and popular patio doors, many are comprised completely of vinyl, metal, and a mixture of materials all of which are solid choices. What it really comes down to is how much maintenance and care you want to put into your new patio door. Patio doors made of wood for example will need much more care than those made of vinyl because wood can crack, rock, and warp rather easily when exposed to the elements. Fiberglass and aluminum patio doors on the other hand are great for homeowners who want a sturdy door that's going to last for years and even decades. Again the type of building material you ultimately select will be determined by what you have to spend and how much time you want to dedicate to your patio door after installation.
Last but not least you'll need to consider the exterior siding that's going to be installed with your new patio door. Just as is the case with all of the aforementioned things, siding around a new patio door should complement existing decor rather than contrast with it. Not only that but siding is also available in a wide array of different building materials. As this siding will reside on the exterior of your new patio door the material you select should be one that is highly resistive and/or complementary to the climate your home resides in.
Regardless of what type of new patio door you want to have installed it behooves you to seek out the assistance and advice of a professional contractor. Having a building contractor or even interior designer, by your side prior to purchasing a door and during installation will ensure that you get a patio door that's not only right for your home but for your budget as well. You'll be much happier with the end results than those who do not speak with a professional on some level.
Elegance Entries specializes in exterior doors Orange County and Orange County doors.
