If it’s time to make your patio everything you’ve dreamed of, you’ll need help choosing the best patio door for your space. Vinyl or fiberglass, French doors or sliding glass doors, 2 panels or 4? With so many options, it’s hard to decide. We’ve got five of the best patio door options for 2024 that you have to see to believe.
What to Look For in the Best Patio Doors
Upgrading your patio doors can transform your home’s look and functionality. With so many options available, it can be hard to choose. Here’s what to consider as you start your shopping journey.
Energy-Efficiency
Energy-efficient patio doors help reduce your energy bills and are especially important for south-facing homes, which tend to get the most sunlight. Look for doors with double or triple glazing to minimize heat transfer. Insulated frames and advanced sealing technology also prevent drafts, keeping your home comfortable year-round. Low-E glass can further enhance energy efficiency by reflecting heat during summer and retaining warmth in winter.
Durability
Durable patio doors withstand harsh weather and regular use. Materials like vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum offer excellent durability. Vinyl is moisture-resistant and low-maintenance. Fiberglass resists warping and swelling, making it ideal for various climates. Aluminum provides strength and a sleek, modern look. Choose high-quality materials to ensure your doors are worth the investment.
Manufacturer and Warranty
Choose a reputable manufacturer known for quality and reliability. A good warranty indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product. Look for warranties that cover defects and performance issues for an extended period. MILGARD, for instance, offers best-in-class warranties that give homeowners peace of mind, knowing their investment is protected.
The Best Patio Doors of 2024
Each type of patio door offers unique benefits that make it best for different needs and personal preferences. Let’s dive into what you should know about the top styles for 2024.
1. Vinyl Patio Doors
Best for: Affordability, versatility
Recommended product: V400 Tuscany® Series
Vinyl patio doors are cost-effective, durable, and won’t corrode. Vinyl is a great material for sliding glass doors when space is limited, and it’s also incredibly customizable. Vinyl doors come in a variety of colorful frames that can match the design and style of your home. Customize even more with metallic interior handles and various glass options.
Pros: Affordable and low-maintenance. Resistant to moisture, making them perfect for humid climates. Vinyl patio doors also provide good insulation, which can reduce energy bills.
Cons: While durable, they’re not as strong as fiberglass or aluminum and can warp in extreme temperatures. Vinyl patio doors from MILGARD, however, are some of the best rated: Made with PVC, titanium dioxide, and stabilizers, they exceed the requirements of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for weather and impact resistance.
2. Black Patio Doors
Best for: Modern and farmhouse-style homes
Recommended product: V300 Trinsic™ Series
Black patio doors are a hot trend right now, especially when you match both the exterior and the interior. They’re versatile – providing a bold, contemporary statement in modern homes, but looking timeless and traditional in farmhouse-style homes. Black patio doors really make a stunning impact in any architectural style.
Pros: These are the best patio doors if you’re going for a sophisticated look. Black frames are also available in various materials, including aluminum and vinyl, and glass options, making them more customizable than you might think.
Cons: Black patio doors can absorb more heat and might require more frequent cleaning to maintain their sharp appearance. Choosing energy-efficient, low-maintenance MILGARD patio doors can help with this.
3. Moving Glass Walls
Best for: Great views, indoor-outdoor living
Recommended product: AX550 Moving Glass Walls
If you want to make a statement and embrace indoor-outdoor living, a moving glass wall could be just what you’re looking for. When it’s closed, enjoy your sweeping outdoor view and flood your home with natural light. When it’s open, get ready to entertain as this door invites people to linger outside. A truly stunning choice.
Pros: Luxurious, modern design. Maximum natural light and unobstructed views, with panels up to 10 feet high and 5 feet wide. These are the best patio doors for entertaining and enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Cons: They may be more costly and always require professional installation. Moving glass walls can also be less energy-efficient. However, with the best-rated AX550 Series from MILGARD, which won a 2023 Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award and the 2021 Architectural Record Product of the Year, you don’t have to worry.
4. Fiberglass Patio Doors
Best for: Energy-efficiency, durability
Recommended product: C650 Ultra™ Series
Fiberglass patio doors are not only beautiful but built to last. They expand and contract very little with temperature changes, so they stay snug in the frame. They’re extremely strong and resist rotting – a dream for homeowners who appreciate low maintenance. They make excellent French patio doors or sliding glass replacement doors.
Pros: These are the best patio doors for harsh climates as they’re resistant to warping, swelling, and rotting. They’re also the most energy-efficient.
Cons: Fiberglass patio doors are typically more expensive than vinyl and aluminum. They also might have limited color options compared to other materials. MILGARD’s fiberglass doors come in four interior and exterior colors for extra customization.
5. Aluminum Patio Doors
Best for: Modern homes, large glass areas
Recommended product: A250 Thermally Improved Aluminum Series
Aluminum patio doors have thin profiles that maximize the amount of glass. They’re the best patio door if you want to create a sleek, modern look. Aluminum frames are easy to maintain and can be less expensive than other window frame materials, but they’re also very strong and durable.
Pros: Strong, lightweight, and contemporary. Maximum glass area and natural light. Highly durable and require minimal maintenance.
Cons: Aluminum patio doors are not as energy-efficient as vinyl or fiberglass unless they have a thermal barrier. You’re in luck with MILGARD – our A250 Series has a specially designed polyurethane channel that improves insulation.
Ready to Find the Best Patio Doors for Your Home?
The best patio doors for your home depend on your climate, budget, personal preferences, and even your home’s architectural style. It’s always best to talk to an expert about your project so they can help bring your vision to life, on budget and on schedule. Feeling inspired? Get a quote on your favorite patio door from this article from a Certified MILGARD Dealer today.
