Patio Doors 101
Looking to spruce up your indoor-outdoor space? Here’s what you need to know about selecting the right patio doors for your new – or new to you – home.
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New Construction vs. Replacement Patio Doors
New construction patio doors are used in new home builds or additions where no existing door frame is in place. They often feature a nailing fin, which is a rim that allows the door to be nailed directly to the building’s framing, ensuring a secure fit. If you’re building a new home or putting on an addition, you probably need new construction patio doors.
Replacement patio doors, on the other hand, don’t come with a nailing fin—they’re designed to fit into an existing door frame. They're ideal for updating a home's look or improving energy efficiency without the extensive construction involved in new door installation.
When to Replace Your Patio Doors
Even the best patio doors can suffer from wear and tear over time. Here are the signs that it's time for new doors.
Broken Hardware
If your door’s locks, handles, or hinges are broken, it compromises both security and functionality. While hardware can sometimes be replaced, persistent issues or parts that are no longer sold might mean it's more cost-effective to replace the entire door.
Not Opening or Closing Properly
Difficulty opening or closing your patio doors can be due to warping of the door material, a misaligned track, or worn rollers. These issues are especially common in two-panel bifold patio doors and pocket sliding patio doors. You may be able to clean or repair the track, but if the issue persists, a full door replacement could be necessary.
Drafts and Energy Inefficiency
Feel for drafts or look for fluctuations in your heating and cooling bills – these can be symptoms of worn-out door seals or insulation. It's a common problem with exterior French patio doors and other swinging styles. Replacing old patio doors with new, energy-efficient ones can reduce your energy costs and improve indoor comfort.
Visible Damage
Physical damage such as cracks in the glass, frame damage, or visible decay not only affects how a door looks but can also impair its functionality and energy efficiency. Glass can also become stained or foggy due to seal failure, which diminishes the clarity. Replacing the door can restore the look and performance, returning your patio to the beautiful oasis you envisioned.
Outdated Style
If your patio doors no longer match your home's aesthetic or you’re undertaking renovations, updating your doors can refresh your home’s exterior and interior. New doors can modernize your space, increase natural light, and potentially boost your property value.
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Find the Right Patio Door Style
Whether you prefer the look of out-swinging French patio doors or you want the indoor-outdoor convenience of a moving glass wall system, MILGARD can help you achieve the home of your dreams. Here’s how each door works.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors are a classic choice for their space-saving design. Ideal for smaller areas, sliding doors open parallel to the wall without requiring additional space. Both new construction and replacement sliding patio doors are available in a variety of materials, colors, and glass options. The best sliding patio doors are always energy-efficient and durable. Ideal for: Tight-fitted spaces, balconies, porches, and small patios.
French Patio Doors
French-style swinging patio doors have an elegant and timeless appeal. In-swing doors open to your home’s interior, while out-swing doors open up to your outdoor living area, freeing up indoor space. The traditional style is perfect for vintage homes, while black French patio doors are the perfect update to this classic style for modern homes. Ideal for: Homes with larger outdoor footprints or entryways.
Pocket Patio Doors
Get a front-row seat to your backyard or patio space with pocket glass doors. When fully open, the panels slide into the wall for completely unobstructed views of the outdoors. Pocket patio doors provide a sleek, contemporary look while maximizing space, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a minimalist design. Ideal for: Creating indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces.
Bifold Patio Doors
Bifold patio doors have panels that fold on top of adjacent panels to achieve a distinct look that can expand the footprint of your home’s dining or entertaining areas. New and replacement bifold patio doors create a seamless transition between interior and exterior and are a popular choice for homes that host frequent gatherings or enjoy an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Ideal for: A unique, modern look in entertaining spaces.
Stacking Patio Doors
Stack the deck in your favor with stacking patio doors, which have glass panels that slide atop each other to open. Similar to double sliding patio doors, stacking doors operate with ease and create an eye-catching transition. However, their design allows for a larger opening area, so they can fill spaces wider than a traditional 8-foot sliding patio door. Ideal for: Large openings, modern homes, and entertaining spaces.
Top Materials for Patio Doors
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aluminum patio doors
Aluminum is a cost-effective and popular choice for both new construction or replacement patio doors. Characterized by slim profiles and narrow sightlines, this material offers lightweight strength, making aluminum sliding patio doors and moving wall systems especially common. MILGARD aluminum frames feature anodized or baked-on finishes for enduring color and mechanically joined, sealed corners that keep their shape over time.
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Vinyl patio doors
Vinyl is affordable, durable, resistant to moisture and decay, and a natural insulator. Available in a range of styles from vinyl bifold patio doors to standard sliding doors, this material is virtually maintenance free and works well in any climate. MILGARD’s vinyl formula uses high-quality titanium dioxide and stabilizers, which improve energy efficiency and performance over the entire life of your doors.
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fiberglass patio doors
If you want the look of a traditional wood profile without the potential for warping, swelling, or rotting, look to fiberglass patio doors. MILGARD makes some of the best fiberglass sliding patio doors using a blend of glass fibers and resin that expands and contracts very little, no matter the climate. Fiberglass doors are also low-maintenance and excellent for insulation, contributing to a more energy-efficient home.
More Options for Your Patio Doors
MILGARD offers a range of decorative options for patio doors, including hardware, grids, and glass. Customize your view with a range of styles, finishes, and colors.
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Patio Door Glass
Choosing the right type of glass for your patio doors enhances privacy and comfort. Laminated glass reduces glare, UV exposure, and noise, protecting your furniture from fading and helping you get a good night’s sleep. Obscure glass is perfect for bathrooms or areas requiring privacy without sacrificing light. Tempered glass, which is treated to shatter into less harmful pieces upon breakage, is ideal for high-traffic areas.
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Patio Door Grids
Build your own custom patio door with grids, which can be tailored to complement your home’s architectural style. Colonial grids feature a classic look with multiple panes suited to traditional decors. Valance grids, where horizontal bars meet vertical ones, offer a craftsman feel. Perimeter grids, which only outline the edges, provide a clean and modern appearance and an unobstructed view.
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Patio Door Hardware
The right hardware enhances the usability, style, and security of your patio doors. Easy-to-operate locks ensure those you love can get in while uninvited guests stay out. Tilt latches allow for ventilation without opening the door fully. You can often customize the style of your hardware, from modern to traditional, and finishes, from brass to matte black, to match your existing décor.
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Why Choose MILGARD Patio Doors?
Whether you’re building your dream home from the ground up in California, renovating a just-purchased historic home in Oregon, or adding onto your existing Nevada ranch home, look to MILGARD for patio doors. With an easy selection process and a range of finishes, designs, and materials, MILGARD simplifies the patio door-buying process from start to finish.
Long-Lasting Quality
MILGARD patio doors offer the perfect combination of style, quality, and energy efficiency. We build our doors with advanced production techniques and premium materials, guaranteeing extended durability, improved insulation, and increased comfort.
Best-in-Class Warranty
We’re so confident in the quality and durability of our patio doors we back them with a best-in-class warranty. MILGARD sliding doors and other products come with either full or limited lifetime warranties that safeguard your investment against defects and performance concerns, giving you peace of mind.
Superior Service
Our extensive network of MILGARD Certified Dealers can offer advice on patio doors tailored to your climate and other requirements. After your purchase, MILGARD’s customer service team is always on hand to respond to any questions or concerns. This commitment to customer care and satisfaction earns us top ratings in customer reviews.
Plan Your Patio Door Project
From idea to execution and beyond, Milgard offers resources and built-in support throughout the life of your patio doors.
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Inspiration gallery
Gain inspiration by browsing the homes and spaces in our gallery to see which styles may suit your needs.
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Visualizer Tool
Use our visualizer tool to see how new patio doors can enhance the look and feel of your home.
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Find a Dealer
Contact your local Certified Milgard Dealer to help take the guesswork out of your project.
FAQs About Patio Doors
How wide are sliding patio doors?
The standard width for sliding patio doors is 72 inches (6 feet). However, you can find 8-foot sliding patio doors, as well as 5-foot varieties. The dimensions can vary depending on the design and manufacturer, allowing flexibility to fit various spaces and architectural requirements.
How do I replace a sliding patio door with French doors?
Replacing a sliding patio door with French doors involves removing the old door, preparing the opening, and ensuring it's square and level. Then, install the new French doors, securing them in place, sealing against weather, and finishing with trim. It's recommended to get professional help to ensure proper installation and operation, especially for French patio doors with screens.
How much do bifold patio doors cost?
The cost of bifold patio doors varies widely. Basic vinyl bifold patio doors can start around $1,000. Aluminum bifold patio doors are also affordable. You’ll pay more for high-end, customized options. Factors affecting price include material, size, quality, and additional features like energy-efficient glass or decorative elements.
How much do pocket patio doors cost?
The cost of pocket patio doors can vary widely based on the materials used, the size of the doors, and the complexity of the installation. Basic vinyl or aluminum models usually start around $2,000, while high-end materials like fiberglass may start around $5,000. These prices don’t include installation costs, which can get tricky due to the wall pocket required.
Who makes the best fiberglass sliding patio doors?
Several manufacturers produce fiberglass patio doors, which are known for their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. These companies offer a variety of styles and finishes to match different styles and performance needs. MILGARD fiberglass sliding doors are known for their quality craftsmanship and industry-leading warranty and are a popular choice for homeowners.
How do I change patio door hardware?
Changing patio door hardware involves removing the existing handles or locks using a screwdriver, then replacing them with new hardware. Ensure the new hardware is compatible with your door type. It's a straightforward DIY task, but consult the door manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance.
How should I maintain a patio door?
Regular maintenance of a patio door includes cleaning the tracks, checking for drafts, lubricating the rollers, and tightening any loose screws. Inspecting and replacing worn weatherstripping helps keep the door energy-efficient. Check all the moving parts and the frame at least once a year to ensure your door remains in good working condition.