Patio Sliding Door

Over the years, woods are the most common choice for making doors. They are considered durable, simple to work with, and act as natural insulator. These are the exact reasons why I decided to go for wooden doors all throughout our home. In fact, most other homeowners prefer wood over any other materials because they do complement the exterior as well as the interior design of the house. With different patterns and styles of wood patio doors, they simply beautify and provide classiness to your home. Most lavish and decorative patio doors are made from solid woods.


Wooden patio doors are considered to be durable and last for many years if properly maintained. While some may say that woods are easily destroyed by termites, manufacturers treat their woods with specialized anti-termite solution making them termite-free. And although woods are very vulnerable to moisture, it is proper to have regular inspection of the door and apply some oil-based water repellent. Repairs and maintenance are not complicated and you can actually repaint and refinish the doors yourself.

Wood garden doors are considered affordable among other doors made from different materials because of their availability. Woods can be easily painted so that multiple color selections are available, or you can even ask a local manufacturer to provide you with a specific color. You can also paint your own patio door and save money from hiring a specialist.

Various designs can be carved onto the wood according to your taste and preference. Likewise, other materials can be added to wood patio doors such as glass panes, fiberglass, and metals. They are adjustable and can easily be reduced for correct fitting during installation.

Manufacturers say woods are the best natural insulators because they are poor conductors of heat and cold making them less prone to condensation. They act as heat shield during hot summer months as well as cold protector during winter. Additionally, woods are the most environmental-friendly door materials because no toxic chemicals are used to produce them and in case of disposal, wood can easily be discarded without imposing any danger to the environment.


Woods are not fire-resistant. They can easily burn when in contact with fire. However, many take this as an advantage especially during emergency situations. In case of house fire, rescuers have easy access through a wooden door by breaking them easily than a metal one that needs special equipment to break it.

Wood patio door prices vary from the kind of wood used in making them. Additional materials, such as metals and glasses (used in making garden doors) add to the cost of the door. Various manufacturers provide a range of price selections, so it is better to compare prices before buying one. You can do this by simply visiting your home improvement stores or by searching through the internet.

With the help of glass patio doors, you can enjoy the beauty of your backyard while sitting cozily in your living room. These patio doors help in modernizing the look of your house. They come with aluminum, vinyl, wood and steel frames, and are generally energy-efficient. You can choose them in tinted, textured, or protective glass form.


Energy-efficient glass doors are insulated with Argon and low E coating for controlling the temperature, thus, will tremendously help in reducing the electricity bills. Tinted glass lets light in, controls the solar rays, and at the same time, provides privacy. In addition, to give a tinted effect, you may have the colors filmed or coated to the plain glass. You may also opt for textured, opaque glasses that come with low E and Argon coating for your safety and privacy. Moreover, protective glass is tempered to withstand pressure and shock to the glass surface.

Your Glass Patio Door Choices

Architect Series by Pella

This 6” x 8” French door is priced approximately at $2000. Having the beauty of wood and strong aluminum clad finishing, you can also add aluminum screen doors for extra security. These patio doors are shipped with matching door frames, hinges, levers, and lock systems. It comes in premium glass, which is insulated with argon and low E coating for energy-saving purposes.

Integrity Sliding Glass Door by Marvin

Marvin glass patio doors are known for unmatched designs and reliability. This in-swing door has Fiberglass exteriors with primed interiors, and is sealed with tempered glass with Argon low E 366 coating for insulation. Ultrex brand sills are durable to sustain extreme weather condition thus sliding smoothly all through the season. This 7” x 8” door is shipped with rails and stiles and heavy-duty hardware. Customers recommend Marvin doors and claim to stay the same even after years of installation.

Aluminum Sliding Patio Door by Jeld-Wen

This energy star-rated Jeld-Wen door is made of finest aluminum clad frames and offers different glass door options such as energy saving, tempered, tinted or protective glass for the door. Optional grilles or fiberglass mesh screen door can be added to the door for additional security. These doors are ideal for new constructions or replacements.

Sliding Entry Patio Doors by Milgard

Built with strong aluminum or vinyl clad frames, the sills and tracks help in easy sliding. You can choose grilles or screen doors according to the requirement. Likewise, this door is very affordable at $500. Milgard also offers a lifetime warranty even when the glass is broken.

Architectural Twin Arch-top Hinged Doors by Andersen

This masterpiece is available in custom and standard sizes and comes with low E4 coated glass, which helps in reducing electricity bills. You may also choose from various accessories, grille patterns, glass options, and in-swing or out-swing doors available in the market. To prevent air leaks, weather stripping are installed to seal the gaps. Likewise, for your additional safety, high-end locking systems can also be used. The best part of the deal is that Andersen offers 20 years guarantees, transferable from owner to owner.


All the doors are energy efficient, energy star-rated, are eligible for energy credits, and require low maintenance.

Every brand has a special feature in their product. You can choose Andersen if you can afford a big price for remodeling your house. Pella and Marvin are the next choice when you want to install a door at a lesser cost. You may also opt for Milgard or Jeld-Wen, where Milgard comes with a lifetime warranty. Jeld-Wen, on the other hand, is budget friendly and is a good product at a small price.

Sliding glass doors does not occupy swing space and is compact when your living space and patio area is small. These glass patio doors virtually bring in the outside world to your living area. Thus, to change the mood and appeal of your living areas, add a patio door to your house.

Because entry doors are the face of the house, homeowners and builders look for beauty, safety, budget, durability and weather-resistance as major criteria while choosing entry doors. Fiberglass entry doors are the answers to satisfy these criteria. The term “entry doors” does not only stand for the front entrance doors but back, side, and patio doors as well.

Leading door manufacturing companies have designed various innovative options and styles like contemporary, French doors, traditional, and architectural doors made of materials such as wood, steel, aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass. Glass panels, transoms, and sidelights can add an extravagant look to these doors and adding character to doorways, you can choose from dramatic architectural styles like rectangular and arched wooden doors incorporating various features and design options. These doors are also available with straight and curved glass panel embellishments.

Different Types of Doors

Wood entry doors are known for their quality and workmanship. They are stronger, hence, are trouble-free and minor damages like scratches can be fixed easily. However, wooden doors are highly expensive. Treatments like paint or varnish is needed to preserve the fresh look, and if the doors are often exposed to moisture, regular maintenance against fungus is required. In addition, wood doors are predisposed to high risk of warping, rotting, or bulging when exposed to extreme climatic conditions.

On the other hand, steel entry doors are the next ideal option to wooden doors. They are stronger and do not require maintenance unlike wood. A well-painted door can last for so many years; they are fireproof and chances of damage are less compared to wood. In terms of cost, they are a lot cheaper, too. The drawbacks are that the steel entry doors can be easily dented or scratched and, unfortunately, are difficult to fix. Scratches may result in rusting as well if not attended to immediately.

Aluminum is as good as steel and is rust- and corrosion-free. It is also used to manufacture exterior storm doors. Though strong, these doors are prone to physical damages compared to steel. Aluminum doors are poor insulators of heat and are not ideal for areas with high temperature.

Vinyl doors are the next better option for satisfying beauty, budget, insulation and security. They are much cheaper than fiberglass, are moisture proof, and weigh very light as well. However, these doors tend to damage or tarnish when the ambient temperature is high.

All the above types of doors are strong enough but have their own disadvantages. Fiberglass doors serve as a successful alternative to all the above options.

Features and Benefits of Fiberglass Doors

• Fiberglass doors satisfy all the conditions like aesthetics, safety, cost, and insulation that is why it is regarded as the best choice for exterior entry doors.
• They are popular for their energy-efficiency capabilities.
• High-end components and resources are used to give perfect wood like finishing.
• Initially, the wooden frames are installed to the building along with the hinges and the single piece door is affixed to the existing frame. Another plus point of fiberglass doors is it comes as a complete set with locks, insulation strips, frames, hinges and door. This helps in having proper insulation to the house.
• Unlike wooden doors, fiberglass doors do not swell, warp, peel, dent, or rot – thus, resulting in low maintenance.
• Installation of these doors is easy as they are lighter than other door materials.

Some Fiber Glass Models You Might Like

Kingston by Jeld-Wen

The Kingston model is a durable fiberglass door with an oval glass panel that can add pep to your house. The glass panel helps in letting light in while preserving your privacy. They are designed to be resilient and eye-catching and are easy on the pocket. They are energy star qualified as they shield heat and sunlight better than wood. The pre-hung unit comprises of frame, adjustable sill, and weather-stripping. Limited warranty is offered for the product and they are priced at $492 for a 36” x 80” door.

Craftsman FLS200

These are triple paned doors made of high quality fiberglass to give wooden finish and long-lasting life. For the panels, you may opt for the textured or plain glass that further gives your doors personality. These doors come with pre-hung weather stripping and can be purchased with either one sidelight or two sidelights. You may also add transoms if you like, but at an extra cost.

Barrington Sierra by Masonite

If you want to add an aesthetic and expensive look to your house, Barrington Sierra is an ideal option. A double-panel door, they are given a Spanish Cedar wood finish with the durability of fiberglass making them weather-resistant. They insulate better than regular wooden doors. The product offers five years warranty for the finishing and lifetime warranty for the door and is energy star-rated as well. The doors are available in 36” x 80”, 36” x 96” and 42” x 96” sizes, and are priced at $1754 each.

Flagstaff by Masonite

Flagstaff is another energy star-rated product with Spanish cedar look. They are weatherproof and durable. They are a bit pricey yet add a stunning and splendor look to your home. The product includes two sidelights, frames, sill and weather stripping. These doors have a lifetime warranty and come with a high price tag (around $3000). Though the product is very beautiful, for the amount charged, waterproof coat blending at the bottom of the door would have made this perfect.

Disadvantages

• Fiberglass entry doors tend to crack when constantly exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• They are very expensive than other entry doors.

Additional Information

• Even though the door is strong, it is required to install security hardware for safety. Check for high-end deadbolts and locks to avoid any mishaps.
• Check for replacement doors and windows options according to the requirements.
• Retain functioning hardware like locks, handles and hinges before updating your entry doors.
• Keep some repair kits handy to fix minor dents in your fiberglass doors.

Double patio doors add a traditional feel to your residential resources. You may opt to choose the swinging or French doors if you have enough space to keep the door open. Sliding patio doors are best if you have a smaller space. If you have a double sliding door, then you add more functionality and utility to your doors than the regular patio doorway with single sliding door as it allows you to open from either end. Double doors come in attractive designs with screens that can give you privacy even when the door is kept open.


Swinging French Doors – Directdoors

Built with strong mahogany timbers and mahogany or oak veneers, this door’s frames are robust and are available in three different sizes. These doors can be installed inward or outward according to your available space and since handles, safety locking system, and hinges are already pre-installed, door installation is very easy.

Double glazed glass with argon filling and low E coating makes it an ideal choice for doors if what you’re after is energy conservation. Full mahogany framed door is priced at $1100 and a full oak framed door is priced at $1200 with 2 years warranty.

Water based treatments are not advised for these wood doors and as a result, the warranty becomes void if such treatments are used.

200 Series Perma-Shield® Sliding Patio Doors by Andersen

Priced at $1100, this door is suitable for your porches to get a clear view of your garden from your living room. These Perma-Shield pre-coated frames are available in different colors and finishes and in standard and customized sizes. This quality product requires less maintenance and is built-in with high-end security systems and hardware. The bolts and locks keep the door intact in the frame to maintain room temperature. Likewise, corrosion-resistant tracks and rollers are installed to ensure flat movement.

The low E coated double glazed glass provides proper insulation while thin frames with extensive glass surface lets in more light. Options like grille, sidelights, fixed panels and transoms can be added at extra cost. This door is eligible for tax credit and 20 years owner-to-owner transfer warranty.

The Integrity Ultrex series by Marvin

Priced at $2000, this masterpiece by Marvin is a one-stop solution for complete maintenance-free patio doors. This door offers style and functionality with resilience. It features the best exterior and interior hardware and locking systems. The door finishing is crack, fade and scratchproof making it maintenance-free. The low E 366 coated glass is tempered for insulation.

Top hung screen gives a smooth movement by avoiding dirt accumulation. You can customize according to your needs with the colors, finishes and sizes available. Marvin offers 20 years warranty against door seal malfunction and 10 years against glass and non-glass manufacturing defects.

Customers are happy with the quality of service rendered, price and the excellence of the products installed. However, few customers have criticized that after the warranty period, superiority of doors and service offered by Marvin is poor. The products tend to deteriorate after few years of installation.


Though all double patio doors serve the purpose, Integrity by Marvin would be the ideal choice for an everlasting patio door. With the unbeatable quality and strength, Integrity Ultrex series by Marvin provides the competent value for money.

Spend a cozy day having the external view with the help of double patio doors. Choose the best patio door for your house and enjoy uninterrupted light and air.

UPVC patio doors are an excellent choice when you are looking out for an elegant, economical and eco-friendly patio door option. Swing, sliding, tilt turn or French, patio doors help bring light and clear view of the outside in. These doors need less maintenance and are known for their energy-efficiency capability. Thesy can withstand all sound, impact, fire, water, and weather conditions; and are corrosion and thermal expansion resistant as well. UPVC patio doors are mostly manufactured in UK and are exported to various parts of the world. Most of the doors are energy star rated and are eligible for energy tax credits.


You can add UPVC summerhouses and decking to your gardens and relax throughout the year without worrying about the change of weather. The UPVC frames do not rot, warp or shrink when exposed to different weather disturbance. You can also choose from several interior and exterior finishes.

Composite doors have a natural wood-like finishing, are customizable, and designed to suit all climatic conditions.

4-Pane Sliding Patio Doors – JustDoors UK

These doors are available in standard and customized sizes according to requirements. You can choose from white, oak or rosewood shades. To evade burglars, the door is secured using a high level locking system and has a sealed glazed unit with internal beads that further help improve security. The glass is double-glazing with Low E coating for better thermal efficiency. Patio door prices range from $1400 to $2400 depending upon the finishing, number of panes, and size of the door. These doors need no or less maintenance and the company offers 10 years warranty for these types of doors.

Inline Sliding UPVC Patio Doors – EuroCell

This company is known for creating ultra modern designs in the doors. Several colors and wood grain finishes are available to add beauty to your residential or business property. The sliding doors help to virtually bring the outside in and provide excellent protection from external elements and with the use of double-glazed glass with low E coating, these doors act as insulation to maintain internal temperature. To make your doors more interesting, you can even embellish them with a collection of gold, white or chrome door furniture.

You can also opt for the complete door set with the frames, equipments, handles and locks or the required part of the door set. These doors are shipped with an exclusive bead system for better safety and easy installation. Priced between $800 and $1400, these doors are under warranty for 10 years.

2-Pane Sliding Patio Door – Dunster House

Priced at around $1750, this door has high-end ‘mushroom locking’ system for improved safety. Although the door is welded properly and gaskets used are virtually invisible (giving it a neat finishing), it also has a 5-layered chamber that add strength and efficiency to the door to avoid air leakage and a glass toughened with low E coating is installed to make it thermal efficient. The high quality UPVC is used to avoid discoloring after constant exposure to extreme weather conditions. You can choose from various colors, grain patterns, sill sizes, cylinders, vents, glass patters and type of glass while customizing your patio doors.

Oak UPVC Patio Doors – DIY

This sliding door can be reversed while installing for left or right side opening and the door is shipped with 24” low E coated, toughened double glazed glass. To ensure safety, high security locking systems are also installed to help safeguard from burglars.

Despite its glass finish, you may still include golden oak finishing and golden handle trimmings to add character and style to your doors. Further adding value to them is the usage of premium grade UPVC that protects the doors from discoloring after several years of use. The door has a guaranteed 10-year warranty.

French Patio Doors – VEKA

This swinging double door adds classic touch to your home. These doors make your patio look like extensions to your living space. This door is fitted with necessary high-end security systems to protect your house from any housebreakers. Highly developed weather protection techniques, toughened glazing and multiple slotted frames for avoiding air leaks and strength make this a perfect choice for your home. Priced between $900 and $1500 with 10 years guarantee, VEKA boasts of 97% customer satisfaction out of their more than 200,000 happy customers who have installed VEKA products.

Though all products boast of low maintenance and energy-efficiency, VEKA has testimonials from various happy customers. Although the pricing is slightly high compared to other brands, quality stands out for years.



Pros and Cons

- Both composite and UPVC doors need less maintenance, however, composite doors are stronger than UPVC doors.
- UPVC doors tend to discolor over years of exposure to various climatic conditions.
- UPVC is less expensive compared to composite and other wooden or steel doors.
- These doors are highly resistant to damage compared to wood or steel doors.
- Though intricate designs can be added to wooden doors and are considered as luxury, the UPVC doors are appreciated for its functionality. Desired designs can be achieved in the UPVC models as well.
- The doors tend to look constricted due to its slim frames.

Sliding, swing, French or tilt turn, UPVC patio doors bestow extravagance to your living space.