Patio Door Design Ideas: Create a Welcoming Entrance
If you are remodeling or even building, then, you may already understand the attention to detail that goes into your living spaces. Many people assume their front door is the most important door to spend money on. After all, isn’t it the most used entrance? Actually, it most likely isn’t- with most homeowners only using a front door for a company and more formal occasions.
Back doors and patio doors are much more likely to be given attention, but just because it isn't as often seen by passersby, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be visually appealing. You probably look upon your patio door much more often than you do your front, and it deserves some welcoming attention.
Patio Door Ambiance
Not only is your patio door more likely to be utilized on a regular basis for home entry, if you enjoy your patio it is also more likely to be a part of your decorative experience. Your outdoor space is an extension of your living area, and it makes perfect sense to spend as much time designing and planning your decorative touches for a patio as it does your indoor areas.
Not only is your patio door seen and enjoyed from the outside, but it also is often placed as a center of attention indoors as well. You want to enjoy looking out over your patio and yard, and the detail paid to your choice of a door can make a big impact upon this space. Whether you choose a door for your indoor or outdoor experience, be sure to decide on the one that helps bring to life your personal style and taste. After all, you want easy access to your backyard BBQ’s and social entertainment!
Patio Doors to Consider
You don’t have to be hang up on only one kind of door style when it comes to your patio either. Patio doors are generally categorized into three different styles, each of which has its own unique design.
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Sliding Doors
A sliding door almost always slides open upon a track parallel to a fixed window. They do not require any clearance to the front or back, making them ideal for small spaces. Incredibly common, this is actually the type of patio door that often is replaced during remodeling. Despite this, there are many elegant styles to be found in this category.
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Swinging Doors
Just like a traditional front or back door, a swinging door needs clearance to allow for entry. This often limits where you can place furniture and other patio necessities. Swinging doors can also encompass a dual door system, allowing you a large opening when the doors are open. Some of the most popular styles include French doors due to their large, picturesque windows.
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Folding Doors
Folding doors are unique and stylish and are built to fold up accordion style with at least three panels. They do not need as much clearance as a swinging door, but they do need some space to slide and fold. These are popular choices to create large openings that help connect the indoor to outdoor living areas without having to open and close the door with each passing.
Patio Door Material
Just like the many styles, they come in, patio doors also are made from a wide variety of materials to help match your exterior and interior design. This range of materials helps drive cost for more affordable options, as well as durability for long-lasting wear.
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Aluminum is a very lightweight metal material that is often used in sliding doors and swinging screen doors. This is also an affordable option that holds up well in all sorts of weather but will wear in time. It also can dent easily.
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Steel doors are strong, resistant to both weather and the occasional heavy bump. It also does not rust and is most often found in swinging door options as a more traditional design..
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Vinyl is excellent for temperature stressors and can be found in a variety of various door styles. Many times you can pick and choose from vinyl colors, which saves you from having to paint to match your decor. It can even look like wood.
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Fiberglass has long been a favorite material as it can be made to look like wood but does not warp or swell with moisture. It also is lightweight and fairly durable overall.
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Wood is still a popular quality material, and with proper care can last many years. The warm hues of wooden grain can be used in any type of door and are easily painted or- stained to match your decor.
Conclusion
Don’t shirk on design when it comes to your patio door. Finding the perfect addition to lead you in and out of your home is part of your decorative style, and is seen by more people than you realize.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: SHABANA KAUSER
Shabana Kauser is the dynamic owner of Emerald Doors, the famous door-selling company in the UK with immense knowledge and experience in working with architecture, interior design, and home decor. She continues to share tips and technical know-how of balancing interior elements, door fittings, room aesthetics, and the like. Personally, she loves coffee, always dabbling with several blends.