5 Best Types of Modern Patio Doors

Q: What's the best overall modern type of sliding door?

Bi-fold patio doors , also referred to as exterior folding doors or glass folding doors, have risen in popularity in modern times due to their bi-fold folding door system . Unlike their conventional counterparts, these doors consist of multiple panels that can slide into a pocket or recessed space in the wall. This feature not only provides a wider opening, facilitating better access between indoor and outdoor areas but also gives homeowners an unobstructed view of their exteriors. This seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces amplifies the sense of openness and is especially beneficial for homes with scenic surroundings. Additionally, when closed, these doors often have slimmer profiles, maximizing natural light and offering a modern aesthetic appeal.

Q: What is the difference between a sliding door and a patio door?

Sliding doors , at a fundamental level, are characterized by their movement— they glide horizontally on tracks, usually parallel to a wall. On the other hand, the term "patio door" refers to a broader category of doors designed primarily for access to outdoor spaces, like gardens, patios, or balconies. This category encompasses a variety of styles including the elegant French doors, which open outwards or inwards on hinges; bifold doors that fold in a concertina pattern; hinged patio doors that swing out or in, and of course, the sliding patio doors. While it's accurate to say a sliding patio door is a sliding door, it's crucial to remember that there are other types of patio doors that operate differently.

Types of patio doors available in today’s modern market range from the reliable sliding patio door, the multi-point locking bi-folding door, to the innovative tilt and turn door. Providing window & door installation service and repair in BC, Canada for both residential and commercial customers, Robertson Windows features the best five types of modern patio doors, comparing their advantages, disadvantages, and types of locks and security that they offer.

The patio doors you choose to have installed within your home not only connect the beauty of outdoor spaces to your interiors, but they also are the most critical part when it comes to the security of your home. Patio doors act as a gateway to your outdoor oasis or your balcony, both of which could be potential breaches when it comes to security.

The right patio door ensures peace of mind, welcomes natural light throughout the interiors, and complements the architectural design of your home. This guide featuring five modern patio door types aims to help you decide on which patio door to install. Let’s get started.

What is the Best Type of Door for a Patio?

Patio doors, in their essence, invite the outside in. They offer panoramic views, ensure energy efficiency, and add to the aesthetic appeal of homes. And most importantly, they protect you, your valuables, and the building itself from harmful weather or intruders.

Three key aspects to determine what the best patio door for you are:

Security: Consider whether you feel safe with the door’s security mechanisms such as the lock and design features of the patio door.
Functionality: The functionality of the specific space that connects your indoors with the outdoors. Think about the day to day life and movement within the building.
Design: How the patio door’s style fits with the overall interior and exterior design of the building. Consider the climate that you live in.

With a wide range of modern door types available, each unique in security, functionality, and design, here are the top five modern types of patio doors that have become a popular choice for homeowners today:

1. Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors are excellent for tight spaces since they don’t require swing space. Their large glass panels are a source of abundant natural light, making rooms feel larger and more inviting. Modern designs of sliding doors prioritize energy efficiency, often having Energy Star ratings that ensure minimal heat loss.

Sliding doors commonly come equipped with latch locks or bar locks. These locks provide straightforward yet effective security, making unauthorized access challenging. Sliding doors usually have fewer panels than other patio doors in the market, which means fewer potential weak points.

However, on the downside, sliding doors only allow one side to open at a time, which restricts the width of the accessible opening. Additionally, their tracks can accumulate debris, demanding regular cleaning for smooth operation.

Sliding doors are recognized as the most standard patio doors. Comprising of glass panels that slide horizontally on tracks, they are an excellent choice for modern homes with tighter spaces. Their expansive expanse of glass ensures an influx of natural light within the building.

2. Bi-Fold Patio Doors

Bi-fold patio doors can cover large openings, giving homeowners an unobstructed view of their outdoor patio. This modern style is versatile, fitting both large and small spaces, and the accordion-style undoubtedly adds a touch of modern aesthetics to any home.

Bi-fold doors typically feature advanced multi-point locking systems. These locks offer reliable enhanced security, as they fasten the door at multiple points along its track. Some bifold doors have security tracks that make it difficult for the doors to be lifted off their tracks.

While they offer many advantages, bi-fold doors tend to be more expensive than traditional sliding or hinged doors. Their multiple moving parts might also demand more frequent maintenance.

Bi-fold doors are an ideal choice for larger openings, these doors consist of multiple panels that fold against each other when opened, resembling an accordion style. They beautifully merge the interior living space with the outdoor patio, ensuring an uninterrupted view.

3. Tilt and Turn Patio Doors

Tilt and Turn Patio Doors installed by Robertson Windows. Vinyltek Eurotwist. See more of our residential work here.

Tilt and turn patio doors stand out due to their distinctive dual functionality. At one setting, they can tilt inwards at the top, allowing for controlled ventilation, ideal for times when a gentle breeze is desired without fully opening the door. In another setting, they swing inwards just like a conventional door, providing a full opening, which is particularly beneficial for larger access or egress needs. This dual action makes them highly versatile, granting both homeowners and business owners a remarkable degree of control over ventilation, access, and security.

The key advantage of tilt-and-turn doors lies in their modern multipoint locking systems. This system locks the door at several points along its height, not only ensuring top-notch security against potential intrusions but also contributing to the door’s energy efficiency. By creating a tight seal when closed, energy losses are minimized, which can translate to noticeable energy bill savings over time.

However, every design comes with its own set of challenges. Given their unique operational dynamics, like French doors, they might also require homeowners and business owners to be more cautious about interior space planning, ensuring that furniture or other objects don’t obstruct their swing path.

Tilt and turn patio doors offer dual functionality, allowing for controlled ventilation or a full opening, making them versatile for both residential and commercial needs. Their modern multipoint locking systems enhance both security and energy efficiency, potentially reducing energy bills.

3. French Patio Doors (French Doors)

French patio doors have a blend between a classic & modern style and add a touch of elegance to homes. Their design allows homeowners to open both doors simultaneously, offering a broader entry point and more ventilation. The market offers a wide range of design versatility with French doors, including various exterior finishes, intricate grille patterns, and decorative glass inserts.

French doors are usually outfitted with multi-point locking systems. These locking mechanisms ensure better security by securing the door at various points along the frame. The difference between the locks of French patio doors and bi-fold doors is that these doors lock at the center where the two doors meet, as well as top and bottom.

However, they do come with a couple of drawbacks. French doors need space to swing open, which can interfere with furniture placement, and high-quality models can be on the pricier side.

French doors are hinged doors that can either swing inwards or outwards. Typically, available in sets of two, they often come with multiple panes of glass, enhancing their appeal. They add a classic touch to exterior spaces. They’re doors perfect for both homeowners and commercial hotel or restaurants owners looking for a more elegant or Renaissance-inspired atmosphere.

5. Pivot Patio Doors

Pivot patio doors have become synonymous with modern home and commercial design. Unlike traditional doors, they rotate on a pivot point rather than traditional side hinges, which means they don’t require the usual swing space. Their minimal frame design often provides clear, unobstructed views.

Pivot doors come with specialized locking systems that are different from traditional door locks, potentially providing a challenge to would-be intruders unfamiliar with their mechanism. The advantage of such locks is that they secure the door in a way that it’s flush with the frame, offering a sleek look and enhanced security. Pivot doors also typically have just one large panel. This means fewer seams or joints that could be exploited by intruders.

However, the specialized pivot mechanism of pivot patio doors makes them often more expensive than other doors and may require more maintenance over time due to their unique design.

Pivot patio doors are unique doors rotate around a pivot point, usually located near the center. This is unlike standard doors that swing on side hinges. This style of patio door is perfect for modern architecture and offers a unique operation that can be a conversation starter.

Modern Patio Door FAQs

What’s the best overall modern type of sliding door?

Bi-fold patio doors, also referred to as exterior folding doors or glass folding doors, have risen in popularity in modern times due to their bi-fold folding door system. Unlike their conventional counterparts, these doors consist of multiple panels that can slide into a pocket or recessed space in the wall. This feature not only provides a wider opening, facilitating better access between indoor and outdoor areas but also gives homeowners an unobstructed view of their exteriors.

This seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces amplifies the sense of openness and is especially beneficial for homes with scenic surroundings. Additionally, when closed, these doors often have slimmer profiles, maximizing natural light and offering a modern aesthetic appeal.

What type of patio door is most secure?

Tilt and turn doors stand out as being one of the most secure doors for both residential and commercial buildings. Their dual-action mechanisms inherently bolster security, offering both residential homes and commercial spaces a unique blend of function and fortification.

The inclusion of multi-point locking systems ensures the door is secured at multiple locations, drastically reducing the chances of it being pried open. Ensuring safety and security for one’s home is a top priority for both homeowners and business owners. When considering patio doors, several other factors outside of the locking mechanisms play into their overall security levels. Durable frames, often made from materials like aluminum or reinforced UPVC (vinyl), resist forced entries effectively.

Additionally, opting for impact-resistant glass can deter burglars as it’s designed to withstand force, making it challenging to break. Another key feature in the arsenal of security measures is the anti-lifting track, which prevents the door from being lifted off its tracks, a common tactic employed by intruders.

What is the difference between a sliding door and a patio door?

Sliding doors, at a fundamental level, are characterized by their movement— they glide horizontally on tracks, usually parallel to a wall. On the other hand, the term “patio door” refers to a broader category of doors designed primarily for access to outdoor spaces, like gardens, patios, or balconies.

This category encompasses a variety of styles including the elegant French doors, which open outwards or inwards on hinges; bifold doors that fold in a concertina pattern; hinged patio doors that swing out or in, and of course, the sliding patio doors. While it’s accurate to say a sliding patio door is a sliding door, it’s crucial to remember that there are other types of patio doors that operate differently.

Patio Doors in BC, Canada: Robertson Windows

Robertson Windows, based in BC, Canada, specializes in window and door installation, repair, and replacement from Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, and surrounding regions. As a window and door installation company, we pride ourselves on our strategic partnership with Vinyltek, a leading name in the window and door manufacturing industry.

Our patio door installation services include:

Vinyltek Sliding Patio Doors: For those who prefer the conventional sliding mechanism, these doors offer easy accessibility and a sleek design that fits well with most architectural styles. Their sturdy latch or bar lock mechanisms provide dependable security, reducing potential unauthorized access.

Vinyltek Bi-Folding Patio Doors: Designed to provide broad views and efficient use of space, these doors effortlessly fold, creating an expansive opening to the outdoors. With advanced multi-point locking systems, they ensure enhanced protection by securing the door at various intervals.

Vinyltek Eurotwist Tilt-and-Turn Patio Doors: Known for their dual-functionality, allowing users to tilt them for ventilation or swing them open like a regular door, they combine European style with practical features. Their comprehensive multi-point locking systems enhance security, firmly anchoring every edge of the door when closed.

What further sets Robertson Windows apart is our offer of a lifetime warranty which includes replacement windows & doors, replacement vinyl windows and door installation and the workmanship. This warranty reinforces our promise of long-term quality and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our products are not only designed to meet diverse architectural and functional demands but are also backed by this guarantee, ensuring our customers’ peace of mind. With a focus on durability, design, and security, our partnership with Vinyltek ensures that our customers receive top-notch products paired with our expert installation and repair services.

See our residential work, and our commercial work in Campbell River and Whistler:

The perfect patio door magnifies the quality of life, making daily routines smoother and spaces more inviting. Whether you’re drawn to the classic charm of French doors or the modern aesthetics of pivot doors, the choice you make will greatly influence your home’s curb appeal, energy savings, and your access to outdoor spaces. Remember to consider factors like energy efficiency, security features, and the available living space when making your choice. Choosing a reputable manufacturer ensures you get a patio door that stands the test of time and weather.

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Deciding on professional patio door installation services? Robertson Windows is your go-to for window & door installations and replacements. We offer a range of services, from extensive home and commercial repairs to window and door installations near you in Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Fraser Valley and surrounding BC regions. Tap into our expertise to make your home brighter, more spacious, and energy-efficient.

Reach out today for a free consultation. Robertson Windows is committed to helping you make the best choices for your home improvement needs. @Robertsonwindows

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