TL;DR – Modern Patio Door Options
- Today’s patio doors come in sliding, swinging, and large glass-wall formats.
- Vinyl patio doors offer top durability, energy efficiency, and style options.
- Choose between tempered or laminated (impact-resistant) glass for safety and security.
- Double-pane glass improves insulation and reduces energy costs.
Whether you’re replacing your old patio doors or installing a brand-new set, understanding today’s modern options will help you choose the best fit for your home. Patio doors now come in a wide range of styles, glass types, and built-in safety features designed to complement both your home’s appearance and your lifestyle.
Modern Patio Door Styles
Two classic patio door styles remain the most popular: sliding glass doors and swinging patio doors.
Sliding doors are ideal for homes with limited space since they don’t require clearance to open. Swinging patio doors, similar to oversized French doors, offer a beautiful traditional look and can open either inward or outward depending on the space available.
Both styles can include two, three, or more glass panels. Operable panels can slide or swing open, while fixed panels serve as stationary glass sections.
If you want a dramatically larger opening than standard patio doors offer, consider a glass wall system. These expansive door assemblies open up entire sections of wall and are commonly used in commercial settings or high-end residential projects.
- We recommend durable vinyl patio doors. Learn more here: https://www.provia.com/patio-doors/endure-features
- High energy efficiency comes from advanced weather-stripping. Our doors use multiple seals, including compression bulb seals and barrier-fin pile weather-stripping engineered to block air, water, noise, and dust — even on uneven surfaces.
- Vinyl patio doors also come in a wide variety of interior colors to complement your décor: https://www.provia.com/entry-doors/sliding-patio-colors#endure
Keep in mind that replacing standard patio doors with a large glass-wall system may require structural reinforcement to safely support the added weight.
Consider Your Glass Options
Patio doors are available with several types of safety glass. Most come standard with tempered glass, which is heated to extremely high temperatures and rapidly cooled. This process creates glass that is up to four times stronger than regular glass and breaks into small, rounded pieces instead of sharp shards.
Another option is laminated (impact-resistant) glass. This glass includes two layers of tempered glass bonded to a vinyl interlayer. When broken, the glass adheres to the vinyl sheet instead of falling apart.
Each type has benefits:
- Laminated glass adds security by helping deter intruders. Even if they break the glass, the vinyl layer keeps the panel intact, making forced entry much more difficult. The trade-off is a slightly higher cost.
- Tempered glass is more budget-friendly. While easier for a burglar to bypass, it’s still safe and reliable — especially when paired with good exterior lighting and secure yard fencing.
Regardless of the glass type you choose, always opt for double-pane construction. Dual-pane insulated glass can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20% or more because it provides better thermal performance than single-pane units.
If you’re ready to replace or install new patio doors, explore the many frame, glass, and style configurations available today. Contact the patio door experts at Shank Door to learn more about patio door installation and find the perfect option for your home.