When it comes to choosing the right patio door, homeowners have more options than ever. From classic sliding doors to modern multi-panel designs, each style brings something unique to your space.
At Davis Window and Door, we often guide our customers through the different types of patio doors that can complement their layout, improve light flow, and offer better access to outdoor living. Understanding the pros, materials, and functionality of each style is the first step in making a confident choice for your home.
Let’s examine the leading types of patio doors and what makes each one worth considering.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors are among the most popular options for good reason. These doors glide along a horizontal track and are ideal for saving space. Because they don’t swing outward or inward, they’re perfect for tighter patios or balconies where clearance might be an issue.
One of the main draws of sliding doors is their large glass panels. These doors let in generous natural light and give expansive views of your backyard or garden. They’re typically constructed using materials like vinyl, aluminum, wood, or fiberglass. We’ve installed countless sliding doors for families who want a modern look that’s functional and low-maintenance.
Depending on the manufacturer, the frames can be slim or wide, and some have built-in blinds or upgraded locking systems for added privacy and security.
French Patio Doors
French patio doors offer a more traditional, elegant feel. These are double doors that swing open from the center, either inward or outward, and are often fitted with large glass panels that mirror the openness of sliding doors.
At Davis Window and Door, we often recommend French doors to homeowners who want to bring a touch of charm or old-world elegance to their space. They’re especially great for formal rooms or dining areas that open onto a deck or garden.
Keep in mind that these doors need more room to operate, as the panels swing on hinges. If you’ve got the clearance, they can dramatically open up a room while offering the kind of detail that sliding doors don’t.
Folding Patio Doors
Folding Patio doors are a stunning choice for homeowners looking to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas. These systems consist of multiple panels that fold and stack neatly on one or both sides.
What’s appealing about folding doors is how completely they can open up a space. When retracted, they leave a wide, uninterrupted opening—perfect for entertaining or enjoying fresh air on a sunny day.
These doors are often made from aluminum or composite materials for better structural integrity and weather resistance. They’re best suited for wide wall openings and can span entire walls in modern home designs.
We’ve installed folding doors in homes where indoor-outdoor living is a priority, and the results always impress.
Multi-Slide Patio Doors
Multi-slide patio doors expand the classic sliding door. Instead of two panels, these doors have three or more that slide in sequence. Some designs allow panels to stack neatly at one end, while others tuck into a pocket built into the wall.
This style is great for panoramic views and larger entryways. If you’re designing a modern home with an open floor plan and outdoor entertaining space, multi-slide doors make a great architectural feature.
They also allow for flexibility in how much of the doorway you open—whether it’s just one panel or the full span. At Davis Window and Door, we work with brands that offer high-quality track systems and energy-efficient glass options for this style.
Single Swing Patio Doors
A single swing patio door functions much like a traditional front door. It swings either inward or outward on a hinge and typically features a large glass pane for visibility and natural light.
This type is excellent for smaller spaces or more controlled access to a backyard or garden. It’s also a good choice when symmetry or minimalism is part of the design concept.
Depending on the size of your opening and the overall layout of your home, a single swing door can be both stylish and highly practical. These doors can be framed in wood, fiberglass, or steel, and we often see them used in more compact home layouts or as side-entry patio doors.
Double Swing Patio Doors
Double swing doors offer the look and feel of French doors but can be more contemporary in design. Each panel swings on its own hinge, offering a wide and inviting passage when fully open.
If you’re drawn to the balance of classic and modern, this type of patio door can offer the best of both worlds. We often install these in sunrooms or as the main access point to a backyard garden. The dual-swing action makes them more versatile than single doors while still maintaining a simple appearance.
With the right framing material and finish, these doors can be used in a farmhouse-style home or a sleek urban layout.
Choosing the Right Material
The look and performance of your patio door depend heavily on the material you choose. At Davis Window and Door, we walk you through the options during your consultation so you can feel confident about the durability, maintenance, and energy efficiency of your choice.
Wood offers a classic, warm appearance but may need more upkeep to guard against moisture and pests. Vinyl is low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and great for insulation. Fiberglass stands out for its strength and thermal performance. Aluminum brings a sleek, modern look and slimmer sightlines, though it conducts heat more than other options when a thermal break is not present.
Each material has pros and cons, and your lifestyle, budget, and climate all affect what’s best for your home.
Energy Efficiency Matters
Patio doors aren’t just about looks—they play a big role in regulating your home’s temperature. We always emphasize the importance of choosing energy-efficient glass and frames.
Many of the doors we carry are available with double or triple-pane glass, Low-E coatings, and insulated frames. These features help reduce heat loss in the winter and block excess heat in the summer. Better efficiency means a more comfortable home and potential savings on your energy bills.
We also carry options with integrated blinds or UV-blocking treatments, which help protect furniture and flooring from fading over time.
Security Features to Consider
Modern patio doors offer various features that make your home more secure. Some styles allow for multi-point locking systems, which latch the door at several points along the frame. Reinforced frames and laminated glass options can further boost security without compromising on style.
At Davis Window and Door, we help you review these features based on your location and needs. You shouldn’t have to choose between design and safety—we work to find you a door that offers both.
What We Recommend
We believe choosing a patio door should be about more than just filling an opening. It should reflect your lifestyle, your home’s design, and how you like to live in your space. That’s why we take the time to walk each customer through the different types of patio doors available, ask the right questions, and make thoughtful recommendations based on function and aesthetics.
Our showroom features full-size displays so you can see how each style looks and feels in real life. It’s one thing to see a photo—it’s another to open and close the door yourself and experience the weight, the glide, and the view.
Why Work with Davis Window and Door
At Davis Window and Door, we’re more than just a window and door company—we’re your project partner. With over 50 years of experience and a reputation for quality service in Metro Atlanta and Metro Charlotte, we help homeowners make decisions they feel good about.
Our certified installation team, in-house paint shop, and wide selection of trusted brands (including Marvin) allow us to tailor each project. Whether you’re drawn to the classic charm of French doors or the modern openness of multi-slide systems, we’ll help you find the perfect fit and install it with expert care.
Visit our showroom to explore the possibilities, or contact us to start your project with a team that truly listens.
