Whether you're building a room addition or planning a home improvement project, the right patio doors can transform your new or made-over space, making it more accessible and improving the appearance of both the interior and exterior. However, there are a variety of patio doors on the market today. Here are the most common types and the benefits of each.

A Brief Guide to Patio Doors

1. Sliding

Sliding patio doors move on a track for easy, effortless opening and closing. Because they don't open into the room, they are excellent space savers, which is especially important if the adjoining room doesn't have a lot of extra square footage to spare. They have a more contemporary appearance and design, which makes them a natural fit for a modern room addition or a more minimalist architectural style. With that said, sliding doors can still integrate seamlessly into virtually any design scheme.

2. Hinged

Hinged patio doors open on a hinge, so they swing into the room or out onto the patio. Also called French doors, they come in three main styles—two movable doors, a double door set wherein one door is movable and the other fixed, or a single door that closes into a latch in the wall. Style-wise, hinged doors are versatile and will work with most designs and room layouts. If the room is particularly small, you might want to hinge the door outward or opt for a sliding style.

3. Bifold

Folding patio doors contain multiple connected panels that slide and fold accordion-style when opened. The panels stack neatly to one side, giving you a clear and unimpeded view when they are fully opened and creating a smooth transition between the indoors and the out. Bifold patio doors are sleek in construction and appearance and their windowpanes expansive, making them an ideal choice for rooms and room additions where openness and airiness are priorities.

Explore your patio door options by contacting Gateway Exteriors. Since 1982, they have been serving Chesterfield, Lake St. Louis, and St. Charles, MO. They also offer windows, siding, decks, room additions, and custom patio covers. Call (636) 327-8609 to discuss your design needs or visit them online to browse their services.