87% of homes have access to a garden, but sometimes that access isn’t as convenient as homeowners want it to be. Some homeowners need a way to enjoy their garden without having to go through the front door or around the back. Patio doors are an attractive and practical solution.
The best patio doors let you enjoy the outdoors without taking away from your home’s design. If you’re ready to add a more convenient entrance to your home, keep reading to find out what makes some patio doors better for your home’s style than others.
Identifying Your Home’s Style
It’s hard to find a patio door that complements your house if you don’t know what kind of style it has. For example, if your house is modern with lots of glass and metal accents, then a traditional wooden design may not work well in this environment. A steel French door would be a more attractive match in this case.
The following are some of the most common home designs in England. Look for similarities between your design and those listed below to make picking a patio door easier.
Tudor
Tudor homes have a steeply pitched roof, stately wooden beams, and elaborate masonry. Brick exteriors are common, as are stone or stucco siding. Gables, dormers, and bay windows are other standard features that make Tudor homes unique.
The best home patio doors for this style are French. They can complement the exterior while providing the same level of architectural detail that Tudor homes are known for.
Victorian
Victorian is a style that’s characterized by elaborate detailing and a variety of materials. The most common features include:
- Round angles
- Steep, gabled roofs (often with ornate gables)
- Asymmetrical shape
Victorian-style patio doors usually come from hardwood, like mahogany or oak. This material allows the door to blend seamlessly with other woodwork in the home.
Modernist
Modernist homes are clean, with geometric shapes and lines. Most have some element of asymmetry, either in the roof or in the windows.
A modernist home will have no arches, ornate columns, or window shutters. These elements can feel too traditional for a sleek, modern style.
To complement the minimalist design of a modernist home, opt for sliding patio doors. They won’t take away from the clean lines of the home, regardless of whether the doors are open.
Georgian
Georgian-style homes are generally made of brick or stucco. They have large windows with shutters and often feature a square shape. The front of the house is symmetrical, with ornate entrances that may include columns and arches.
Edwardian
Edwardian homes have light-colored walls, large windows, and proportions that are simple in design. These homes have a classic feel to them, so you can expect to see red bricks or stone walls.
If you’re looking for patio doors that will complement the style of your Edwardian home, a folding or French door might be your best choice. Add ornate details to the door frame to bring your home’s exterior style to life.
Traditional Cottage
Traditional cottages have low ceilings, small windows, and are often made of stone. They’re typically built with a pitched roof and a large chimney. The asymmetrical design gives them an old-fashioned look that a French patio door can accentuate.
If you’re going for a traditional cottage style, choose a French door with no embellishments. This will give your home the charm that makes it feel like a cottage from hundreds of years ago.
Patio Door Options
With a clear idea of your home’s exterior style, you can narrow your door options. Patio doors come in a variety of styles, but three variations are most common: sliding, French, and folding patio doors. Here’s a rundown of their aesthetic appeal and some of the ways they can improve your home.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding glass doors are the most popular option for homeowners because they add a clean, modern style to any property. Their flat frame and unobtrusive design don’t interrupt the visual flow of your home’s exterior, which makes it easy for you to maintain your current aesthetic.
The easy-to-use sliding mechanism also makes them a breeze to operate. You’ll have easy access inside without having to open them fully.
They’re also ideal for small spaces since they take up less room than other patio door styles.
French Patio Doors
French patio doors are hinged on the side, so they swing open and close. If you’re looking to add drama and elegance to your home, these doors are the ideal option. Use this style to modernize Tudor and Edwardian homes or to complement a modernist design.
Folding Patio Doors
These accordion-style glass doors open to let fresh air into your home. Folding patio doors are an excellent alternative to traditional sliding doors if you want your home to have some flair. Future home buyers are sure to be impressed by the refined luxury that this type of door offers.
Patio Door Materials
Vinyl is the most popular choice because it’s affordable. Wood and steel are also famous choices, but they’re more expensive. If you’re looking for a way to add value to your home, opt for wood or steel.
The material you choose for your door will play a role in the appeal of your patio space, so here are some of the benefits associated with each option to help you in your decision-making process.
Wood
Hardwood is an eco-friendly choice for patio doors. You’ll also get a product that’s built to last.
When it comes to matching wood with your home’s decor, there are no hard and fast rules. You can stain or paint it to match the exterior of your house, so it will blend seamlessly into your landscape.
The only downside is that wood is vulnerable to water damage and can warp when it’s exposed to the elements. If you live in an area with high moisture content, you may want to consider another material.
The upkeep of the wood can be a problem as well. If you choose a stain or paint, you’ll need to reapply the finish every few years to keep it looking new. Sticking to the natural look of the wood will help you avoid this problem.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a superb choice for people who want a low-maintenance option that can save money on energy costs. The insulating effect of vinyl may cut down on your heating and cooling bills. And its reflective properties will keep your door frames from burning you in the summer.
It’s also long-lasting, so you can expect your patio door to be around for decades without needing to be replaced.
One downside is that vinyl isn’t recyclable. When you replace your door, the frame will end up taking up space in landfills.
Steel
You should consider steel patio doors if you want the strongest, most durable door possible. Steel is a very dense metal that resists damage from scratches. Besides being sturdy, steel also requires very little maintenance compared to other materials like wood.
The only issue with steel is that it’s prone to rusting. You’ll need to be diligent in your maintenance and cleaning of steel doors. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain or humidity, you may need to apply a wax coating on your patio door to prevent it from rusting.
What to Consider Before Buying Patio Doors
When it comes to deciding what type of patio door will look best in your home, you need to consider the space in which it will be installed. For a patio door to look balanced, make sure there’s enough space around the door to not conflict with other design elements. Consider moving furniture around so the space is wide enough to accommodate the opening and closing of a patio door.
You should also consider the size of your family when choosing a door. If you have children running in and out, a larger door may be preferable because it will allow more people to enter and exit at once.
Find the Best Patio Doors the UK Has to Offer
Patio doors make your living space feel larger and more open, while also allowing plenty of natural light in. From hardwood sliding doors to sleek French designs made out of steel, there are plenty of options that can complement your home’s architectural style.
But if you’re still having trouble deciding which door style is right for you, speak to an expert at Apex Windows. We’ll use our years of experience to help you find the best patio doors for your home.