How to choose a patio door: Styles, materials & key factors

Types of sliding glass doors to consider

Infinity offers a sliding French door and a sliding glass door. What’s the difference between French doors vs. sliding doors? Our sliding French door has a wider frame profile compared to our sliding glass doors.

Multi-slide patio doors

Multi-slide patio doors extend your outdoor views and provide wider paths to outdoor enjoyment. While most sliding patio doors come as 2-panel doors, you can create 3-panel and 4-panel sliding patio doors. An Infinity 3-panel sliding patio door can open in all one direction. You can also choose a 3-panel sliding patio door that opens in the middle and slides to one direction or another. An Infinity 4-panel sliding patio door opens by parting in the middle. The configuration offers a wider entryway and panoramic views.

Additional replacement patio door types to consider

If a sliding glass patio door isn’t a fit for your home, Infinity has other types of patio doors. Choose an exterior French door or a stunning bi-fold door. Each type of patio door has advantages.

Patio door material comparison

The material used to make a patio door can make a difference in the look, cost, and energy efficiency for your home. Common materials include: wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum.

Wood patio doors

Wood patio doors look great but may need more maintenance than other patio doors. With diligent maintenance wood patio doors can last a long time.

Vinyl sliding patio doors

Homeowners like vinyl patio doors because they don’t need much maintenance. They also come in a variety of colors. But vinyl patio doors can expand and contract over time. Expansion and contraction can impact the longevity and operation of a patio door.

Aluminum patio doors

Aluminum patio doors have durability but may need a little more maintenance if not treated. Aluminum is a metal and conducts energy well, which can impact negatively energy efficiency.

Fiberglass patio doors

Fiberglass patio doors offer more durability than vinyl patio doors. Infinity’s Ultrex^® fiberglass is significantly stronger than vinyl. It has lower thermal conductivity than aluminum. That means homes keep more heat in winter and stay cooler in the summer. Comparing vinyl vs. fiberglass patio doors, Ultrex fiberglass has greater strength and stability.

Patio door maintenance

Our Ultrex fiberglass patio doors offer an excellent low-maintenance option. Our acrylic finish resists dings, dents, and fading. You won’t have to worry about painting or staining with Ultrex. Vinyl patio doors also don’t need much maintenance but lack the finish properties of Ultrex. Wood patio doors and aluminum patio doors need a little more attention to keep them looking good.

Consider space

First consider the space you have for a patio door. You might want to replace your existing patio door. You could also want a bigger patio door. An expert can help determine the feasibility of a bigger patio door.

Ask friends and family

Friends and family offer some of the best insight when searching for a patio door installer. They can tell you what they liked and didn’t like about a company. They can also tell you what to avoid with a patio door installer.

Talk to an expert

Schedule an Infinity in-home design consultation to get recommendations and advice. We’ll measure the space for your home’s exact specifications and talk you through all your options. After you pick your patio door, your consultant will handle all the details and installation.

Frequently asked questions