If Sliding Glass Doors Are Not An
Option, These Alternatives Are Perfect
Sliding glass doors are widely used to access patios and decks, but plenty of innovative and practical sliding glass door alternatives in Fairfax, VA are worth a look. Whether you want something different or don’t like the idea of sliding doors, you have other options.
Learn about your patio door replacement options and discover some unique and functional alternatives to sliding glass doors for your home.
Your Sliding Glass Door Alternatives
If you do not want sliding patio doors on your home, you will find any of these sliding door alternatives to be a great option. You can choose from a range of alternatives, including accordion and hinged doors.
1. French Patio Doors
Adding exterior French doors can be a classic, upscale investment in your home. Because French doors can be ordered to fit the same framed opening as your existing sliding door, installation is usually simple and straightforward.
Another thing that makes French doors the most popular alternative to sliding glass doors is that you can configure the doors to fit your particular needs.
You can also choose whether to have the doors swing inward or outward so you can adjust for any space issues you may have.
2. Exterior Pocket Doors
Consider exterior pocket doors if you’re looking for space-saving patio door ideas. This door type has long been used in interior applications where saving space is necessary.
As with sliding glass doors, exterior pocket doors slide along two fixed tracks. The great thing about this type of door is that you can create a vast, barrier-free opening to your outdoor space without any visible framing.
3. Multi-Panel Sliding Doors
Sliding glass doors with three or four panels can increase natural light and expand the usable opening on your existing patio door.
Three-panel sliding doors have one sliding panel in the center flanked by a fixed glass panel on each side. In comparison, four-panel sliding patio doors have two movable center panels, which provide double the opening size of a traditional sliding glass door.
4. Exterior Bi-fold Doors
As with pocket doors, exterior glass bifold doors are a great space-saving solution that can be customized to suit your needs. Also called folding doors, exterior bi-fold doors are mounted on an upper and lower track, which makes moving the doors effortless.
A bi-fold glass patio door can be configured to match your existing door opening, making this door an excellent option for odd-sized openings in older homes.
5. Center Swing Doors
Similar to French doors in looks, only one single door will open and close. The other is permanently closed. Many consider this patio door option the best of all worlds.
They may not want both doors to open for safety reasons, yet they still love all the natural light these hinged swing patio doors can allow into their home. Plus, with one door open, you can still allow fresh air into your home.
Choosing the Best Alternatives To Sliding
Glass Doors for Your Home
If you’re looking for alternatives to sliding glass doors for your renovation or new build, here are some things to consider:
- The size of your exterior door opening
- Whether you want a standard walk-through or you’d prefer an extra-large opening between your interior and exterior spaces
- If you want a patio door that fits your existing door framing, or if you’d like to modify the size of the door frame
- Whether you need bug screens on your patio doors
- What your project budget is
- If you have a vision of what your patio could be or if there is a particular style of door you envision, then you have a good idea of what type of patio door would help bring the vision to life
Remember that some patio door ideas are relatively straightforward, while installing others, such as the exterior pocket doors, will involve renovating the walls bordering your door frame.
Free Quote For The Perfect Sliding Glass Door
Alternative Today For Your Fairfax, VA Home
Ready to refresh your Fairfax, VA patio with a unique alternative to sliding glass doors? Thompson Creek is at your service. We’ll help you find the ideal patio doors tailored to your preferences.
Request a complimentary quote from us. Reach out or contact us at 301-880-4474 to begin your journey today.