Patio Doors vs Garden Doors

Whether you have a patio, porch, or any portion of your house connecting to your yard, having a door leading towards the area is an obvious necessity. Stylish doors can seriously improve your property’s curb appeal as well as make your home more accessible. However, it might surprise you to learn that not all doors are the same —in fact, there is a noticeable difference between garden doors and patio doors. While the difference might seem slight to some property owners, there is a clear distinction between the two that sets the door types apart. Deciding which to install is a matter of personal taste, so be sure to pick what suits your home best!

Patio Doors: Patio doors lack hinges and slide open when used. They provide a more contemporary image and are generally constructed out of glass. Sliding patio doors have multiple panels that can be open and shut. They don’t take up any interior space when they open or shut, making it easy to keep any furniture in their current placements. Patio doors are easy to use for all types of houseguests. However, the sliding track might trip some people up, such as elderly people who use wheelchairs or walkers. Due to the sliding panel design, lots of natural light is let in to your home. Patio doors also can have a variety of different locks to keep your house secure, such as one on the knob as well as on the bottom sliding track.

Garden Doors: Garden doors have hinges and therefore swing open when used. They have a dramatic flair and can be designed in a variety of appealing options. As they can be fully swung open, it can often be easier to transport things in and out of the house. However, the doors require space to open, unlike patio doors. Garden doors do not require a sliding track and therefore do not pose as much of a tripping threat as patio doors do. One of the most popular garden door styles is the French door, which are dramatic and can easily elevate the curb appeal of your home.

Which Is Right for My Home? The most important thing to consider when deciding between patio doors and garden doors is generally your own personal tastes. Sliding patio doors are often favored when leading out of a basement or onto a porch. Garden doors have a grander visual appearance and better suit gardens or courtyards. Some important stylistic elements to consider when choosing doors for your property leading outside include grid patterns, color, and hardware polish. A patio or garden door can be a big statement piece that improves curb appeal. Depending on your landscaping, it might be visible for other people to view. Picking trimmings and stylistic elements that suit the rest of your property is essential. The durability of the door is also important, as it has direct contact with the outdoor elements. Therefore, select your doors from a brand whose quality you can trust.

Whether you pick patio doors or garden doors for your property, there are a variety of styles in to choose from that can perfectly suit your home. Only you can know best what fits your family and your house the best!

The 3 Basic Types of Storm Doors You Need to Know

A storm door is an additional layer of protection that is installed in front of your property’s front door in order to help protect against the elements, such as heavy rain or snow. Storm doors also help with ventilation in the home. There are a variety of different storm door options available for installation as well as a range of construction materials. These doors generally have glass panels for visibility and screen panels to prevent pests from entering. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. For first-time storm door buyers, here are the 3 basic types of storm doors you need to know before purchasing for your property!

Full View:  As the name suggests, the full view option for storm doors offers the most open view inside the house. This is ideal for homeowners looking to show-off the interior of their property or enjoy the view out of their property as well, for those who live in scenic areas. The full view includes glass and screen panels that can be swapped out as needed. Full view doors have a full spectrum of customization options. Depending on a homeowner’s budget, location, and personal preference, full view screen doors can be constructed from a combination of glass, fiberglass, aluminum frames, galvanized steel, and bronze, among others.

Retractable Screen: Retractable screens are easy to hide when not in use. Unlike the full view storm doors, they do not require disassembly to store somewhere else on your property during off-seasons. That is because the retractable screen hides easily in the top area of the door, outside of view from visitors. This option is perfect for homeowners hoping to avoid seasonal installation. Like full view storm doors, retractable screens can come in a variety of materials. Additional customization options are available as well, depending upon the storm door provider.

Ventilating: Ventilating storm doors include a full or partial screen that is always attached to the store door fixture in order to increase ventilation throughout your property. It cannot be removed or hidden like previous options. This option generally has a variety of different panels that can be open or shut on the door in order to provide either more ventilation or protection, depending on the season and the weather. Ventilating storm doors are convenient for property owners who want to shift between coverage without having to physically remove any layers or panels off of the door.

When deciding what type of storm door to install on your property, it is essential to consider the climate and location of your home. Certain materials fare better in specific environments and the intensity and type of weather in your region should definitely influence your final decision on storm doors. No matter the basic type of storm door you end up deciding upon, there are a variety of different materials and ways to customize your new storm doors to make them perfectly suited for your property.