Patio Door Specials and What To Know

Are you in the market for new patio doors or looking to replace windows in your home with patio doors? If so, keep reading to learn about the types of patio doors, the cost of patio doors, and how to install them.

The right patio doors can make your outdoor space more easily accessible and enjoyable. They can also let more light into your home and help create the indoor/outdoor living space that you desire. Patio doors have certainly evolved from the days of just sliding screen door options—you now have almost unlimited choices and styles to meet the aesthetic of your home.  

However, so many different options exist on the market that it can be challenging to know the difference between the types of doors, what you can expect to pay for new or replacement doors, and where you should look to buy them. You also may want to know your options for installation and where to look to find help installing them. Keep reading for all of the information you will want to know about patio doors, including where to look for specials and how to find the best deals for the type of door you want. 

Types of Patio Doors You Can Buy   

The type of patio door you select for your space largely depends on the amount of space you have both inside and outside of the patio area, the style you want your house to have, and how you want the door to function. Here are some of the main types of patio doors you can buy: 

• Sliding Patio Doors: You most commonly see sliding patio doors in houses. They are a popular and affordable choice and bring a modern look to your house. Choose options with large glass panels and screen inserts to help let light and natural air into the home.  

• Hinged Patio Doors: Hinged style doors (sometimes referred to as French doors) give your home a more traditional look and work by swinging either inside or outside of the house. You need to consider proper spacing and have an ample amount on the patio or inside of the house for them to function effectively. 

• Bifold Patio Doors: Bifold doors work similarly to an accordion and consist of several panels that fold back together to open up the area thoroughly. These options usually have a hinged door as well so that you do not have to fully fold back the doors if you want to go outside quickly. 

• Pivot Doors: Pivot doors (also known as revolving doors) can "pivot" to either the outside or the inside, depending on how you want to open them. These doors are usually more expensive than other options to install and not as popular with regular homeowners. 

• Garage Style Doors: Garage doors (or full-view doors) provide an "industrial" aesthetic to a house. This dramatic style, often made of metal instead of wood, has extensive glass panels. These doors function almost exactly like a garage for a car and require a lot of space and the proper electrical mechanisms installed to open and shut them, making them much more expensive. 

Pricing for Types of Patio Doors 

The pricing for new patio doors varies greatly depending on the type, style, and materials used. In general, you can expect to pay at least $2,000 to $3,000 for a new set of sliding or hinged patio doors. If you choose a bifold, pivot, or garage door, your costs will be significantly higher. These options will most likely cost you between $5,000 and $10,000 to purchase, and many lean towards the higher range of prices. Remember that you also need to factor in any installation or delivery costs if the purchase price of your doors does not include them. Contractors' hourly rates to complete this type of work generally run from $70 to $100 per hour. 

Patio Door Services and Patio Door Repairs  

At times you will need to repair your patio doors or replace glass that gets damaged. For these types of services to be done correctly, you will need to find a reputable patio door service company or contractor. 

The company where you purchased your doors may have provided you with a warranty or contact for repairs or replacement. However, if you purchased and installed the doors yourself, you will need to locate a professional for these services. 

Many national glass services, such as Glass Doctor, have technicians that can repair the glass on different types of patio doors. You can also find local companies that specialize specifically in patio doors by performing a search for “Patio Door Services Near Me.” Before you hire any company, you look at reviews on places like Consumer Affairs or Yelp and check out the company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau. 

Where to Buy Patio Doors 

If you are looking to buy a standard-sized sliding or hinged door and want options for delivery and installation, check with your local Lowe’s or Home Depot. These stores often have a good selection that might meet your needs. National online companies, like Window World or NationalDoor Company, also carry some more basic sliding and hinged door options. These larger online companies also tend to have professional delivery and installation options.  

If you require a more customized door, you will need to search for a local company that specializes in making them. For example, if you want a full view door style, you will want to reach out to a garage door company to meet your needs. As with repair services, be sure to read the company’s reviews before hiring them to install your door. If you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast, you may want to try looking at a local builder's surplus store. These stores often have options that you can carry out and self-install. 

How to Find Deals on Patio Doors 

To find the best deals on patio doors, shop during the times that big box stores have their best sales, such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Black Friday. During these times, you may find significant discounts on not only the doors but also on shipping and installation. 

If you are handy and want to install the doors on your own, you can often find good discounts at builder's surplus or overstock stores. Many online sites also offer discounts on these types of doors. Amazon Prime customers can take advantage of their free delivery perk, as you can purchase many types of basic patio doors through Amazon.