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Types of Patio Doors

Whether they need to withstand harsh Midwestern winters or are opened wide for a summertime breeze, patio doors are functional pieces that enhance our home’s value, appearance and energy efficiency. Check out our guide to learn more about Pella’s patio doors.

Hinged vs. Sliding

The main difference between patio doors is how they operate. Hinged patio doors are attached to the side of the frame and swing out. These typically come with a deadbolt which is great for added security. A sliding patio door glides along horizontal tracks and is great for wide, uninterrupted views of the outdoors as well as tight functionality if you’re short on space.

Hinged French Patio Doors

Hinged, or French patio doors open by swinging in or out and can be installed as two operable doors, one operable door or one operable door and one inoperable door. Pella’s French and hinged patio doors come in two different lines — the Pella Reserve and Pella Lifestyle Series — all of which are made of wood. Each comes with customization options, a variety of finishes and grilles to make your patio doors match your home. Pella Lifestyle Series products also come with the option to upgrade to integrated blinds and shades that tuck between the glass for neat storage.

Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors stand out for their elegant look, ease of use and affordability. They’re great in tight spaces as the panels compact onto each other and don’t require extra room for hinges. They’re also easy to clean and maintain.

Pella’s sliding patio doors come in a variety of materials including wood, fiberglass and vinyl. Each offers a variety of hardware options, customizations and unique features. 

Pella’s Impervia products are made with our proprietary fiberglass that’s extremely durable and designed to hold up against harsh weather and wide fluctuations in temperature. Wood lines like the Pella Reserve series, offer great energy efficiency, sound proofing and customization options. Vinyl is one of our most popular materials due to its variety, versatility and affordability. Product lines like the Pella 250 Series and Encompass by Pella offer optional enhancements along with their already energy-efficient, low-maintenance frames.

Multi-Slide Patio Doors

For an even more elegant sliding door option, multi-slide patio doors create panoramic views as well smooth transitions to the outdoors. These doors are great for connecting a large deck or patio to a kitchen or living room to create more space. Pella also lets you mix and match panel configurations and storage options to find the best fit for your home. 

Pella’s multi-slide patio doors are made of wood and come in our Pella Reserve product line. They are also reinforced with EnduraClad® aluminum cladding that helps protect your home from cold, wet climates. Multi-slide patio doors can come in up to 10 panels with options like stacking, pocketing or grilles to modify their function and aesthetic.

Bifold Patio Doors

Bifold patio doors feature long sequences of windows that are hinged together and open and close like an accordion. 

These patio doors are made of wood and come in a variety of options. All the panels can be mobile, collapsing and sliding together, or only one can open for easy, everyday access. Either way, bifold doors provide beautiful views of the outdoors and can open for easy ventilation or expanded living space.

Bifold patio doors come in Pella’s Reserve Series product line which can be customized with different finishes, hardware and grilles. Bifold patio doors also come with a dual-point lock system for added security.