Sliding glass doors make a stylish and aesthetically pleasing addition to any home. They let in more of that beautiful sunlight, and offer a view to the outside world of your yard (and what the little ones or your pets are up to out there). When you think of a sliding glass door, you probably imagine a simple, 2 pane floor to ceiling window attached to a sliding door that opens horizontally. There are actually a few different styles of sliding glass door, and depending on your taste, one may not fit the style of your home. Here we’ll discover four separate styles for you to choose from.
Two Panel Slider
Perhaps the most common type of sliding glass door is the classic, two-panel slider. Featuring either a single fixed pane or two sliding panes, this door provides a large opening and is relatively simple to install and maintain. Cost wise, this typical sliding door type is one of your cheapest options. Some of these models run as low as $500, but installation is where it gets tricky.
Depending on the material of the door frame, you could end up having to cut a wider section of wall out. Vinyl, for instance, tends to be wider, whereas if you go with an aluminum frame you’ll be able to get away with a thinner door frame.
French Slider
The French slider is a popular choice, having four panels; two that slide and two that remain fixed on the outside of the frame. The two sliding panels slide horizontally on the inside of the home. One of the advantages (or disadvantages, depending on your climate) of these doors is that they can take up a large section of wall, creating a very wide space when opened. This can create lots of natural air flow and ventilation, and a very large view of the outside. On the flip side, all that glass an create heating issues if you live in a cold environment or have harsh winters.
The French slider also requires more material and a sturdier frame to support its four huge panels, thus creating more expense. That’s not to say the aesthetic value of these doors is lacking; the combination of French doors and sliding glass makes for a very attractive addition to any home.
Telescoping Door
If you’re searching for a more sleek and modern look for your sliding doors, the telescoping door may be your choice. Consisting of three or more panels that slide past each other to create an opening, the telescoping door can make an entire wall a door/window. There are no fixed panels in this design, so you can slide each end of the doors open slightly, or open the entire assembly and create a natural air flow in your home.
As you have probably guessed, these doors are one of the more expensive designs. You’re paying for three or more huge glass doors and a large frame to support them. The track itself can end up being rather wide to support three or more separate panels, and so you’ll want to account for that in your floor plan.
Account for up to eighteen inches in width, depending on how thick you want your doors to be, and of course, remember that you’re essentially thinning out your wall and making it huge window, so you’ll want to account for energy cost increases as well.
Lift/Slide Door
Arguably the most modern and attractive (also the most expensive) door option is the lift slide door. This door does something that makes it unique in comparison with the other styles; it disappears into an adjacent wall.
Consisting of several panels like the telescoping doors, the panels share a single track until you get to the sides of the track, where multiple tracks begin. The doors slide inconspicuously into the adjacent wall, creating an opening in the wall. These doors are expansive and expensive. However, they are incredibly pleasing to the eye and offer the ability to open up large spaces.
Many companies have designed these doors to be energy efficient as well, so no need to worry too much about energy bills. The doors are weather and watertight as well but will run you thousands of dollars.
The tracks can be built into the floor and are often inconspicuous, but you’re paying for multiple glass door panels, a strong track system, and the fittings in your adjacent walls to house the panels themselves. The most expensive option, but perhaps the most modern as well.
Which Door Is Right For Me?
The first question to ask is what is your budget? How much are you willing to spend? You can often find simple two-panel sliders for as low as $500. If you’re looking for a little larger of an opening you’ll want to try the french door option, but expect to pay in upwards of $1,000.
If you’re truly trying to go for that ultra-sleek, modern look, telescopic or lift/slide doors are your best option. However, these can cost thousands of dollars and will alter your home’s floor plan drastically. Depending on the style of your home, telescopic or even french doors may not be appropriate. A simple two-panel door may be all your home needs. Keep in mind cost, energy efficiency, and your home’s design when you look for your next sliding glass door.