5 Best Alternatives to Sliding Glass Doors

In most homes, there are apertures that allow space from the inside of a home to pass through to the outside. In such cases, those apertures end up being sliding glass patio doors. Unless you happen to luck out as a new homeowner, you likely will be left with basic builder-grade sliding glass doors. Those doors, unfortunately, are not visually appealing. Thankfully, we have a way to throw out those outdated doors and uplift your space! Check out the alternatives to sliding glass doors below.

The sliding glass patio doors generally put in builder-grade homes are bypass doors. Bypass sliding doors slide one in front of the other.  They are set in a double opening and can be made from any style. They may be easy to use and low maintenance, but they are quick to downgrade a space. If you are looking for new sliding doors that match your renovations, then look no further. Alternatively, you can opt for many different types of sliding doors. Additionally, you do not have to limit yourself to just changing your patio doors, but different doors or openings in your space can be updated as well. Different options are barn doors, French doors, fiberglass sliding doors, center swing doors, and more!

1. Barn Doors

Barn doors are great in any home and come in a multitude of styles and designs. Although they may not work as a patio door, they are great for separating spaces in your home. If you like the rustic farmhouse style, these can be a great addition to your space! You can use them in any room too. Also, if you are looking for something like a barn door but with less visual weight, you can get a paneled glass barn door. Glass barn doors come in different styles as well, the possibilities really are endless!

Currently, I have a large set of double barn doors that separate my kitchen from my theater room. It is a great way to not only define a “border” between both spaces, but it also adds privacy in the theater room. Another great area to add barn doors are in the bedroom either as a door into the bathroom or closet.

2. French Patio Doors

Ah, the French door. A timeless piece that will immediately upgrade any home. Double french doors are one of the best alternatives to sliding glass doors. They are a popular choice and for good reason. Not only are french doors aesthetically pleasing, but they also can raise the listing price of your home and attract more buyers. French doors are also customizable and can be made to fit any height or width of the door opening.

French doors provide great insulation which in turn, prevents heat or air conditioning from escaping the home. For windy days, or just for caution, you will want french doors that have restrictor hinges. Restrictor hinges limit the opening angle of the door so that you can avoid banging your door on other surfaces and damaging them. Although they may be pricy, french doors are worth the investment and can add much visual value to your home.

3. Fiberglass Sliding Door

Fiberglass doors are a great alternative to traditional glass doors. They are more durable and are also low maintenance. As well as that, they are also very strong and energy-efficient. What is also great about this option, is that you can have your fiberglass door styled in different ways. If you would like a french style sliding glass door, you can do that. In addition, you can also change the color of the paneling for a modern look that fits right into the color scheme of your home.

4. Center Swing Patio Doors

Another lovely alternative is center swing patio doors. These are particularly great because they can also give you the look of French double doors at a fraction of the cost. Instead of both doors opening like french doors, these have one door close while the other can open freely. Since the closed door does not open, you can use it as a window and utilize the surrounding floor space. You can place plants by the door that need extra sun, or huddle your sofa closer to the window. Center swing patio doors also minimize foot traffic between the house and outside. These patio doors allow you to choose which direction you would like the doors to open, inward or outward. Also, you can choose which panel you would like to be operable depending on your space.

5. Accordion Doors

Great for either your closets or the patio, Accordion doors are a unique alternative for your space. Just like an accordion, these doors fold over themselves when the door is open. Accordion doors are great for when entertaining, you can open each door and have uninterrupted access to the patio and vice versa. Similarly to how in restaurants who use these doors commonly, it is a great way to get fresh air into your space and have your patio feel more like an extension of your home.

Accordion doors are made from glass and have a flexible, vinyl seal that allows each panel to move smoothly. As mentioned, these doors provide uninterrupted space because when folded they do not obstruct any of your other furniture or pathways.

Builder-grade sliding glass doors can easily be replaced with a better alternative that will beautifully rejuvenate your home. There are still many other great styles and designs that you can choose from in your space. Pivot doors, for example, are glass doors that rotate at a fixed point when open. They are not as functional as the other alternatives mentioned and they do limit some of the foot traffic. However, pivot doors do add a unique focal point in your space.

Another option, although rather expensive, is the Glass Roll-Up Door. This type of door is essentially a garage door but made out of glass. This is one of the most stylish sliding glass door alternatives, but may not be right for everybody.

Conclusion

Your home is a special place, and more often than not, you want your home to be a reflection of you. Swapping out your outdated sliding glass doors and sprucing it up with one of these alternatives of your choice is a wonderful way to make you feel happier and proud of your space.

Before making any decisions, speak with an experienced contractor who can help you choose which door design would work with your home. Speaking with an interior designer to also help you choose which door harmonizes well with the rest of your home design is a also a great start.