Perhaps no single architectural feature is more emblematic of door Western living than the glass sliding door. For more than 50 years, sliding glass doors have opened our homes to generous natural light and views, simultaneously giving us easy connections with decks, patios, and gardens. Contemporary sliding, or gliding, doors have come a long way since yesteryear''s aluminum sliders, infamous for their stark appearance, sweating frames, and cold glazing. Today, a new generation of & high-quality models offers energy efficiency, durability, safety, and contemporary style. Size and style Sliding doors come in a variety of sizes. In addition to the standard 6-foot, 8-inch height, they''re made 6 feet, 11 inches tall or even 8 feet tall. You can patio also buy three- or four-door-wide configurations that are as wide as 16 systems feet. And sliders are made with one fixed panel and one sliding panel, or with both panels sliding. Most fiber manufacturers extend your design options by providing matching rectangular and roundhead transom windows. Some large manufacturers offer several sliding-door classic and fiberglass lines with a range of prices. You''ll find doors that have wide rails and stiles (horizontal and vertical framing elements) like French doors, and doors with thinner rails and stiles that maximize glazing.

Perhaps no single architectural feature is more emblematic of door Western living than the glass sliding door. For more than 50 years, sliding glass doors have opened our homes to generous natural light and views, simultaneously giving us easy connections with decks, patios, and gardens. Contemporary sliding, or gliding, doors have come a long way since yesteryear''s aluminum sliders, infamous for their stark appearance, sweating frames, and cold glazing. Today, a new generation of & high-quality models offers energy efficiency, durability, safety, and contemporary style. Size and style Sliding doors come in a variety of sizes. In addition to the standard 6-foot, 8-inch height, they''re made 6 feet, 11 inches tall or even 8 feet tall. You can patio also buy three- or four-door-wide configurations that are as wide as 16 systems feet. And sliders are made with one fixed panel and one sliding panel, or with both panels sliding. Most fiber manufacturers extend your design options by providing matching rectangular and roundhead transom windows. Some large manufacturers offer several sliding-door classic and fiberglass lines with a range of prices. You''ll find doors that have wide rails and stiles (horizontal and vertical framing elements) like French doors, and doors with thinner rails and stiles that maximize glazing.

Doors are available through improvement home centers, lumberyards, and millwork shops. When you buy a sliding door system, be sure all components are from the same manufacturer. Check the warranty, door and follow installation and care instructions. And last, buy quality: A well-made door will return your investment with easy care, smooth operation, energy efficiency, and great looks for years to come. The popularity of wood Although conventional aluminum sliders remain popular, other materials have given the genre a boost. According to Julie Ruth, vice president of codes and regulatory compliance for the , the wood patio door has grown tremendously in popularity. Most high-quality wood sliders supplies are milled from clear fir or clear pine by large window and door companies. Because wood is & vulnerable to moisture and sun, it must be given a durable finish. For exceptional durability, many manufacturers protect the exterior sash and frames patio of these doors with vinyl systems or aminum cladding. Clad doors offer the best of both worlds - excellent durability outside and the natural warm look of wood inside.