Create a Perfect View with the Perfect Patio Door

(BPT) - It's the time of year to get outside, dine on the deck, bask in the backyard or relax on the patio.

Is your home ready for summer entertaining or is it time for a remodeling or replacement project? If the answer is the latter, now's the time to get more out of your home by improving access to the great outdoors. You can do this by replacing your patio door. Replacing it can transform your home's view and comfort year-round.

1. Select a style: hinged or sliding. Hinged patio doors, often called French doors, add an elegant look to your home. Choose from popular options like two movable doors that swing open from the sides to allow room to move in big furniture or groups of guests, or movable and fixed door combinations that can hinge from the center, or a single door for simple elegance. You can also create a custom design, complete with sidelights or transom windows, to span your home's unique architecture.

If floor space is limited, or if your patio door opens to a balcony, consider a sliding patio door that takes up less floor space. Look for a patio door with the sliding panel on the outside, so that when the wind blows against it, the design creates a tighter, more energy-efficient seal to help keep your home comfortable.

2. Choose energy-efficient options. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to easily select energy-efficient patio door styles, including ones manufactured with vinyl, fiberglass or wood frames.

Vinyl doors offer exceptional energy performance and outstanding strength and weather resistance. Low-maintenance vinyl sliding doors will look great for years, without the need for painting.

For a durable product that withstands extreme weather, plus resists dents and high traffic from people or pets, consider a fiberglass patio door. Sleek, strong, highly-energy efficient fiberglass withstands extreme heat, cold, and moisture. With a long-lasting powder coat finish, fiberglass doors don't need painting and resist sagging and warping, even in dark colors or hot climates.

Alternatively, consider the natural warmth, beauty and energy-efficiency of wood patio doors. They are available in virtually any shape, size, grille pattern, and exterior color. You can save time by choosing factory prefinished wood interiors and trim.

3. Decide on decorative options. Optional between-the-glass shades or blinds help reduce dust accumulation, eliminating the dreaded chore of cleaning blinds or shades. Blinds or shades between-the-glass are a natural for patio doors, since they don't interfere with the operation of the door itself, yet make it a breeze to control light and privacy. Plus, shades and blinds without cords are safer options for homes with pets or children.

Choose from grilles permanently applied to the exterior of glass surfaces or with the added convenience of between-the-glass grille options that make cleaning a breeze. You can also consider removable grilles to transform your home's look from contemporary to Colonial in a snap.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.