Understand your options
Door styles, clearly explained
See how entry and patio doors are arranged, which panel moves, and what to confirm in a contractor quotation.
These illustrations show typical configurations. The exact product, handing, screen, glass, sill, and hardware can vary. Ask for a product drawing before ordering, especially for a named manufacturer or model. When choosing an entry door, compare available hinge and strike plate colours with the handle and lockset finish so the visible hardware works together.
Closed view · Operating viewSingle entry door
A single hinged entry door can be solid or include decorative glass. The door shown has three upper glass panes and two lower panels. Steel and fibreglass versions can offer different finishes and maintenance needs.
Confirm the slab material, finish, glass, swing and handing. Choose hinge and strike plate colours to coordinate with the handle and lockset; check the available finishes before ordering. Confirm weatherstripping and sill, too.
Closed view · Operating viewEntry door with one panelled sidelite
One narrow glazed sidelite sits beside the hinged entry door. In this example, the decorative glass aligns with the door glass and both pieces have a solid lower panel. The sidelite remains fixed when the door opens.
Confirm which side gets the sidelite, glass pattern and privacy, frame material, swing, safety glazing, and the exact combined width.
Closed view · Operating viewEntry door with two panelled sidelites
Matching narrow sidelites frame both sides of the central operating door. Their decorative glass and lower panels create a balanced entrance while the two sidelites stay fixed.
Confirm both sidelite widths, matching glass and panel design, door handing, frame assembly, threshold, and finishing around the wider opening.
Closed view · Operating viewSolid door with one clear-glass sidelite
This red two-panel door has no glass in the slab. One narrow, full-height clear-glass sidelite beside it brings daylight into the entry while the sidelite stays fixed.
Confirm which side receives the sidelite, its exact glass and width, the door colour on both faces, handing, privacy, and safety glazing.
Closed view · Operating viewSolid door with two clear-glass sidelites
Two matching full-height clear-glass sidelites frame the red two-panel operating door. The wider arrangement adds light and symmetry without changing which part opens.
Confirm both sidelite widths, glass, finished opening size, door colour on both faces, threshold, and interior and exterior trim.
Closed view · Operating viewSingle door with internal glass blinds
A blind sealed between the panes of the door glass gives adjustable light and privacy without a blind hanging on the door. The slats are protected from household dust, grease, and pet hair, and a cordless side control avoids dangling pull cords.
Confirm how the blind raises and tilts, the glass and Low-E package, safety glazing, the operator warranty, and how the sealed unit can be serviced or replaced.
Closed view · Operating viewDouble doors with internal glass blinds
Each glazed leaf has its own blind enclosed within the glass. You can adjust light and privacy independently, with a tidy look and no loose blind swinging or rattling as the doors move. Cordless controls avoid accessible pull cords.
Confirm that both glass units include blinds, which leaf opens first, the screen and locking system, operator access, glass specifications, and warranty coverage.
Closed view · Operating view
Sliding patio door
One glazed panel slides sideways on a track past the other. It gives access without needing swing space on the deck or inside the room. For five- and six-foot openings, an internal-blinds option may provide adjustable privacy and light control.
Confirm which panel moves, the screen and lock arrangement, sill height, drainage, glass package, clear opening, and whether internal blinds are available in the quoted five- or six-foot size. Do not assume this option is available on an eight-foot door.
Closed view · Operating viewFrench patio doors
Two hinged glazed leaves meet at the centre. One is normally the everyday active leaf; the second may open after its bolts are released for a wider passage.
Specify active leaf, swing direction, screen solution, multipoint hardware or bolts, threshold, and weather seal at the meeting stiles.
Closed view · Operating viewTerrace door with fixed panel
One hinged glazed door sits beside a matching fixed glazed panel. The second panel gives light and a balanced look, but it does not open for ventilation or passage.
Some terrace doors come in retrofit sizes for a typical sliding patio-door opening. Confirm the existing rough opening, new frame dimensions, active side, swing, screen, clear opening, and sill before ordering.
Western garden door
The main door provides full passage and can be specified to swing inward or outward. The matching second panel opens only part way, like a casement, for ventilation behind a full screen. Interior cam locks secure the venting panel when closed.
Some garden doors come in retrofit sizes for a typical sliding patio-door opening. Confirm that the selected frame and sill fit the existing rough opening, plus the active swing, vent opening limit, full screen, interior cam locks, and model drawing.