Choosing Between Wood And Vinyl Patio Doors
Wood and vinyl are arguably the most popular options available when it comes to residential patio doors. While both of these options can prove quite beneficial, it is important to note that both of these options also come with some disadvantages. Consequently, there is no single building material that will be right for everyone. Taking the time to review the pros and cons listed below for each of these different materials can help you to determine which option is best suited to your specific patio door needs.
Wood Patio Doors
Pros
- Classic Beauty - Natural wood grains offer a classic beauty that is appealing to most people. Add to this the ability to easily stain or paint these doors in any color you desire and it is easy to see why so many homeowners prefer the look of wood patio doors.
- Wide Range Of Options - There are a virtually endless number of different styles of residential patio doors. For instance, you can choose between swinging doors, sliding doors, French doors, and several others. However, not all styles of doors will be available in all materials. Wood doors offer the widest range of style options.
- Longevity - If properly cared for, wood patio doors can easily last for several decades. For many people, this means that they will never need to worry about replacing the doors on their patio again.
Cons
- Maintenance - Wood requires a good amount of maintenance in order to prevent damage and protect its long life expectancy. For instance, a wood door will need to resealed every few years in order to protect it from the elements.
- Cost - Wood patio doors are often the most expensive option the market has to offer.
Vinyl Patio Doors
Pros
- Affordable - While wood patio doors may be the most expensive option on the market, vinyl is often the most affordable. This benefit is especially important to homeowners who are on a budget.
- Energy Efficient - Vinyl patio doors offer high energy efficiency ratings. This means that these doors are capable of helping to lower your home's heating and cooling costs each month saving you even more money in the long run.
- Low Maintenance - Unlike wood patio doors, vinyl doors will require very little maintenance. You can minimize maintenance requirements even further by taking advantage of features such as blinds between the glass to make cleaning your doors both fast and easy.
Cons
- Limited Options - While wood patio doors offer a wide variety of styles to choose from, the options are much more limited when it comes to vinyl. However, it is important to note that several style options have been added in the past few years. Consequently, if it has been a while since you last checked out the selection, it may be worth taking another look.
- Fades In Direct Sunlight - The color of vinyl patio doors will typically fade rather quickly if placed in direct sunlight. As a result, these doors are best suited for use in areas that are covered or provide shade from the sun's harsh rays.
The Bottom Line
Both vinyl and wood patio doors offer an impressive set of benefits and rather limited disadvantages. Consequently, choosing between these two patio door options will boil down primarily to a matter of personal preference. However, to learn more about either of these options or to see sample doors in both materials, be sure to contact a reputable contractor in your local area.
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