A living room with a good view of the yard feels larger and brighter, and a sliding glass door is one of the simplest ways to get it. In this Clarksburg home remodel, a wide sliding glass door frames the backyard and fills the room with daylight. Here is a closer look at sliding glass doors, and what to plan before you choose one.
Daylight Where You Need It
A sliding glass door is mostly glass, so it brings in far more daylight than a solid wall or a small window. Here the light reaches across the pale plank floor, so the recessed lights may not be needed during the day. The door also gives the room a view, with trees and lawn framed by a plain white frame, so the yard feels like part of the living space. On a mild day, you can also slide the door open and let a breeze move through the room. Our open concept kitchen living room guide covers how connected rooms share daylight.
A Door That Saves Space
A sliding door moves along a track instead of swinging open, so it needs no clearance in the room. You can place a sofa or a chair close to it without blocking the way, as this room does. That is a real advantage in a living room where every wall counts. When you compare a sliding door vs french door, a swinging door can give a wider opening, so it helps to weigh both options. Blinds or curtains on a rail above the door can also soften the glare when the afternoon sun is strong.
Clean Lines, Plain Trim
The door sits in a simple white frame with plain white trim, so nothing competes with the view. The plank floor runs right up to the door, and a light switch sits on the wall beside it, so you can turn on the lights without crossing the room. Keeping the frame and trim simple lets the greenery outside act as the artwork.
Planning a Sliding Glass Door
Before you choose a sliding patio door, consider both heat and light. In a Sacramento summer, look for glass with a low-E coating, which helps keep heat out. Our windows page covers glass options in more detail. Ask about a secure lock and a track that is easy to clean, and ask your contractor to check the opening size before sliding glass door installation, since a wider door may need a new header above it.
Planning a Home Remodel of Your Own?
At America’s Advantage Remodeling, we have been handling home remodeling projects across the greater Sacramento area since 2001, including Clarksburg and nearby communities. Reach out for a free in-home consultation, and we will help you plan the doors, windows, and finishes along with the rest of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a sliding glass door?
A: A sliding glass door has one or more glass panels that slide along a track instead of swinging open. It is usually used to connect a living room, dining room, or bedroom to a patio, deck, or yard.
Q: Are sliding glass doors energy efficient?
A: They can be. Look for double-pane glass with a low-E coating, which helps limit heat gain and loss, and check the weatherstripping. Performance varies by product, so compare the manufacturer’s ratings before you buy.
Q: Should I choose a sliding door or French doors?
A: A sliding door takes no room to swing open, so it suits a tight layout. French doors swing out or in and give a fully open doorway. Choose a slider when space is limited, and French doors when you want a wider, more formal opening.
Q: How wide is a standard sliding glass door?
A: Common patio sliding doors are 60, 72, or 96 inches wide and about 80 inches tall. Measure your opening before you order, since the rough opening and frame decide which size fits.
Q: Can I add a sliding glass door where there is a window?
A: Often, yes, but it usually means making the opening taller, and the wall above may need a new header. Ask your contractor to check the wall and any permit requirements before work starts.
Q: How do I keep a sliding glass door track clean?
A: Vacuum the track, then wipe it with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to clear grit before it builds up. A light lubricant made for door tracks can help the door glide, but follow the manufacturer’s care instructions first.
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