Large White Sliding Door with 3 raked windows above
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HOW TO SELECT EXTERNAL GLASS DOORS FOR PATIOS

A backyard door isn’t just a door – it’s the gateway to sunset drinks, weekend BBQs, and lazy Sunday breezes. The right glass doors can completely change how you use your space, but picking the perfect one isn’t always straightforward.

Sliding, stacking, or French? Frames, glazing, and security? We’ve got the answers. Welcome to Bradnam’s no-nonsense guide to choosing an external glass door that works for your home and lifestyle.

Our Top Picks for Patio Doors

Sliding Doors

Combining panels of fixed and moving sashes, Sliding Glass Doors are a natural choice for those seeking seamless access to outdoor spaces.. The #1 choice of Australians, they are a great source of light and ventilation – providing an effortless entryway into a backyard or patio area.

Bi-fold Doors

Featuring two (or more) moving hinged panels designed to fold in sections, Bi-Fold Doors seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor areas with their space-saving features. Often referred to as ‘concertina’ or ‘folding’ doors, this selection minimises barriers to the outdoors and provides a more expansive opening when compared to traditional sliding doors.

Hinged Glass Doors (for small areas)

For smaller areas, Hinged Doors (or French Doors) are an excellent choice. This selection is versatile, easily accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. Bradnam’s Hinged Doors are also customisable to be push or pull, and can be paired with a self-closing mechanism for convenience.

How Do I Select a Configuration?

The way your door is configured isn’t just about looks, it’s about how you move through your space. At Bradnam’s, we offer a range of options designed to suit different layouts and lifestyles.

For Sliding, Cavity, and Corner doors, think about the sliding direction, how many glass panels you want, and the space you’re working with. More panels mean a smoother indoor-outdoor flow – perfect for open-plan living.

If you’re going for a Hinged Door, the key decisions come down to hinge placement, panel count, and whether to include a sidelite to brighten up your space.

Glazing

Single Glazing

A classic and cost-effective selection, Single Glazed Doors allow for light to flood to flood into a space with ease. They’re also available in a variety of pane thickness and colour options for varied customisation.

Double Glazing

Double glazed doors are your home’s secret weapon for comfort and savings. With two sealed glass panes, they act as a thermal shield, keeping your space cosy in winter and cool in summer.

Not only will you enjoy year-round comfort, but you could also slash your power bills by up to 20% compared to single glazing. It’s smart, energy-efficient living at its best!

Our Pick?

Homeowners can often lean towards Single Glazing given its affordability. Our pick, however, goes to Double-Glazed if you’re looking for optimised energy efficiency and year-round comfort.

Do Handles Matter?

Every detail matters when designing your home, and your door handle is no exception! Standard handles are simple, ergonomic, and lockable – the reliable choice for most.

For a touch of luxury, Bradnam’s architectural handles offer all the same functionality but with a sleek, premium look to elevate your space.

Which Colour?

Now, for the fun part – selecting your colour scheme! Bradnam’s doors are customisable down to the hardware, making the choice easier than ever for a cohesive and harmonious design.

Door Frame

Available in shades of silver, beige, white, cream, and matte black – our door frames can be used to provide consistency within your home’s design, or can be highlighted as an accent piece.

For something unique, explore our decorative powder coat colours for ultimate customisation!

Glass

Whether you want crystal-clear views, privacy, or diffused light, we have the perfect glass options – from translucent to frosted and extra-clear finishes.

Hardware

Don’t overlook the details! Our hardware in white, black, silver, and stainless steel ties everything together, creating endless design possibilities.

Window Placement

The final box to check off when planning your external door – window placement!

It’s important to consider symmetry, proportions, spacing, depth, airflow, and thermal control during this process. There are no rules, but we recommend consulting a Bradnam’s team member for advice on Window and Door composition.

I’m Ready to Select My Door!

That’s what we like to hear! At Bradnam’s, we can provide you with endless opportunities for glass doors to suit any home. Head to our window and door selection guideline to make your decision.

Commercial Hinged Door with self closing mechanism

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

Clever design ideas can turn your bricks and mortar into a stylish, functional and relaxed home. Thinking outside the box with these fresh design ideas means you’ll enjoy your home, in all four seasons, for many years to come

 

Learn more

Product availability, features, options, sizes, configurations and performance are subject to regional variations, design requirements, and building codes. Images are for illustration purposes only and may not accurately represent the product. Bradnam’s Windows & Doors reserves the right to change, alter or delete any aspect of this product without notice. We recommend visiting a Bradnam’s showroom before ordering to view colour swatches, glass samples and actual products.