Patio doors are no longer just functional elements of a home; they’re a statement piece that enhances style, energy efficiency, and indoor-outdoor living. The latest trends are shaping how homeowners integrate patio doors into their renovation projects. From smart features to bold designs, here’s what’s in and what’s out for patio doors this year.

What’s In:

1. Oversized Glass Panels
Bigger is better when it comes to patio doors. Expansive glass panels create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, maximizing natural light and giving homes a more open feel. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors are becoming the go-to choice for modern renovations.

2. Minimalist and Frameless Designs
Clean, unobstructed views are trending. Slim, barely-there frames—or even completely frameless options—are making their way into contemporary homes. This design enhances the feeling of openness and allows for an almost invisible transition between inside and outside.

3. Smart and Automated Features
Home automation is expanding beyond lights and thermostats to include patio doors. We are seeing more motorized sliding doors, touchless opening systems, and even smart glass that can switch from transparent to opaque for privacy at the touch of a button.

4. Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Materials
With homeowners increasingly focused on sustainability, energy-efficient patio doors with insulated glass and low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are on the rise. Materials like thermally broken aluminum and sustainably sourced wood are also gaining popularity.

5. Bold Colors and Dark Frames
While classic white and neutral frames remain timeless, bold colors like deep blues, matte black, and even forest green are making a statement. Dark-framed patio doors add a sophisticated, modern touch that stands out against both traditional and contemporary home styles.

6. Multi-Panel and Bifold Configurations
Flexibility is key, and homeowners love doors that offer multiple opening configurations. Bifold and multi-panel sliding doors are surging in popularity, allowing entire walls to open up and blend indoor and outdoor spaces effortlessly.

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What’s Out:

1. Thick, Bulky Frames
Heavy, chunky frames that block natural light are becoming a thing of the past. Instead, sleek and slim profiles are taking over, giving homes a more modern and airy look.

2. Traditional Hinged French Doors
While French doors still have their place in certain classic home styles, many homeowners are opting for sliding or folding alternatives that provide a wider, uninterrupted view and better space efficiency.

3. Standard-Size Openings
Gone are the days of settling for standard door sizes. Homeowners are now prioritizing custom patio door openings to maximize views and bring in more natural light, making unique, wall-spanning installations the new norm.

4. Basic Sliding Doors with No Customization
Plain, off-the-shelf sliding doors are losing popularity in favor of highly customizable options. From decorative glass to integrated blinds and screens, homeowners want patio doors that reflect their personal style and meet specific functional needs.

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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a renovation or just looking for inspiration, these patio door trends highlight the shift toward more expansive, energy-efficient, and high-tech designs. By embracing these modern updates, you can elevate your home’s style, improve functionality, and seamlessly connect your indoor and outdoor spaces.

A pool house is one of the best ways to enhance your home's beauty, usability, and value, so what better way to upgrade than by incorporating large glass patio doors? AG Millworks expansive bifold doors or sliding glass doors would transform your pool house into a resort-style oasis right in your back yard! Here are some compelling reasons to add large glass patio doors to your pool house.

1. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Large glass patio doors create a seamless connection between your pool house and the surrounding outdoor space. With the ability to slide or fold open, these doors eliminate barriers, allowing fresh air and natural light to flow freely. This makes entertaining more dynamic and convenient, as guests can move effortlessly between the pool area and the indoor space.

2. Maximized Natural Light
Our Slimline Stiles and Rails with 2 1/2" inch thickness maximizes glass coverage, which floods your pool house in natural light. A bright, sunlit interior not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, promoting energy efficiency.

3. Expansive Views
Take full advantage of the surrounding landscape with sliding glass or bifold doors that either disappear into the wall or tuck neatly to the side. Whether it’s a stunning pool, a lush garden, or a scenic backyard, clear views create a relaxing and picturesque atmosphere. This design choice helps bring the beauty of the outdoors into your pool house.

4. Improved Ventilation
Control airflow into your home by incorporating a retractable mesh screen to your door system. Leave a few of the glass panels open and the retractable screen closed to allow airflow while still preventing unwanted bugs or debris from entering the pool house. This can help keep your guests comfortable during warm weather while reducing reliance on air conditioning.

5. Increased Property Value
A well-designed pool house with high-end features like large bifold or sliding glass doors can boost your home’s value. Potential buyers will appreciate the modern, open-concept design and the added functionality it brings to the property.

6. Stylish and Modern Aesthetic
Glass patio doors give your pool house a contemporary, high-end appearance. Whether you choose sleek sliding doors, elegant French doors, or versatile bi-fold options, they instantly elevate the look and feel of your space.

7. Versatility for All Seasons
With energy-efficient and insulated glass options, AG Millworks bifold or sliding glass patio doors can make your pool house comfortable year-round. In the summer, they allow you to embrace the outdoor environment, while in cooler months, they provide an enclosed yet visually open space to enjoy.

8. Enhanced Entertainment Options
A pool house isn’t just a structure—it’s the ultimate party hub for friends and family! With sleek bifold or sliding glass doors that vanish into the wall or neatly fold to the side, you can seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor fun. Want to take it up a notch? Add a bifold or sliding "pass-through" window that stretches your kitchen counter right out to your poolside guests—instant bar-style dining! Whether you're flipping burgers for a backyard bash or sipping cocktails under the stars, these stylish doors and windows create the perfect vibe for any poolside celebration.

Adding AG Millworks bifold, sliding glass doors or pass-through windows to your pool house is a game-changer in terms of design, functionality, and value. By embracing natural light, scenic views, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, you can transform your pool house into a luxurious retreat that enhances your overall backyard experience.

Innovative design solutions with AG Millworks custom glass doors and windows can greatly enhance and optimize the functionality of residential spaces. By incorporating folding or sliding glass doors, homeowners can effortlessly create a seamless flow between living areas—whether connecting indoors to outdoors or linking interior rooms.

Unlike conventional solid walls or swing doors, folding and sliding glass systems neatly collapse to the side or even disappear into the wall, removing barriers and offering unobstructed views. This design approach is particularly effective for small homes or urban residences where maximizing every square inch is crucial. The transparency of glass also adds a sense of depth and openness, making compact rooms feel larger and more inviting.

In addition to improving spatial flow, folding or sliding glass doors offer versatile room separation solutions. For example, they can be used to partition living rooms, dining areas, or home offices without permanently enclosing the spaces. This flexibility allows homeowners to create multifunctional rooms that adapt to changing needs while maintaining a sense of connectivity and openness. When privacy or noise reduction is required, the doors can be easily closed, offering the functionality of a separate room without the permanence of fixed walls. 

AG Millworks door and window glass systems are often engineered with advanced thermal insulation, reducing heat transfer and minimizing energy loss. This not only keeps your home comfortable throughout the year but also enhances natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and lowering electricity usage.  From a market perspective, homes with well-designed, energy-efficient glass door systems are more attractive to buyers due to their contemporary look and eco-friendly benefits. 

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Overall, folding or sliding glass door and/or window systems combine practicality, beauty, and innovation, making them a highly effective solution for maximizing space and enhancing residential living.