Looking for project inspiration, before and afters, FAQs, and expert advice? You've come to the right place! Explore the blog to learn more about our folding, sliding, and swing door systems.
With a modern remodel and the use of AG Bi-Fold Patio Doors, these homeowners eliminate an entire wall and maximize their ocean views in their Southern California beachfront home!
This beachfront home has a long “shotgun” floor plan, with the back edge of the home sitting right on the sand. The goal of the remodel was to modernize the home while maintaining some traditional aspects, such as the dark wood grain touches found throughout the home. The entryway features warm hardwood floors that continue all the way up the staircase and through the first story until you reach the kitchen and living room. Though it is a narrow entry, guests get a peek of the natural light, open space, and ocean views created by the Bi-Fold Patio Doors.
The spacious contemporary kitchen transitions from the warm wood floors of the entry into a light ivory tile. The cabinetry is a solid wood with a beautiful textured wood grain finish and modern stainless-steel hardware. A large white quartz island creates contrast from the dark cabinets and adds a modern touch to the space! The kitchen is fully loaded with high-end appliances and a prep sink on the kitchen island. Views of the ocean can be seen from every corner of the kitchen due to its open floor plan.
The ivory tile continues from the kitchen into the living and dining space. A new mantle and electric fireplace were installed, in the same wood grain finish as the kitchen cabinets, front door, and staircase railing. A tv nook with electrical outlets was built into the mantle, making for easy television hookup. The living space is flooded with an abundance of natural light from the custom folding patio doors, but also has plenty of recessed lighting for cloudy days and dark evenings.
The highlight of the remodel is the 8-panel AG Bi-Fold Patio Door that replaced the back wall of the home. This luxury patio door creates resort style living and creates an abundance of natural light pouring into the home. Even with doors closed, residents can enjoy the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.
With doors open, the line between indoors and outdoors is erased. The homeowners can enjoy the cool ocean breeze that fills their home and soak in the breathtaking views while relaxing in their indoor-outdoor living space. The living space extends to an outdoor deck, with steps leading down to the sand.
Upstairs, the master bedroom uses the same warm wood flooring as the entryway and features immaculate views of the horizon. Like downstairs, the master has a fireplace and tv hookup on the mantle. This master bedroom is the ultimate escape from reality and when homeowners turn in for the night, they drift away to the sound of soothing ocean waves.
The remodel was a success because it modernized the home, maintained some traditional aspects, and enhanced the homeowners’ indoor-outdoor living experience. With these resort-like views, it was a smart investment to eliminate walls and create the ultimate indoor-outdoor living space with custom folding patio doors.
The homeowners are thrilled with the outcome of their remodel, especially their AG Bi-Fold Patio Doors! On warm summer nights they enjoy folding open the doors, relaxing on the deck, and watching the sunset from the comfort of their indoor-outdoor living space!
The doors and windows in your home are incredibly important features of the overall home design. Your living space can be completely transformed with the proper doors and windows installed. Windows and doors don’t last forever, however well-maintained products can last 15 to 20 years. Eventually though, all doors and windows in your home will need replacing. How do you know if it’s time to replace your doors and windows? Keep reading to find out!
Broken, Damaged, and Hard to Use
Your doors and windows should open and close with ease, so if they are difficult to use, it might be time to replace them! Broken or damaged windows and doors can sometimes be fixed, but often if the frame or panel is warped, replacement is your best investment. It is so important to have easy to use, functional windows and doors—windows and doors that stick or won’t stay open is not only a nuisance, it is a safety hazard!
Dark and Outdated
If your windows and doors are old and outdated, and are not enhancing your living space, it is time to replace them. If your doors and windows are not providing an abundance of natural light and maximizing your views, then they are not doing their job. Consider replacing small, old windows in the kitchen with Bi-Fold Passthrough Windows. You can also replace doors and windows and eliminate walls by installing a Bi-Fold Patio Door System.
Full Home Remodel
If you are undergoing a full remodel of your home, this is the perfect time to replace your windows and doors. Upgrading the rest of your home but leaving your old doors and windows will create an inconsistent look and ruin your modern home design with outdated products. Since you will be making major upgrades, you have full reign to incorporate beautiful, high-quality patio doors into your redesign. A unique Bi-Fold Window-Door Combination System can completely transform your kitchen and connect it to your outdoor living space. Use large, custom sliding glass doors glass on your upstairs balcony to create the perfect transition from indoors to outdoors. The backyard deck can benefit from a Zero Corner Folding Patio Door Unit and maximize views of your surroundings.
Energy Efficiency
Most likely, your old windows and doors will not fulfill today’s energy efficiency standards, so it is probably time for an upgrade. Our Energy Solutions Bi-Fold Doors and Windowscan keep heat in during the winter and deflect unwanted heat gain during the summer. With such energy efficiency, you can save money on heating and cooling bills. Additionally, energy efficient doors and windows raise a home’s value, and increase appeal to potential buyers.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
A good reason to replace windows and doors is if you desire an indoor-outdoor living design in your home. Luxury patio doors and windows can create the ultimate indoor-outdoor experience as the perfect transition from your indoor living space to your outdoor patio paradise!
Whether you’re planning a modest remodel, or upgrading every door and window in your home, AG Millworks has you covered. Our custom patio doors are made to order and will blend perfectly with any home design style. Learn more about our patio door features and customization options here.
A 1929 period home receives a modern kitchen upgrade and creates an indoor-outdoor lifestyle with AG Pocketing Multi-Slide Doors.
The spacious kitchen features a large island in the center with a built-in stovetop and bar seating. It received new mahogany cabinets and marble countertops to keep the look classic yet modern. A swing door leads to an enclosed wet bar, just off the dining room.
One amenity the homeowners love about their new kitchen is the indoor grill built into a small nook—it allows them to monitor the food cooking on the stove while working with food on the grill at the same time! The indoor grill is easier to use and clean while yielding the same results as an outdoor grill!
Though a modern upgrade was the goal, the homeowners wanted to maintain the 1929 style and charm of their home. They were hesitant to install a large sliding door because they thought it would look too contemporary among the other French doors and windows with divided lites and shutters.
Architect Kurt Gibbs had the perfect solution—an all-wood AG Multi-Slide Door that pockets into the wall. With the rest of the doors in the home in mind, the Multi-Slide was designed with 18 true divided lites in each sliding panel that were strategically placed to line up with and match the adjacent French doors. The homeowner comments, “The door system, when closed, perfectly complements the surrounding 1929 architectural style, becoming an integral part of our home. When open, it allows our interior space to seamlessly flow outside, enhancing its beauty and functionality.” For maximum light flow, a matching French door-sized fixed window was built and placed in the corner next to the Multi-Slide.
The Multi-Slide opened the kitchen to the outdoor patio area, creating a perfect transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. The homeowner commented that this was the perfect set up for entertaining, and when he hosts parties he opens his pocketing sliders and eliminates the barrier from inside to out. This allows guests to migrate inside and out and enjoy the perks of indoor-outdoor living.
The homeowners are very pleased with the outcome of their remodeled kitchen, and they especially love the new indoor-outdoor lifestyle created by the AG Multi-slide: “In all architectural projects, there is always one feature which provides pizazz -- a magical element that allows the design to come alive. In the case of our recent kitchen remodel, that was the sliding pocket doors provided by AG Millworks.” Their two dogs, a dalmatian and a yellow lab, are also enjoying the luxury of indoor-outdoor living!
The number one reason you should install a Bi-Fold Window into your home is because it is the perfect kitchen passthrough window. Also known as a servery window, it is ideal for indoor-outdoor entertaining. Fold open your windows and serve guests outside on the patio. Pass through food and drinks and use the space as a serve yourself buffet during parties and gatherings.
2 | Extra Dining Space
Your home absolutely needs an AG Bi-Fold Window because it will create additional dining space! Continuing the countertop from inside to outside will create an outdoor breakfast bar—just add some barstools and you can enjoy brunch outside on the patio or have more space for guests when entertaining.
3 | Fresh Air
Whether you’re in the mountains, on the beach, or in a valley, who doesn’t like fresh air and a cool breeze? With Bi-Fold Windows, windows fold open and create plenty of air flow for your enjoyment. Perfect for cooling down the house or airing out the kitchen when you’re cooking Brussel sprouts or other stinky foods!
4 | Natural Light
AG Bi-Fold Windows will provide your home with an abundance of natural light. Have you ever noticed that when it’s cloudy and rainy outside your mood is down? We all love natural light and it’s because it helps us be more productive, happier, healthier, and calmer!
5 | Views
Less wall, and more window means more views! Bi-Fold Windows create a large opening and blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Expanding your view into the outdoors can create calming, relaxing feelings and allow you to experience and enjoy nature’s beauty from the comfort of your home.
6 | Energy Efficient
Our Energy Solutions Bi-Fold Windows can keep heat in during the winter and deflect unwanted heat gain during the summer. With such energy efficiency, you can save money on heating and cooling bills. Additionally, energy efficient windows raise a home’s value, and increase appeal to potential buyers.
7 | Screen Options
AG Bi-Fold Windows have a unique screening solution—a retractable accordion screen can be retracted when it is necessary to keep out insects and other unwanted elements. When the screen is not in use, it can pocket into the jamb and out of sight. This is a perfect solution to screening your home while enjoying indoor-outdoor living!
8 | Aesthetic Appeal
Not only are Bi-Fold Windows functional, they are beautiful as well. AG Bi-Fold Window Systems are beautiful, high-quality, handcrafted products that will fit perfectly into your home and increase aesthetic appeal. They are built with luxurious woods and can be stained or painted and provide elegance to your home.
9 | Window-Door Combination
AG Bi-Fold Windows are awesome by themselves, but they can also be combined with a Bi-Fold Door System, creating a Window-Door Combination. Windows and doors connect at the center and will transform an ordinary space into an indoor-outdoor paradise!
10 | Ease of Use
AG Bi-Fold Windows are very simple to use. Simply unlock the window and fold windows to the side! No more fussing with heavy sliding windows that won’t budge under all your strength. Our windows are made with functionality, beauty, and ease of use in mind.
A ranch style home in a scenic California Valley is beautifully transformed when two large AG Bi-Fold Patio Doors are installed, creating a new indoor-outdoor lifestyle for the homeowners.
This home has an open floor plan with kitchen, dining, and living spaces all combined. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and wood paneling give the space a rustic, farmhouse feel. The backside of the kitchen counter features shelving space perfect for cookbooks, picture frames, and decorative pieces. In search of new doors, the homeowners desired plenty of natural light and an indoor-outdoor living style. Our five-panel Bi-Fold units brighten the large space with an abundance of natural light, fulfilling the homeowners design goals.
On the opposite counter, a spacious breakfast bar is perfectly positioned to create a smooth transition from kitchen to dining room. A large wooden dining table with mismatched wooden chairs adds to the ranch style design. The space is completed with a linear pillar candle chandelier, that you can purchase here.
The Bi-Folds nearest the kitchen fold open to the outdoor kitchen area and patio, allowing the family to barbecue and dine outdoors with ease. While doors are folded open, the opening can be screened to protect the home from bugs or left wide open to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains.
The other Bi-Fold unit opens to the pool and lounge area, contributing to the indoor-outdoor lifestyle the homeowners desired. The large open space created by the Bi-Folds presents the family with more outstanding views of the greenery, horses, and mountains in the distance.
With five 10-foot-tall panels folding away to leave a 15-foot-wide opening and a striking red exterior, these Bi-Folds are far from ordinary. Color-matched to windows from other manufacturers, the exotic red of the doors creates a seamless design throughout the home. Such a unique project exemplifies the customization capabilities of AG Millworks—every patio door is made to order to ensure project design goals are fulfilled.
In the summer months, the owners enjoy opening their Bi-Folds and letting in the fresh evening air. The residents are quite the entertainers and enjoy having friends and family over to barbecue and swim—the Bi-Folds are perfect for the entertainment lifestyle and create a perfect transition from indoor to outdoor spaces, allowing guests to seamlessly wander around and mingle.
The homeowners are thrilled with the outcome of this project and love how their Bi-Fold Patio Doors completely transform their home. They can now take full advantage of the gorgeous property they reside on and enjoy the views, fresh air, and California sunshine. They love their new indoor-outdoor lifestyle, and their friends and family are impressed with the changes. Improving the quality of life of our customers by providing beautiful, innovative patio doors is the reason we’re in business.
Doors and windows are the most important aspect going into your new home or remodel; they are responsible for air flow, natural light, and the transition from indoor to outdoor living spaces. Your choice of door can transform and modernize your home and create a life of luxury. Choosing a new door to replace your outdated patio doors can be difficult. With the many styles and options available, we know it can be intimidating and stressful navigating the world of patio doors! Continue reading to learn more about the styles and options available, and to find the right patio door for your home design project.
Bi-Fold Patio Doors
Bi-Fold Patio Doors are glass doors which fold away accordion style and neatly stack together. With Bi-Fold Doors, you can open entire walls to the outdoors and blur the line between where the living space ends and the view begins. Folding door systems are perfect for those who want to maximize their view and don’t have the space for pocketing doors. Bi-Folds have a unique look that will add instant luxury to your home.
Multi-Slide Patio Doors
Multi-Slide Patio Doors are glass doors which slide open smoothly and stack together. If space allows, the doors can pocket into a wall and completely disappear, leaving a wide-open space in their wake. Multi-Slides have a sleek and modern look and will let an abundance of natural light into your home. If simplicity and innovation is what you seek, investing in automation of your sliding door system is a smart option.
Lift and Slide Patio Doors
Lift and Slide Patio Doors are glass doors which require the rotation of a lever, which lifts the doors and allows for effortless sliding and stacking of panels. Lift and Slides can also pocket into the wall and create the perfect transition from indoors to outdoors. The technology of Lift and Slides has been around for a long time and provides a more classic option while maintaining a similar function and look to Multi-Slides.
French Swing Patio Doors
French Swing Patio Doors are simply your classic and timeless French doors that meet at the middle and swing open and closed. These beauties have an in swing and out swing option and are a great choice for a project with narrow wall space. What you lack in width can be compensated for in height—pictured above are 12-foot French doors that exude luxury and class.
AG Millworks offers many customizable options for Bi-Folds, Multi-Slides, Lift and Slides, and French Swing Doors to fulfill everyone’s design needs. Doors are available in all-wood or aluminum clad/wood. Wood can be painted or stained—whether you want a dramatic stained interior, or a crisp white cottage feel, AG Millworks has the interior wood species that’s right for you. We’ll even make your door with different wood species on inside and outside surfaces! Aluminum clad/wood doors are available in 5 standard colors, with optional custom colors. To learn more about design features, please see the individual product pages here.
A modern home blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living spaces with luxurious wood* AG Millworks Bi-Fold Doors.
The home owners dreamed of creating a smooth transition from their indoor living space to their outdoor patio and pool area. Their dreams came true when they replaced walls with AG's Bi-Fold Patio Doors and Zero Corner Bi-Fold Unit.
*Accoya Solid Wood doors have a 5 year warranty with no overhang required.
*Warranty on all other species of (1 year) wood doors is overhang-dependent.
AG's Zero Corner Bi-Fold Unit is a combination of two sets of Bi-Fold Doors which meet at the 90-degree corner when closed. When opened, doors fold away and provide a clear view with no obstructions.
When weather permits, doors are folded open, expanding the living spaces and opening the entirety of the home to the outdoors.
On the interior, the luxurious wood of the Bi-Folds brings warmth to the modern and contemporary design. The large Bi-Fold Doors offer an expansive view of the impressive pool and greenery and let in plenty of natural light!
The project is complete with an AG Millworks Lift and Slide Door which creates an effortless connection of the master bedroom to the outdoor entertainment area!
The homeowners love their new AG Millworks Patio Doors and the indoor-outdoor vibes that they provide. The natural light, air flow, and aesthetic appeal are benefits that the homeowners will enjoy for years to come.
A Spanish style home enjoys a luxurious, resort-style entertainment space with AG Millworks Big Daylight Bi-Fold Doors.
In search of a solution to connect their indoor living space to their outdoor patio, pool, and lounge area, a Santa Barbara County family opted for two AG Millworks Big Daylight Bi-Fold Door Systems.
The owner of this home desired plenty of natural light and the ability to eliminate entire walls. With door panel sizes as large as 4’ wide and 13’ tall, Big Daylight Bi-Folds allow maximum light to flow into this home.
When warm weather arrives, the Big Daylight Doors can be folded away, creating a perfect transition from indoors to outdoors. French Doors on the pool house continue the Spanish villa theme throughout the property, below.
The cozy pool house, which opens to a private patio, offers maximum indoor-outdoor entertainment space and views of the main house and luxurious pool.
Our handcrafted, custom made doors were the obvious choice for a job of this caliber. The owners were thrilled with the outcome of this project and love their AG Millworks Big Daylight Bi-Folds! To learn more about our Bi-Fold Door Systems, click here.
If you already have a pool house, you know how useful and convenient they are. If you don’t have one and have space for one, you should highly consider adding one to your home. A smart investment on a pool house will allow you to reap the benefits for years to come.
1. Additional Entertainment Space
A pool house will provide additional entertainment space for family and guests. When having a party or barbecue, the pool house can provide more indoor seating and a spot for guests to mingle.
2. Space for Kids
With a pool house comes the benefit of having a space for your kids to hang out. During the summertime this can be a place for kids to use the bathroom or dry off and change out of their swim suits, so they aren’t walking through the house soaking wet and leaving puddles of water in their wake. Towels, sunscreen, and pool toys can all be stored in the pool house for easy access.
3. Extra Kitchen and Bar
Having a pool house kitchen and bar is great for your entertainment needs. You can store snacks and refreshments here for guests to enjoy. The Bi-Fold Windows featured on this pool house create a "passthrough" window—perfect for parties and events which require a bartender!
4. Outdoor Dining
A pool house with the proper features can also provide an additional dining space. Add a bar counter beneath your Bi-Fold Window System, creating a "passthrough" window and breakfast bar.
We are excited and proud to announce our new product: The Energy Solutions Euro Clad Bi-Fold Patio Door! This product is the ultimate solution to your prescriptive energy needs. Opting for our Energy Solutions Bi-Fold can save you money and help you live an eco-friendly life!
Our Energy Solutions Bi-Fold is NFRC rated and Title 24 prescriptive compliant, with outstanding energy performance ratings—it has a U-Factor of 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.19*. This means that your Bi-Fold Door System can keep heat in during the winter and resist unwanted heat gain during the summer. Its Euro-Slim stiles and rails, 2 ¼” thick panels, and a minimum 5 5/8” jamb contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the product. Source: NFRC.org
*When Solarban 70 with Argon Gas or Cardinal LoE 366 with Argon Gas are selected.
Because this door is energy efficient, homeowners with the Energy Solutions Euro-Clad Bi-Fold can save money on heating and cooling bills. Additionally, energy efficient doors raise a home’s value, and increase appeal to potential buyers.
Any AG Millworks Bi-Fold sill option may be used with the Energy Solutions Bi-Fold, including the Raised Aluminum Sill, the Ultra Guide Track System, and the ADA Compliant Ultra Guide. This product also has various glass options including Cardinal, Solarban, Guardian, and more.
To learn more about the Energy Solutions Euro Clad Bi-Fold’s options and features, please see our new product page here.
Welcome to AG Millworks, where we combine extraordinary designs with traditional old world craftsmanship and innovation to produce ageless millwork creations that will bring your building project to life.
