If you are investing in a large folding, sliding, or swinging patio door system, you might be wondering how you can screen such a large opening. The best solution for screening a large opening and protecting your home from bothersome insects and other unwanted debris is a retractable accordion screen system. These accordion screens are unlike any other and will be a valuable addition to your door system. Read below to have all your retractable accordion screen questions answered.

If you’re beginning your home remodel or new construction project and plan to use a bi-fold door system to open your home to the outside and create a seamless indoor-outdoor living space, there are some things you need to know about ordering a bi-fold door. The ordering process for a 100% custom, handcrafted bi-fold door can be daunting because there are so many design options to choose from. Here is a guide to help you buy the perfect bi-fold door that will complement your space and create the outdoor living room of your dreams.

If you are investing in a large folding glass door system, then you know what an expensive luxury these doors are. It is important that you hire a professional folding door installer to install your door systems because precision and accuracy are paramount during installation, and this is not an area of your project you want to cut corners on. The following benefits of hiring an expert folding door installer are well worth the cost.

A home in the illustrious Bridle Trails neighborhood of Bellevue, Washington underwent a full-home remodel. Gallagher Construction LLC worked with the homeowners to create a home that embraces the lush forest it resides in and that has a cohesive and felxible design for entertaining. The remodel modernized the space, created tremendous views of the surrounding nature, brought in more natural light, and created an indoor/outdoor lifestyle made for entertaining.

If you are investing in a large folding door, you know that these door systems have a very healthy price tag. When it comes time to install your folding door system, you want to be sure you hire a professional installer who is highly experienced in folding door installations. Sticking with an expert will ensure they follow the proper installation process and guarantee a precise and accurate installation. If your folding door installation is less than perfect, your door could be difficult or impossible to operate. Use this guide to find a trustworthy professional folding door installer near you!

1 | Contact the Manufacturer

The best and safest way to find a professional installer is by contacting the manufacturer of your folding door. Your manufacturer likely has a list of certified installers who can help you with your project. Call the customer service department and request a few recommendations for door installers in your area, that way you have more than one to choose from.

2 | Ask Your Contractor

Another good way to track down an experienced folding door installer is by asking your contractor for a referral. It’s possible that your contractor has colleagues in the industry who specialize in large folding door installation and can help you get into contact with this professional.

3 | Reach Out to Your Sash & Door Dealer

Where did you purchase your folding door system? Contact your place of purchase and ask for recommendations. Some of the bigger sash and door dealers might even provide their own installation services.

Whichever route you take to find a professional folding door installer, be sure to review the installer’s experience, certifications, and past work. Thorough research and review of their qualifications will allow you to feel confident in and comfortable with your choice of installer. Remember that folding door installation is a complicated and technical process different from other installations, so it is risky to hire an inexperienced installer or to let your general contractor attempt install.

If you’re not quite ready to find an installer, but want to learn more about folding door systems, please fill out this form to be contacted by a folding door expert or call 805-644-4494. To learn more about your large glass patio door options, check out this patio door comparison.

As you plan your home remodel and patio door replacement, you might be thinking about your design options. If you currently have a French door or sliding door but want a new, more modern design, there are other patio door styles to consider. You can choose a large patio door system to open your space to the outdoors and create an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. French door alternatives include Bi-Fold and Multi-Slide doors. Below is a breakdown of each patio door style which will help you pick the best door for your home.

Bi-Fold Patio Doors

Bi-Fold patio doors are a unique alternative to a standard French door system. They can create a wide-open space in your home and let in plenty of fresh air and natural light. Bi-Folds are easy to operate, and fold and slide smoothly to one or both sides of your opening. They are both secure and energy efficient, with excellent NFRC ratings to meet California energy requirements.

A standard 3-panel Bi-Fold is about 9-10 feet in width, so additional planning may be required to create the rough opening for your door system. Though a 3-panel system is most common, Bi-Folds are available as large as 16 panels. Bi-Folds are top hung to ensure smooth and easy operation, which means all the weight is placed on the header—for this reason, you may need to engineer and reinforce the header to meet building regulations.

Bi-Fold patio doors are 100% customizable. You choose your system size, number of panels, configuration, stile width, exterior clad color, wood species, interior paint or stain color, hardware style and finish, divided light configuration, and more! With unlimited design options, your bi-fold door will be unique to your home and match your design needs. To talk to a Bi-Fold door expert about your project, fill out this form or call 805-644-4494.

Multi-Slide Patio Doors

Multi-Slide patio doors are another great alternative to French doors. With a Multi-Slide, door panels slide open effortlessly and leave an open space behind. One advantage of choosing Multi-Slides over Bi-Folds is that Multi-Slide doors can be pocketed into the wall, making doors completely disappear. Multi-Slides are also energy efficient and California Title 24 compliant.

Like Bi-Folds, a standard 3-panel Multi-Slide needs about a 9 to 10-foot-wide opening. If you are planning to choose a pocketing Multi-Slide system, you will need to be sure your wall is wide enough to accommodate door panels inside. Multi-Slides offer a classic design element to your space and have narrower sightlines than Bi-Folds. Multi-Slides have bottom rollers, so they require less support from the header, which is why they might be a better option for your project. Whether you’re designing a traditional, contemporary, or farmhouse style space, the limitless design options will ensure your Multi-Slide complements your home. Talk to a Multi-Slide expert.

Whichever patio door system you choose to replace your French doors, they are guaranteed to enhance your space and fulfill your outdoor living dreams. You will expand your views and maximize your entertainment space, improving your quality of life. To find patio door inspiration, visit our photo gallery or case study pages.

Accoya Wood is modified timber that resists rot, defies the elements, and stays strong for decades, making it the perfect material for all-wood patio doors. If you are considering installing a large solid wood folding or sliding door, Accoya Wood is your best option to ensure your door system is long-lasting and durable.

What Makes Accoya Stronger than Other Woods?

Accoya Wood undergoes an acetylation process, in which the wood is treated to enhance its’ strength and durability. Though the wood is chemically treated, this process adds nothing into the wood that does not already naturally occur within it. Nor does this process compromise the wood’s natural beauty.

Can You Paint or Stain Your Solid Accoya Folding or Sliding Door?

Like any other wood, Accoya can be painted or stained—it is actually easier to paint or stain than other wood species. Accoya’s improved stability means that coatings can last up to two times longer than coating on other wood. This means less maintenance and upkeep on your large folding or sliding door system.

Will Your Solid Accoya Folding or Sliding Door Be Energy Efficient?

Accoya Wood offers improved stability and insulation compared to commonly used hardwood and softwood species, making it ideal for energy efficient fenestration. Solid Accoya Wood Folding Doors yield U-Factor and SHGC ratings as low as .24 and .19, respectively. Solid Accoya Wood Sliding Doors can yield a .23 U-Factor and .20 SHGC rating.

To learn more about Accoya Wood features and benefits, visit the Accoya Wood Website.

Where Can I Get Solid Accoya Wood Patio Doors?

AG Millworks builds handcrafted folding, sliding, and swing door systems for luxury outdoor living and offers 18 different wood species, including Accoya Wood. AG Millworks is one of the only companies in the industry who offers Accoya Wood as an option for your custom door system. Unlike other solid wood door systems, Accoya Wood is warranted for 5-years and has no overhang requirements. To talk to an expert about your project, please fill out this form or call 805-644-4494.

Click here to download your free Accoya Wood brochure.

If you’re planning a home remodel or new build and have decided to install an accordion glass door into your new space to create luxury outdoor living, there are many things to take into consideration. Maybe you already know how big of an opening you want to create in your home and what clad color you want on the exterior of your doors, but have you thought about which direction your doors should fold open? Configuration of your accordion glass door is so important because not all configurations are the same. Use this guide to help you choose a configuration or seek out professional advice from one of our accordion glass door experts.

Should Your Accordion Glass Doors Open to the Left, Right, or in the Center?

With almost unlimited accordion glass door configurations to choose from, deciding which configuration is best for your needs can be difficult. Keep in mind that all accordion glass door configurations are viewed from the exterior of your home looking in. Doors can fold to the left, right, or both, so it is important to consider layout and functionality in order to choose the best configuration for your lifestyle. Download a full brochure of accordion glass door configurations.

LAYOUT – You want to be sure your accordion glass door configuration is cohesive with your furniture layout and floorplan. If you have a lot of furniture to the left side of your opening, perhaps it will make more sense for your doors to open to the right side. You can discover the perfect configuration for your space by discussing the project with your contractor or accordion glass door expert.

FUNCTIONALITY – How do you want your accordion glass doors to function? If your door system will be the primary access point to your outdoor space, your accordion glass door configuration should include a daily door. The daily door will provide easy access to your outdoor living area through a single door, without having to open the entire door system. Daily doors also provide exterior access. Only odd accordion glass door configurations (3R, 5L, 1L3R) have daily doors so don’t make the mistake of ordering an evenly configured (2L2R, 4R, 6L) door system. To learn more about common mistakes made when ordering an accordion glass door system, read this guide.

Should Your Accordion Glass Doors Swing Inside or Outside?

Accordion glass doors can fold and stack open on either the interior or exterior of your home. Though outswing door systems are the most common style, in-swing systems can be made to accommodate special design requirements. However, in-swing accordion glass door configurations risk water penetration and do not meet most warranties, which is why it is best to opt for an outswing configuration whenever possible.

To fast track your luxury outdoor living project and learn more about accordion glass door configuration and installation, fill out this form to be contacted by an expert. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will be enjoying an outdoor lifestyle created by accordion glass doors!

As fall approaches, the air is getting cooler, leaves are changing color, and pumpkin spice is readily available at every coffee shop. Fall is a great time to tackle some home improvement projects that will upgrade your space just in time for the holidays. If you’re not quite ready to take on a full-home remodel, there are some smaller-scale projects that will have a huge impact on your home design. Below are five projects you can complete to improve your living space and enhance your lifestyle.

1 | Replace Your Sliding Glass Door with a Folding Door

One way to upgrade your home and enhance your space is by replacing your sliding glass door or French doors with a large exterior folding door. A large folding door will create an expansive opening in your home and connect your indoor space to the outdoor living area. Abundant natural light, fresh air, all-embracing views, and a smooth transition from inside to out are just a few of the benefits of installing a large folding door system in your home. To learn more about patio door replacement, click here.

2 | Invest in New Counters and Backsplash for Your Kitchen

Another simple project that can be completed in a few weeks is upgrading the countertops and backsplash in your kitchen. Keeping the layout and kitchen cabinets the same and only changing the counter and backsplash will make it feel like a brand-new space! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can choose to paint your cabinets a new color and replace the hardware to create a completely new look.

3 | Plant a New Garden

Now is a good time to replant your garden and spruce up your landscaping. There are plenty of different kinds of plants that will thrive in the fall like some cool-season veggies, bulbs, pansies, and many trees and shrubs. For a guide on which plants will have the most success in this season, visit this informative and robust Better Home & Garden article. For additional tips and tricks on successful fall planting, visit this detailed article from Backyard Boss.

4 | Paint Your Front Door

Consider painting your front door as a quick and easy project that can be tackled in just a few hours and dramatically change your curb appeal. Choose a color that will pop and add a unique design element to your home’s exterior. Popular front door colors that stand out are teal, yellow, orange, and salmon. Get a sample of a few of your favorites and test swatch to compare.

5 | Refresh the Guest Bathroom with New Paint, Hardware, and Fixtures

A great way to give your powder room a facelift and make it new again is by painting or wallpapering the space. Pick out a fresh color or some fun wallpaper to make your water closet stand out. You can upgrade the cabinetry hardware and use new light fixtures, towel racks, and floating shelves to further enhance your guest bath.

Now is the time to create the home of your dreams and build the lifestyle you want. Whether you jump into a full home remodel, or tackle it one project at a time, investing in your home is worth the time and money. Building the house of your dreams isn’t easy, but once you get started, you’ll be happy you did.

Folding glass doors are a unique design feature that can transform your home by creating more natural light, expanding views, and extending your living space to the outdoors. When investing in these luxury door systems, you want to consider your home design and decide which part (or parts) of your home needs this lavish upgrade.

Folding Glass Doors are Perfect for Your Living Room

Using folding glass doors to create an open-air living room and to extend the space to the outdoors is the perfect application. With doors folded open, your space will instantly feel larger and brighter, creating a more comfortable area for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a lazy Netflix day, your folding glass doors will add luxury to your space and enhance your lifestyle.

Create an Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen with Folding Glass Doors

Folding glass doors can also be used in your kitchen design! Enjoy an open-air cooking experience with plenty of ventilation. You can even use a folding glass window to create a kitchen passthrough to the outside entertainment area. The passthrough window will add additional dining space with bar seating at the counter on either side of the opening.

Folding Glass Doors Create an Al Fresco Dining Experience

Connect your dining room to the outdoors and enjoy al fresco dining at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Folding glass doors can eliminate entire walls in your home and give you the open-air dining experience you’ve been dreaming of. Family dinners, holidays, and barbecues will be better than ever!

Wide-Open Resort-Style Views in the Master Bedroom

You can use folding glass doors to create a luxurious, resort-style experience in your master bedroom, so it will feel like you’re always on a grand vacation. Stay cozy in bed and enjoy the natural light, expansive views, and fresh air. If you want to glamp from home for the night, make sure you invest in the optional retractable accordion screen so you can sleep with doors open while protecting yourself from insects!

Open-Air Pool House for the Ultimate Entertaining

Folding glass doors will open your pool house to the outdoors and connect it to the pool and patio area. This makes it easy for swimmers to access the bathroom or get towels and snacks from inside the space. You can even use folding glass windows to create a kitchen pass through to the outside.

Folding Glass Doors in Your Sunroom

Complete your sunroom with a folding glass door—bring in an abundance of sunlight and fresh air to your space. Your door system can be energy efficient and suitable for hot or cold climates.

Use Folding Glass Doors to Open Your Gym to the Outside

With folding glass doors in your private gym, you can fold doors open and enjoy the fresh air during your workout routine. Having a wall of glass patio doors will enhance your view and create an indoor-outdoor exercise experience.

Folding Glass Doors are a Luxurious Room Divider

You can use folding glass doors in the interior of your home to separate two spaces. In the photo above, a large door system creates a divide between a sitting room and dining room. With doors folded open, the two spaces become one.

Wherever you choose to install your folding glass door system, it is important to take the structure of your home into consideration. Because these door systems are top-hung, they require strong headers to support the weight of the door panels. Be sure to talk to an expert about where you want to install your folding glass doors so you can ensure you have the necessary engineering.

To learn more about folding glass door systems, visit our folding glass door product page.