Patio doors are so important to our homes. Doors are more than just a passage that leads inside and out, they keep out uninvited guests or pests, they protect your home from rain, heat, and snow, they bring in light to illuminate your home, and they extend your living space to the outdoors. Every patio door eventually shows signs of wear and tear, and it’s important to know when it’s time for door replacement! Below are six signs it’s time to replace your old patio doors and upgrade to something new!

Broken

Are your patio doors broken and beyond repair? Is the door discolored, scratched, and incapable of cleaning up? If your patio doors require a lot of work and money to fix, you are better off replacing them with new door systems. If the locking mechanism is broken or the door isn’t sealing and allowing water penetration, it’s possible these can be fixed but be sure to consider putting money towards a total door replacement instead because it will provide reassurance knowing that your new door is in working order.

Difficult to Use

If your door is no longer functioning properly or it’s difficult to use, it could be time for replacement.  After a thorough check that no easy repairs will fix your door functionality, you should consider installing new patio doors. An improperly functioning or non-functioning door is more than frustrating, it’s a safety hazard that could put lives in danger in the event of a fire, storm, home intrusion, and other emergencies.

To find a new patio door system that will open and close effortlessly, visit our custom patio door website.

Lack of Light

If you feel like your home is very dark and lacks natural light, this is a good time to consider replacing your patio doors and/or windows and creating a larger opening to connect your home to the outdoors and allow plenty of natural light to illuminate your living space. With a large accordion door system, you can eliminate walls and replace them with folding glass that will make your space feel open and bright.

Mismatching

Sometimes homeowners replace all the windows in their home but neglect the doors. Mismatching doors and windows can look tacky and unappealing, and it’s for this reason you might consider upgrading your patio doors to match the rest of your doors and windows.

For patio door inspiration, check out these home remodel projects.

Energy Efficiency

If your patio doors are a few decades old, it’s likely that they don’t meet the current energy efficiency standards. Energy efficient doors keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, because they prevent air from escaping your home. Non-energy efficient doors are a great excuse to upgrade to a large folding door system that has excellent energy ratings.

Not Maximizing Space

If your current patio doors are in an awkward location that doesn’t make sense, and they’re not maximizing your living space to it’s full potential, it might be time to consider door replacement. Large folding and sliding door systems can connect your home to the outdoors and create a seamless transition from inside to outside. With Bi-Fold or Multi-Slide Doors, you can maximize your living space and extend it into the backyard deck or patio area.

To learn more about creating wide-open spaces with folding door systems, visit our Bi-Fold Patio Door Product Page. If maximizing your living space with sliding door systems is more your taste, visit our Multi-Slide Patio Door Product Page.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of summer and gives us that much-needed Monday off to relax and catch our breath. If you don’t already have weekend plans and want to get away from your home and everyday life, you can easily plan a last-minute camping trip!

Though most of the big national parks and lakeside campgrounds will be full by this time, plenty of smaller campgrounds and RV parks throughout California are likely to have vacancy. Some places, like the national forests, have campgrounds that don’t require advanced reservations. Find a campground, forest, or park that you are interested in visiting and make your reservations or plan on arriving in time to snag a first-come, first-serve spot.

Once your campsite is booked, start gathering all your camping gear and prepare for your trip. Get your tents, motorhomes, or trailers ready for a weekend of camping fun! Make sure everything is in working order before your trip, so you don’t have to worry about broken tent poles or a faulty generator. Although it is almost June, the evenings can still get quite chilly so pack plenty of blankets and warm clothes!

Plan out your meals for each day and create a list of all the ingredients you need to make your trip to the grocery store quick and easy. Some easy campsite snacks and meals are sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, cereal, egg burritos, fresh fruit, granola bars, and nuts. Be sure to pack enough water to last the entire trip! Don’t forget to buy some marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers—a camping trip is incomplete without s’mores.

Your weekend packing list should include some board games and a deck of cards to keep everyone entertained. If you have room for them, bring your bicycles along so you and your family can go for bike rides around the campgrounds and explore. If your bikes won’t fit this time, you can still go for hikes and explore the surrounding nature.

It’s a good idea to pack some insect repellant and citronella candles to ward off mosquitos and other insects, especially if you are prone to mosquito bites. If you do get bitten, have some hydrocortisone and antihistamine on hand to reduce itching and inflammation. You should always keep these items inside your camping first aid kit!

If last-minute isn’t your thing, and the thought of throwing together a quick camping trip by the weekend is too overwhelming, consider planning a backyard campout at home. You and your family can open your accordion door system, head outside and barbecue some hamburgers and hot dogs. Light a fire in the fire pit and roast marshmallows and set up some tents on the lawn. You can enjoy all the fun of a camping trip from the comfort of your own home. You won’t have to worry about a long drive or packing supplies, and when you get cold in the middle of the night or can’t stand sleeping on that half-filled air mattress, you can sneak back inside to your warm bed.

To learn more about creating indoor-outdoor spaces with accordion door systems, visit our Bi-Fold Door Product Page.

Bi-Fold Windows are the perfect addition to your kitchen remodel and will create a passthrough from your kitchen to your outdoor entertainment space. Including a folding window in your kitchen redesign will enhance your space and allow plenty of natural light to flow through the windows. Below are eight kitchen passthrough window designs that will inspire you to invest in your own folding window.

1 | Passthrough window with coastal charm.

This 6-panel kitchen passthrough window maximizes the ocean views from this all-white farmhouse style kitchen. When windows are folded open, a fresh ocean breeze cools off the space and enhances the soothing sound of crashing waves.

What we love: the cottage-style lites on the bi-fold window because they add extra charm to an already beautiful kitchen design.

Click here to maximize your views and create your own kitchen passthrough.

2 | Craftsman style home with accordion window.

This craftsman style home uses a bi-fold window to create a passthrough from kitchen to outdoor dining space. The servery window makes dining outside effortless—transporting food from inside to outside is a smooth and easy task. The bi-fold passthrough window counter creates an additional outdoor dining space or can be used as a buffet counter or bar.

What we love: the stained wood interior of the folding window because it makes the space feel classic and luxurious.

Click to learn more about bi-fold window features and design options.

3 | Bi-Fold window-door combination.

This Bi-Fold Window x Door Combination creates the ultimate indoor-outdoor kitchen in this pool house. The bi-fold window and bi-fold door connect at the center and transform an ordinary space into an open-air bungalow.

What we love: the crisp white painted interior of the bi-fold window because it blends in perfectly with the white kitchen design.

4 | Radius passthrough window and bar.

This radius bi-fold passthrough window connects the interior wet bar to the covered patio and barbecue area. Hosting parties and gatherings is easy thanks to the folding window that allows drinks to be served from the bar both inside and outside.

What we love: the tall, slim silhouette of the bi-fold passthrough window panels and how elegant they look framed by stonework.

5 | Wide-open farmhouse style kitchen with folding window and door.

This home features a large 4-panel kitchen passthrough window that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. Opting for a folding window in place of kitchen cabinets creates a light and airy kitchen and living room design. This project also features a 3-panel folding door system.

What we love: the sleek profile and exterior clad color of the kitchen passthrough window and how well it blends with the home design.

To see more folding door and window projects, visit our Home Design Inspiration Photo Gallery.

6 | Cozy pool house with two passthroughs.

This backyard pool house is optimized with two 3-panel kitchen passthrough windows. Each bi-fold window has an outdoor bar counter that creates extra seating and makes it easy to grab a quick drink or snack in-between swims. This pool house pairs the two folding windows with a 4-panel bi-fold door system.

What we love: the functionality of the servery windows and how they enhance the space for this family of five.

7 | Spanish farmhouse style home with accordion window.

This bi-fold kitchen passthrough window illuminates the space with plenty of natural light and creates a picture-perfect view of the Santa Barbara sunset. The all-wood panels feature a luxurious dark stain with red undertones, perfect for this Spanish farmhouse style home.

What we love: the extra natural light created by the bi-fold windows and the beautiful stain that ties the entire kitchen design together.

8 | Tropical tiki bar with bi-fold window

This is the ultimate bi-fold passthrough application: a tiki bar! This 4-panel all-wood folding window opens the fully stocked bar to the backyard pool and patio area. The tropical landscape and stonework create a resort-style vibe in the outdoor space.

What we love: the smooth transition between inside and outside created by a bi-fold passthrough window and how fun and charming this little tiki bar is.

To learn more about creating a kitchen passthrough window from kitchen to outdoor entertainment space, visit our Bi-Fold Passthrough Window Product Page.

Click here to download your FREE Bi-Fold Design Guide.

We are halfway through May, and Summer is fast approaching. The days are growing warmer and soon it will be time for beach days and backyard barbecues! Now is a great time to plan and execute your pool house remodel so it is completed just in time for those long Summer pool days. Some minor upgrades and improvements to your pool house can create the perfect entertainment space and make hosting pool parties easier than ever!

The first stage of planning your pool house remodel is to focus on the design. What needs to be replaced or reworked to optimize the functionality of the space. Is your pool house large enough or do you need to add on a bit of extra square footage? Are the bathroom and changing area accessible from both interior and exterior so you can limit the number of wet footprints trailing through the house? Do you need to add a kitchenette for storing and making snacks and drinks? You may also want to look to Pinterest or Houzz for plenty of pool house design inspiration.

An important thing to consider when planning your pool house remodel is this growing trend: indoor-outdoor living. Your pool house should have a smooth transition from inside to out. You can create an indoor-outdoor pool house using Bi-Fold Door Systems. A folding patio door will create a large opening in your pool house and a beautiful indoor-outdoor space for you and your guests to enjoy. You can easily fold doors open for entertaining, or keep doors closed and enjoy the air conditioning and view from inside.

If you plan to use your pool house often for entertaining, you might consider investing in a Bi-Fold Kitchen Passthrough Window. Bi-fold windows will create a passthrough from kitchen to outdoor pool area, making it easy for food and drinks to be transferred from inside to out. Passthrough windows can also create an additional dining counter for your guests to grab a quick treat before jumping back into the pool.

When designing your space you should keep building materials in mind—you’ll want to use flooring that can withstand moisture from drip-drying swimmers, and that won’t be too slippery when wet. Avoid carpet and precious woods that could eventually become damaged from all the aqueous foot traffic.

When you pick out new furniture for the space, remember to choose couches and chairs with removable covers that can be washed—this furniture will be filled with damp, oily sunscreen-clad people, so the ability to wash the covers regularly is a necessity. Don’t forget to include ample storage in your design for storing plenty of towels, sunscreen, and aloe vera.

If space and budget allow, consider expanding the pool house to add a spare bedroom. This could act as private guest quarters when you host family or friends from out of town. This added luxury can also increase the value of your home if you were ever to sell.

Now that you have some guidance on what to consider for your pool house remodel, start planning and put the project in motion so you can host a pool housewarming party to kick off the summer! To learn more about creating an indoor-outdoor pool house using folding patio door systems, visit our Bi-Fold Door Product Page. To learn more about creating a kitchen passthrough window with a bi-fold window system, visit our Bi-Fold Window Product Page.

You are probably familiar with the latest home design trend of creating indoor-outdoor living spaces using large folding or sliding door systems. This is a growing design trend that has always been around but has gained traction and increased popularity within the past few years. The idea that you can expand your living space and connect your home to the outdoors using a large Bi-Fold Patio Door System or Multi-Slide Patio Door System appeals to many homeowners who are ready for an upgrade. This trend is only going to get bigger as more millennials with buying power enter the housing market.

Bi-Fold and multi-slide door systems blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, resulting in an extension of the living space to the outdoors. This connection creates extra living space and provides an open, airy floor plan that homeowners most desire.

Large glass door systems create a seamless transition from inside to outside, creating the ultimate indoor-outdoor entertainment space. Fifty percent of Americans entertain guests in their home at least once a month, which means a living space that can accommodate guests for parties and holidays is high on homeowners’ wish lists. Folding and sliding patio door systems make entertaining effortless by allowing guests to migrate inside and out with ease.

Bi-Fold and multi-slide doors create wide-open views of the surrounding landscape. Along with impressive views, homeowners desire bright, open spaces filled with plenty of natural light. Glass patio door systems eliminate walls and allow sunlight to illuminate the space. When open, the doors allow fresh air to flow into the home and cool off the space. Indoor-outdoor spaces allow homeowners to feel more connected to nature and enjoy the healing benefits of sunlight, fresh air, and the outdoors.

 Being connected to nature and the outdoors creates a resort-style living experience at home. When people are on vacation, they are happier, more relaxed, and worry-free—using large folding or sliding door systems to mimic the indoor-outdoor living found at resort destinations allows homeowners to feel like they are on a luxurious vacation and increase their quality of life. As experiences continue to outshine material items, homeowners will continue to desire an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that they can enjoy at home.

Bi-Fold kitchen passthrough windows are also apart of this indoor-outdoor trend. Bi-Fold windows create a passthrough from kitchen to outdoor entertainment space, making it easy to transport drinks and food from inside and out. Additional dining space is created in the form of an outdoor breakfast bar, making meals on the terrace a regular occurrence. These servery windows are unique and luxurious home design features that are appealing to homebuyers and can increase a home’s value

This design trend will be around for awhile because homeowners want to elevate their lifestyle by recreating resort-style experiences at home and maximizing their living spaces. Bi-Fold and multi-slide door systems have changed the home design industry and pushed what is possible in home building. AG Millworks is excited to contribute to this trend and provide innovative, high-quality door systems that create luxurious indoor-outdoor spaces.

To learn more about creating an indoor-outdoor experience in your home with Bi-Folds or Multi-Slides, visit our Bi-Fold Patio Door Product Page or Multi-Slide Door Product Page.

Planning a remodel to create indoor-outdoor living spaces? Choosing a Bi-Fold Door System can be a confusing process, especially if you are unfamiliar with this type of door system and its features. Below are nine mistakes you’ll want to avoid when including a large folding door system in your home design plans.

1 | Mixing up folding door configuration options.

When choosing a configuration (how the door panels open and fold) for your large folding door system, you want to be sure you are reading the configurations correctly. All Bi-Fold Door System configurations are viewed from the exterior of your home looking in. It is easy to get this confused and end up with doors opening and folding the opposite direction from what you were expecting.

2 | Choosing a door configuration without a daily door.

This mistake is easily made and happens often. It is important to choose a door configuration that will have a manual door, or “daily door,” that provides easy access to your outdoor space. Bi-Fold Door Systems with odd configurations (3L, 5R, 7L in at least one direction) have daily doors that can be opened without unlatching and opening the entire folding door system. You must choose a configuration with a daily door If you plan to access your home from the exterior of your large bi-fold door. If you choose an even door configuration (such as 4L or 2L2R) you will have to open the entire door system to access your outdoor space and you will not have exterior access if the doors get closed and you’re outside. Even configurations are only suitable for door systems that will only be opened for parties, etc. Never choose even configurations for a door you’ll use every day.

3 | Taking incorrect measurements.

Always have a professional installer measure your opening twice to be sure you are providing the correct measurements of your rough opening. Folding door systems are built to your requested net frame dimension, and if measurements are incorrect the unit will not fit properly into your rough opening.

4 | Not matching your bi-fold and transom design.

This mistake can leave your remodel looking unprofessional and tacky. If your plans call for a bi-fold door system paired with a transom, you want to be sure that your transom will match and align with your folding door design.

5 | Forgetting to check for overhang.

This is a big, costly mistake that you want to avoid. If you forget to check for overhang and order a bi-fold door system with a flush sill, you risk water penetration and serious damage to your home. A folding door system with a flush sill and insufficient overhang will not meet most warranties.

6 | Hiring an inexperienced folding door installer.

Bi-fold door systems are large, top-hung, technical door systems, that come with a pretty healthy price tag. Installation is not the right place to try to save money. Ask for recommendations for experienced installers of large patio door systems from your door dealer, or the manufactures of your bi-fold door system. Don’t trust framers or other tradespeople to install your beautiful new bi-fold door. An improperly installed door will never work properly, will not qualify for warranty, and will be your biggest regret. Hire a pro!

7 | Choosing the wrong clad color.

Don’t choose the wrong clad color, because it can’t be changed! If you are matching the exterior color of your folding door to your current windows and doors, make sure you double check and confirm that the color is correct. For unique or uncommon colors, custom color matching is also available.

8 | Forgetting to include a retractable accordion screen.

Don’t forget to include a retractable accordion screen in your folding door order! These screens are a luxurious but functional add-on that will allow you to enjoy fresh air while protecting your home from unwanted insects. Screens are integrated directly into the door jamb during production and can be pocketed completely out of sight for an additional charge.

9 | Overlooking your indoor and outdoor floorplans.

When planning your remodel it can be easy to forget about the layout of your spaces and how they interact. it is important to give some thought to the furniture layout of each space and remember that your custom patio door system can be ordered to fold and stack on one or both sides of the opening, depending on your needs.

To learn more about creating an indoor-outdoor living space with a large folding door system, visit our Bi-Fold Patio Door Product Page.

BEFORE

A young couple in Encintas, California were looking for a starter home when they stumbled upon this diamond-in-the-rough. As first-time home buyers, they chose to buy a perfectly-sized fixer-upper with tons of potential to transform in to their dream home!

Before the remodel, the kitchen was long, narrow and outdated. With worn linoleum flooring, laminate countertops, and unsteady cabinetry, the kitchen needed a complete redesign.

The kitchen was closed off from the rest of the living space, creating a very dark, boxy floorplan and making it difficult for natural light to spread throughout the space. The living space had multiple mismatching windows that looked out of place.

A brick fireplace and a small sliding door made up the rest of the rear wall. Dirty, outdated carpet covered the living room floor, and extended into the informal dining space. 

AFTER

The homeowners wanted to utilize every inch of their living space and brighten the room with plenty of natural light. They knew they wanted to create a modern, farmhouse style kitchen with a fresh, clean look. During the design process the homeowners looked to the number one home design platform, Houzz.com for design inspiration. On Houzz they fell in love with the latest home design trend: indoor-outdoor living. With the help of an architect and design professional, the homeowners chose an AG Millworks Bi-Fold Door System and Passthrough Window to create the indoor-outdoor lifestyle they yearned for.

The new space features an open floorplan that blends kitchen, dining, and living spaces. A large kitchen island provides plenty of counter space and an eat-in breakfast bar. They chose a beautiful white marble countertop and brilliant white cabinets to achieve the bright, clean look they desired. The newly-vaulted ceilings make the room feel more spacious and inviting.

Touches of gold can be found throughout the space: the cabinet hardware and the tip of the pendant light fixtures above the island add a pop of color and luxurious elegance to the all-white kitchen.

The AG Millworks Bi-Fold Window allows plenty of natural light to illuminate the space and creates a passthrough from kitchen to outdoor entertainment area. The passthrough window creates additional bar seating in the kitchen and outside on the patio. Vaulting the ceilings allowed for a custom transom to be installed above the folding window and allow for even more natural light to brighten the space.

The AG Millworks Bi-Fold Door System opens up the entire kitchen to the outdoors, creating that indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is so prevalent in today’s home designs. With such a wide-open space, entertaining and enjoying the beautiful California weather is as easy as folding open the door system. The homeowners can quickly and easily access their outdoor space through the daily door, which is only available on odd bi-fold door configurations.

Even with folding doors and windows closed, there is an abundance of natural light flooding into the space. The Bi-Fold Door and Passthrough Window are the highlight of the room and create the ultimate California lifestyle. The homeowner had this to say about his luxury door and window systems:

"To say I am thrilled with the quality of my bifold door and window would be the understatement of the year. They have completely transformed my space and created a whole new look and feel in my house. The team at AG were very easy to work with and truly took the time to help me decide on the optimal size, location, and color for my door and window. They were produced on time and easy for my contractor to install."

To learn more about creating your own indoor-outdoor lifestyle with Bi-Fold Door Systems, visit our Bi-Fold Door Product Page.

Gardening can be relaxing and therapeutic—it is a great way to reduce stress and connect with nature. Apartments, condos, and townhomes can sometimes be limited on space so it might be difficult to find room for a gardening or plant zone in your small outdoor area. Although you may lack a full-on backyard to plant a garden, you can still add a small garden or plants to your small outdoor space! Keep reading to learn about ways you can add a garden to your home without taking up a ton of space.

One way to add some plants to a narrow space is by investing in a plant stand. You can opt for a tiered plant stand like the one pictured above or find a smaller or bigger one that will fit perfectly into your space! The great part about plant stands is that they can be easily moved or rearranged and can accommodate plants of several sizes! This type of planter is best for potted plants.

Very similar to the plant stands are these tiered planters—instead of shelving, this design features attached planter boxes on each tier. You can plant flowers or an herb garden directly into the planter box and not worry about having to water so many individual pots! You can fined tiered planter boxes like this one on Wayfair.com or you can learn how to create your own DIY tiered planter box.

If your outdoor space consists of a narrow balcony or fenced-in space, these over-the-rail hanging planters are perfect! There are many different styles available online or at your local Home Depot or gardening stores! You can find some that will fit many of small potted plants or some that you can plant flowers directly into or individual plant pots that can hang over the railing!

Another great way to add a small garden space to your home is by installing floating shelves in your outdoor area. Floating shelves won’t take up any extra space and will allow you to keep your current layout and patio furniture. On these shelves you can place your new flowers and plants and some outdoor décor!

Hang your plants! When you lack extra floor or wall space, invest in some hanging planters and hang them from the ceiling! You can find many unique hanging planters on Amazon that will add a touch of greenery to your compact patio without taking up too much space. Hanging plants above your railing, like pictured above, is a great way to add a sense of privacy to your outdoor space and muffle sounds from the streets below.

If you have a large open wall space on your balcony or patio you can install a wall trellis that will allow you to grow climbing plants in your small outdoor area! Once fully grown in, your trellis will be covered in beautiful vines and create a fresh and peaceful space for you to enjoy!

If you want to better connect your indoor living space to your outdoor balcony or patio, consider using Bi-Fold Patio Doors to create a smooth transition from inside to outside. To learn more about using folding patio doors to expand your living space, visit our Bi-Fold Patio Door Product Page.

Did you know National Picnic Day is celebrated every year on April 23^rd? Picnics are an inexpensive, easy way to spend time with friends and family and enjoy the beautiful weather, snack on delicious foods, and soak up some extra Vitamin D. This holiday is the ultimate excuse to plan a romantic sunset picnic for your partner or a family fun picnic in the park! Keep reading for a complete guide on how to plan the perfect picnic.

The first step in planning the ultimate picnic is to choose the day and location. You’ll want to pick a day that your friends and family are available. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time to find a nice, sunny day to picnic. Pick your favorite place to picnic, be it the local park, beach, lake, etc. When deciding on a picnic location, consider the following things: popularity, parking, restrooms, and shade. If you choose a popular picnicking location like the park or beach, you’ll want to arrive early enough to claim a spot and find parking. If you plan to spend the day picnicking, a location with restroom facilities is crucial!

The next step is most important: packing the basket. Whether you use a traditional picnic basket, or opt for an ice chest, what you pack in it is most important. You’ll want to plan out your picnic foods and include something that everyone will enjoy. Creating a beautiful cheese and charcuterie spread is our favorite picnic snack. Along with savory meats and cheeses, packing fresh grapes, apples, and berries can add delightful contrast in tastes. In addition to your cheese and charcuterie board, you may consider packing some sandwiches and salads to add to your picnic spread—cheese and charcuterie are good snacks, however sandwiches and salads will fill you up! Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, iced tea, lemonade, and wine to accompany your meal.

Though food is most important, you’ll also want to pack enough plates, napkins, glasses, and cutlery for everyone! Bring plenty of picnic blankets for sitting underneath the sun and tablecloths if you’ll be commandeering a nearby picnic table. Sitting on the ground with no back support can be difficult for some so being well-prepared with a few foldable beach chairs is a good idea! If the location you’ll be in doesn’t have any shady spots, you should plan to bring umbrellas or easy-ups for those who want to take a break from the sunshine.

If you’ll be spending the entire day picnicking, pack some fun games for picnickers to play. Corn hole, frisbees, footballs, soccer balls—anything you think your friends and family will enjoy. Don’t forget to lather up your kids and yourself with sunscreen to avoid a painful sunburn! Another great thing to bring on your picnic day is a portable Bluetooth speaker so you can play your favorite music!

If you’re planning a spontaneous, last-minute picnic and aren’t sure where to go, consider opening your folding patio doors and setting up your impromptu picnic on the lawn or patio! You’ll have just as much fun picnicking outside in your backyard and you’ll have everything you need within reach.

To learn more about creating an indoor-outdoor picnic space with Bi-Fold Patio Doors, visit our Bi-Fold Patio Door Product Page.

We are more than halfway through April, and Easter is just about here! If you celebrate Easter at home with your family, consider enjoying the day’s festivities outside on your patio. You can enjoy the weather, unplug from technology, and bond with family!

Decorate Eggs

Plan to decorate eggs as a family! Open your Bi-Fold Patio Doors and set up an egg decorating station outside so everyone can partake in the fun. Be sure to use a disposable table cloth to protect your patio furniture! Gather plenty of fun decorating supplies like dye, paint, markers, sequins, glitter, glue, etc. from your local craft supply store. You can also find egg decorating kits at local grocery stores, or department stores like Walmart and Target. Create some friendly competition and hold a contest for the best decorated egg.

Egg Hunt

Get the entire family involved in this year’s egg hunt! Split into two groups and take turns hiding and hunting for eggs. You can even turn the hunt into a contest to see which group can find all the eggs the fastest! Remember to place some eggs in easy spots if you have little ones running around trying to join the fun.

Eat Brunch

Prepare a delicious brunch and enjoy it on the patio. When all the egg decorating is done, you can set the table with a beautiful spread and enjoy Easter lunch outside! Leave your Bi-Fold Doors open and easily transport the prepared meal from the kitchen to the patio table. Before you dig in, take turns saying what you are thankful—this will act as a great reminder of all the little things you are grateful for! Don’t forget to have a sweet treat on hand for an after-lunch pick-me-up.

Relax

Spend the rest of the day relaxing outside and lounging in the sunshine, absorbing some extra Vitamin D. Leave the technology inside and enjoy each other’s company! Hang out, read books, nap in the sun, and go for a swim. This will be a relaxing and therapeutic day for you to forget about your worries and spend time enjoying life with family.

BBQ

When dinnertime comes around, throw some food on the grill and have a barbecue outside on the patio. Barbecue some chicken, steaks, or ribs, and throw on some corn, veggies, and potatoes!

Light A Fire

When the sun starts to go down and the air gets cool you can light a fire in your outdoor fireplace and wind down the evening. Cozy up with blankets, gather around the fire, make s’mores, and watch the sunset.

From all of us here at AG Millworks, we hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend! To learn more about creating indoor-outdoor living spaces with Bi-Fold Patio Doors, visit our Bi-Fold Patio Door Product Page.