Choosing the right terrace door for your home is a decision that requires blending practicality with design. Whether you're renovating, building a new home, or simply looking to upgrade, the right terrace door can make a big difference in how your space looks and feels — and with so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start.
Golden Windows is here to help you select the perfect terrace door for your home. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of different types and materials, the latest design trends, and what features to look for when it comes to energy efficiency and security. As a leading Canadian window and door manufacturer, we know what it takes to elevate homes with quality products.
We'll provide practical advice on balancing style and functionality, what customization options are available, and how to maintain your terrace door to ensure its longevity. Our goal is to provide our customers with all the information needed to make an informed choice that fits their needs and enhances their homes.
Let’s dive deeper into the ins and outs of selecting terrace doors, ensuring you have all the tools and knowledge to make the best decision for your family.
Understanding Terrace Doors
A terrace door, also known as a patio door, is a type of door that opens directly onto a terrace, patio, or garden area and typically features large glass panes, which allow natural light to flood into the interior spaces. These doors are designed to provide easy access to outdoor areas while still maintaining a connection with the exterior environment of the home.
Terrace doors are designed to enhance a home's aesthetic appeal by providing a sleek, modern look that complements a range of architectural styles. They also increase the amount of natural light in a room, creating a brighter and more inviting space.
This style also helps improve the flow between indoor and outdoor living areas, making it easier to entertain guests or enjoy outdoor activities. For homeowners looking to sell their homes down the road or simply boost their investment, terrace doors are known to help increase the overall value of a home. With a vast selection of door styles to choose from, it’s no surprise that our customers are choosing this style to elevate their living spaces.
What to Consider When Choosing a Terrace Door
Selecting the perfect terrace door involves more than just picking a design you love. There are key elements to consider that play a role in the aesthetics, functionality, and efficiency of your home.
To choose the right terrace doors, here’s what we recommend considering.
Aesthetics
Your terrace door’s design should complement your home’s overall architecture. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, the right door can enhance the aesthetic appeal of both your interior and exterior spaces.
Consider the lines, colours, and finishes that will match your existing décor and complement your personal taste.
Materials
Terrace doors are available in a range of materials, each with its own set of benefits:
Aluminum: The GoldenClad® Terrace Doors allow for the enjoyment of a beautiful wood interior which is designed with an extruded aluminum clad exterior allowing for a choice of exterior colours.
Wood: The GoldenWood® Terrace Doors are designed with a wood frame and brickmould which allows for your choice of stain or paint colour. Perfect for log homes, or to keep the authenticity in heritage homes.
Understanding the pros and cons of each material can help you choose one that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Energy Efficiency
Choosing energy efficient windows and doors has become a priority for today’s homeowners, and for good reason.
Energy efficient terrace doors can drastically reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs. When you’re shopping and speaking with manufacturers, look for doors with ENERGY STAR® ratings. This indicates the style you’re looking at has met specific energy performance criteria.
Features such as double or triple glazing, low-E coatings, and weatherstripping can help improve insulation — keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Security
Installing your terrace door should go beyond an aesthetic, visual choice. It should also have security capabilities that keep you and your family safe. Look for styles with trusted locking mechanisms, impact-resistant glass, and strong frames. In some cases, you can look into enhanced security features, such as multi-point locking systems and laminated glass, to help protect against intruders.
By considering all these important factors, you can choose a terrace door that not only enhances your home's beauty but also meets your everyday needs for durability, energy efficiency, and security.
Design and Style
Choosing the right design and style for your terrace door is essential if you’re looking to enhance your home's aesthetic and overall functionality. In this section, we look at the details and nuances of modern versus traditional styles and customization options and include practical design tips to help you make the best choice for your home.
Modern vs. Traditional Styles
Modern Terrace Doors
Modern terrace doors are known for their clean lines, minimalist design, and large glass panes, which allow for maximum natural light. This style offers a narrow aluminum frame (rail), which delivers a sleek and contemporary look. Modern terrace doors typically prioritize functionality and simplicity, and this makes them an excellent choice for homes with a minimalist or industrial design.
Traditional Terrace Doors
Traditional terrace doors, on the other hand, are all about decorative details and a classic appearance. These doors often feature a wider aluminum frame (rail), and unique glass patterns that add charm and character. You’ll typically find traditional terrace doors are made with materials like wood, which lend a warm and inviting feel to the home. These styles are often best suited for houses with a more classic or rustic look.
Choosing Between Modern and Traditional
When choosing between modern and traditional styles, consider your home's overall design. A modern home might benefit from the sleekness of a contemporary terrace door, while a more classic home may look best with a traditional design. Additionally, consider your personal taste and how the door's style will work with your interior and exterior spaces.
Customization Options
Customization plays an important role in ensuring your door fits your specific needs. Here are some customization options to consider:
Colours and Finishes
Terrace doors come in a range of colours and finishes. You can choose a colour matching your home's exterior or a finish contrasting for a bolder design statement. The most used finishes include natural wood stains and painted aluminum.
Hardware
The hardware on your terrace door, including its handles, locks, and hinges, can be customized to match your home's style. To complement your design, consider hardware in finishes like brushed nickel, antique brass, or matte black.
Glass Options
The type of glass used in your terrace door can drastically impact its appearance and functionality. Typical options include clear glass for uninterrupted views, frosted or tinted glass for privacy, and decorative glass for added style. Consider energy efficient glass options with low-E coatings that reduce heat transfer and protect against UV rays.
Size and Configuration
Terrace doors can be tailored to fit the specific measurements of your space. Whether you need a standard single door, double door, or a larger model, customization ensures your new door is a perfect fit.
Practical Design Tips
Choosing your terrace door goes beyond the visuals and the aesthetics. It’s also important to consider practical design elements to ensure your door can function as good as it looks. Here’s how to get started:
Maximize Natural Light: Choose doors with large glass panels and minimal framing and place the door in a location that receives lots of sunlight.
Door Placement and Integration: Ensure the door is positioned to provide easy access to outdoor areas like patios, decks, or gardens.
Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Ensure the door is easy to operate, especially if you plan to use it often. Consider features like easy-to-grip handles and secure locking systems that offer security and functionality.
Our Terrace Doors
At Golden Windows, we’re proud to offer a selection of quality-made terrace doors for a wide range of home styles.
GoldenClad® Terrace Doors
GoldenClad® Terrace Doors combine the beauty of a wood interior with the durability of an aluminum exterior. This design provides a range of exterior colour options to match your home's style, including:
- Standard and Optional Exterior Frame Colours
- Low-E Glass Options
- Warm Edge Technology
- A Range of Grille Patterns, including Grilles Between Glass, Simulated Divided Lite, and Wood Removable
- Optional Multi-point Lock Handles
- Manufactured and pre-assembled to conform to AAMA/WDMA/CSA101/I.S.2/A440-08
GoldenWood® Terrace Doors
Our GoldenWood® Terrace Doors are designed with a wood frame and brickmould, allowing customers to choose their preferred stains or paint colours. They are perfect for log homes or to keep the authenticity in heritage homes.
- Available in Standard Exterior & Interior Frame Species
- Available in Three Optional Exterior & Interior Frame Species, Including Clear Pine, Clear Oak, and Clear Mahogany
- Three Glass Spacer Options, Including Warm Edge Technology, Intercept®, and Superspacer®
- Available in a Range of Hinge Materials, from Brushed Nickel-Standard and Oil Rubbed Bronze to Self-Closing Brushed Chrome
- Various Grille Patterns, Including Colonial, Muskoka, Victorian, and Custom
Steps to Choosing Your Terrace Door
Choosing a terrace door for your home is a step-by-step process that involves taking stock of your home’s needs and your design preferences.
Assessing Your Needs
- How will you use your terrace door? Is it for regular access, aesthetic appeal, or both?
- Measure your available space and choose a door that fits well without compromising movement.
Budget Considerations
- Balance your budget with the door's quality and features. High-quality materials may cost more upfront but offer better durability and performance.
- Consider energy efficient doors that can reduce heating and cooling costs. This will help you save more over a period of time.
Consultations and Professional Advice
- Asking for advice from professional door manufacturers can help you understand the best options for your specific needs.
- Utilize professional installation to ensure your chosen door is fitted correctly. This will enhance its performance and longevity.
Maintenance and Longevity
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your terrace door is functional and beautifully set in place for years to come. Here’s how to maintain and prolong the life of your terrace door:
Routine Maintenance Tips
- Regularly clean the glass and frame to prevent dirt and grime buildup.
- Lubricate hinges, locks, and sliding tracks to ensure they open and close smoothly.
- Inspect and replace weatherstripping regularly to maintain your door’s energy efficiency.
Seasonal Maintenance
- Check for drafts in the winter and ensure your door seals properly to keep the cold air out.
- During the summer, inspect your door for warping or damage caused by heat and humidity.
Ensuring Longevity
- Apply protective finishes to any wooden elements to prevent damage from moisture and UV rays.
- Conduct regular inspections to identify and fix minor issues before they become major problems.
- Address any cracks, chips, or wear right away to maintain your door’s appearance and functionality.
Find the Perfect Terrace Door with Golden Windows
At Golden Windows, we know that it’s the details that make your home feel unique to your lifestyle. That’s why we’re proud to be a leader in door manufacturing in Ontario and around the world. We specialize in offering a wide range of door styles, materials, and custom creations for any style of home.
When it comes to replacing your old doors, you need expert manufacturers who can help you choose the right style to enhance your home’s architecture. Our highly skilled craftsmen work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide the perfect suggestions.
Whether you’re looking to increase your home's resale value or simply looking to reface your home and expand your indoor-outdoor living, we’re here to help.
Visit one of our three showrooms in Kitchener, London, or Kanata, or shop our complete collection online to get started.