أبواب الفناء للمقاولين: الأنواع والتطبيقات ودليل الاختيار (إصدار 2026)

Specifying patio doors for projects isn’t complicated—until you factor in different configurations, project types, performance requirements, and lead times. A sliding door that works perfectly for a standard apartment balcony isn’t necessarily the right choice for a restaurant patio or a custom home with a 16-foot opening.

This guide breaks down the four main patio door configurations, when each makes sense, and what contractors need to know to specify correctly for different project types.

Understanding the Four Patio Door Configurations

Sliding Patio Doors

How They Work:
Sliding patio doors (also called gliding doors) operate on tracks with panels that slide horizontally. Most common configurations are 2-panel (one fixed, one operable), 3-panel (two fixed, one operable), or 4-panel (two operable, two fixed). [hotianwindows.com/types-of-patio-doors/]​

أفضل التطبيقات:

• Multi-unit residential projects (apartments, condos)
• Standard single-family homes
• Tight spaces where swing clearance is limited
• Balcony applications in mid-rise and high-rise buildings

Key Specs Contractors Need to Know:

• Opening width: 50% for 2-panel (one side opens), ~33% for 3-panel, 50% for 4-panel
• No swing clearance required: Only need space for panel to slide along track
• Sill height: Typically low-profile for easy step-over (important for traffic flow)
• Maximum span capability: Depends on frame material—aluminum frames can handle larger spans than vinyl

When They Make Sense:
Sliding doors are the default choice for most projects because they’re cost-effective, require minimal space, and work well for standard openings. They’re particularly practical for multi-unit projects where you need consistent sizing across dozens or hundreds of units. In multi-unit projects, coordinate rough opening (RO) with framers early—Hotian provides RO charts for precise sizing. ​

French (Hinged) Patio Doors

How They Work:
French doors consist of two door panels that swing open on hinges, meeting in the middle. They can be configured as inswing (doors open into the room) or outswing (doors open onto the patio/deck). ​

أفضل التطبيقات:

• Custom single-family homes
• Traditional or transitional architectural styles
• Applications where full opening width is needed
• Interior-to-exterior transitions where the doors serve as a focal point

Space Requirements Contractors Must Plan For:

• Inswing: Requires clear floor space inside equal to door width (typically 5-6 feet)
• Outswing: Requires clear patio/deck space outside equal to door width
• Door swing arc: Must not conflict with furniture placement (inside) or patio features (outside)

Common Configurations:

• Double doors (two panels, both operable)
• Single active panel (one panel operable, one fixed)
• With sidelights (fixed glass panels on one or both sides)

When They Make Sense:
French doors work well when aesthetics matter and you have space for the swing. They provide 100% clear opening width when both panels are open, which is useful for moving large items in and out or creating maximum indoor-outdoor flow. However, they’re typically more expensive than sliding doors and require more coordination with interior and exterior layouts. Hotian outswing French doors feature heavy-duty hinges for coastal wind loads. ​

Configuration Decision: Inswing vs Outswing

• Inswing: Better weather protection (doors seal against frame when wind pushes them), but requires interior floor space
• Outswing: Saves interior space, but needs sturdy hinges and weather stripping for wind-driven rain
• Wind exposure: Outswing doors in high-wind or coastal areas need heavy-duty hinges and positive weatherseals

Bi-Fold Patio Doors

How They Work:
Bi-fold doors (also called folding doors) consist of multiple panels connected by hinges that fold and stack to one or both sides of the opening. Panels typically fold in a concertina pattern, with one panel sliding on a track while the others fold against it. ​

أفضل التطبيقات:

• Large openings (10-20 feet) where maximum clear width is desired
• Indoor-outdoor entertainment spaces
• Restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues
• Custom homes with modern or contemporary designs

Key Considerations:

• Opening width: 80-90% clear opening (panels stack to side, taking minimal space)
• Panel configurations: 3-6 panels most common; can be configured to fold left, right, or split in middle
• Track & hardware: More complex than sliding doors—requires top track and bottom pivot points
• Cost: Typically 2-3x the cost of sliding doors for the same opening width

When They’re Worth the Extra Cost:
Bi-fold doors make sense when the project requires maximum opening width and the budget allows for it. They’re popular in hospitality and high-end residential projects where creating an open-air feel is a priority. However, for multi-unit projects where cost control matters, they’re usually overkill unless the developer is targeting a luxury market. ​

Multi-Slide Patio Doors

How They Work:
Multi-slide doors (also called lift-and-slide or multi-panel sliding doors) use multiple panels that slide and stack, similar to bi-fold doors but without the hinged folding. Panels glide on tracks and stack behind each other or into wall pockets. [hotianwindows.com/types-of-patio-doors/]​

أفضل التطبيقات:

• Very large openings (12-20+ feet)
• Modern architectural designs
• Projects requiring maximum glass area with minimal frame obstruction
• High-end custom homes
• Commercial spaces where unobstructed views are critical

Key Specs:

• Opening width: 60-80% depending on panel count and stacking configuration
• Panel count: Typically 4-8 panels
• Sightlines: Narrower frame profiles than standard sliding doors (more glass, less frame)
• Operation: Can be manual or motorized (motorized recommended for panels over 10 feet tall)

When They Make Sense:
Multi-slide doors are the premium option for projects where expansive openings and modern aesthetics justify the cost. They’re less common in standard residential or multi-unit projects but increasingly popular in custom homes and boutique commercial spaces. Hotian motorized multi-slide options are ideal for 10’+ tall panels in hotels. ​

Configuration Selection by Project Type

Multi-Unit Residential (Apartments, Condos)

Typical Choice: أبواب منزلقة
لماذا: Consistency, cost-effective, space-efficient, ADA compliance. [hotianwindows.com/commercial-patio-doors-guide/]​
المقاسات: Standard balcony 6-8 feet; ground-floor 8-10 feet.

ADA Note: Ground-floor units require 32-inch clear width minimum—a 6-foot 2-panel slider provides ~36 inches. Verify local codes. [hotianwindows.com/patio-door-buying-guide/]​

Custom Single-Family Homes

Typical Choices: French, Bi-fold, or Multi-slide.
Decision Factors: Style (traditional → French; modern → multi-slide), opening size, entertaining use.
Contractor Tip: Involve door supplier early for custom specs affecting framing. [hotianwindows.com/types-of-patio-doors/]​

Renovation Projects

Typical Choice: Sliding or French (match existing RO).
التحقق من الواقع: Measure RO precisely—use supplier RO charts. [hotianwindows.com/patio-door-buying-guide/]​

Commercial Applications (Restaurants, Hotels, Retail)

Typical Choices: Sliding or Bi-fold (commercial-grade).
By Use Case: Restaurant patios → bi-fold; hotel balconies → sliding.
Performance: Heavy-duty hardware, impact glass. Hotian impact-resistant glass options for high-traffic. [hotianwindows.com/patio-doors/]​

Frame Materials: What Contractors Should Know

Aluminum Frames

نقاط القوة: Structural strength, durability, slim profiles.
الأفضل لـ: Commercial, large spans, coastal. Trade-offs: Higher cost, needs thermal breaks. [hotianwindows.com/patio-door-buying-guide/]​

Vinyl Frames

نقاط القوة: Cost-effective, energy-efficient, low maintenance.
الأفضل لـ: Multi-unit residential. Trade-offs: Limited spans, wider profiles. [hotianwindows.com/patio-door-buying-guide/]​

جدول مقارنة المواد

Why Choose Hotian as Your Patio Door Partner for Contractor Projects

Hotian Windows & Doors is a custom manufacturer specializing in aluminum, uPVC, and composite door systems, supporting everything from multi-unit residential projects to high-end commercial applications.

Contractor-Focused Advantages with Hotian

• Flexible customization: No minimum order quantity. We support custom sizing from your drawings or 3D models, including large-span openings (16’+ multi-slide) and non-standard rough openings (RO).
• Performance you can specify with confidence: Thermal-break aluminum systems (U-factor as low as 0.27), impact-rated glass, and configurations tested to meet North American and European standards, with a track record across international developer projects.
• Built for project efficiency: 48-hour shop drawing review, typical lead times of 4–6 weeks for standard residential projects (longer for complex commercial), and sample programs that help reduce on-site rework and callbacks.
• Cost control for bulk orders: Tiered pricing for volume projects, dedicated project coordinators for orders of 50+ units, and direct-from-factory pricing to protect your margins.

Take the next step: Upload your project drawings or BOQ to get a tailored quote and configuration recommendation.

Get a Project Quote →

Hotian is more than a supplier—we act as your engineering and manufacturing partner from design through installation. For deeper technical details, see our دليل أنواع أبواب الفناء و Commercial Patio Doors Guide.

Key Selection Criteria for Contractors

• Sizing & Custom Capability:
  Typical single openings range from 6–20 feet wide, depending on configuration. Coordinate rough opening (RO) dimensions carefully—RO is usually 1–2 inches larger than the door frame, but always verify against Hotian’s RO charts for each system.
• Performance Requirements:
  Target a U-factor of 0.30 or lower where energy codes require it, adjust SHGC based on climate, and use laminated glass where sound control is critical (urban hotels, mixed-use buildings, busy streets).
• Hardware & Durability:
  Use multipoint locks for improved security and better weather sealing. For restaurants, hotels, and other high-traffic applications, specify commercial-grade rollers, hinges, and locking systems—Hotian offers commercial hardware packages across sliding, French, and bi-fold patio doors.
• Lead Time & Project Planning:
  Expect roughly 6–8 weeks for typical custom residential patio doors, and longer for fully custom commercial systems. For multi-unit projects, confirm RO and details on the first few units, then place the bulk order to avoid size changes mid-project.

Common Specification Mistakes to Avoid

1. Under-sizing the opening for traffic flow
   Specifying a 6-foot slider for a restaurant patio often leaves only about 3 feet of clear opening, which is tight for two-way staff and guest traffic. Solution: go wider (8–10 feet) or move to a bi-fold system to maximize clear width.
2. Choosing the wrong configuration for the space
   French doors without confirmed swing clearance can clash with kitchen islands, fixed seating, or outdoor furniture. Solution: always check swing arcs on plans; if space is tight, use sliding or multi-slide configurations.
3. Insufficient structural support for large spans
   Large bi-fold or multi-slide systems (16+ feet) require properly engineered headers and supporting structure. Solution: coordinate early with structural engineers—Hotian’s engineering team can review header requirements and provide load information before ordering.
4. Ignoring accessibility (ADA) in multi-unit projects
   Standard door choices can fail to meet clear-width or threshold height requirements in accessible units. Solution: confirm ADA or local accessibility requirements during design and use wider sliders or lower-profile thresholds where required.
5. Using residential-grade doors in commercial applications
   Residential hardware will not survive restaurant or hotel traffic. Solution: specify commercial-grade hardware and cycle-rated systems from the beginning—this is far cheaper than early failures, callbacks, and reputation damage.

Conclusion: Specify with Confidence—Partner with Hotian

Specifying patio doors ultimately comes down to project type, opening size, and performance requirements. Sliding doors deliver efficiency, French doors provide classic appeal, and bi-fold or multi-slide systems create dramatic, wide-open connections between indoor and outdoor spaces—choosing the right one helps you avoid delays and callbacks.

Hotian delivers custom patio door systems built specifically for contractors: precise RO coordination, commercial-grade durability where it’s needed, and manufacturing capacity that scales from single custom homes to multi-building developments.

Get your next project started with confidence—upload your drawings today and receive a tailored quote and configuration recommendation.

For more detail, explore:

• Patio Door Types Guide: https://hotianwindows.com/types-of-patio-doors/
• Patio Doors Buying Guide: https://hotianwindows.com/patio-door-buying-guide/
• Commercial Patio Doors Guide: https://hotianwindows.com/commercial-patio-doors-guide/