Patio doors are a major home feature that merge indoor and outdoor living spaces. The best ones can significantly enhance a home’s market value, curb appeal and energy efficiency. If you want to make this upgrade investment, here’s what you need to know.
What Are the Best Materials for Patio Doors in Eastern Washington?
Eastern Washington has a semi-arid climate characterized by significant temperature extremes. Hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters are a demanding combination for building materials. With temperature swings even between day and night, energy efficiency and durability are crucial.
Battling Temperature Extremes
Your patio doors are a large hole in your wall. Without proper insulation, they will bleed expensive heated air in the winter and let scorching heat in during the summer. The best patio door materials in Eastern Washington will mitigate this problem.
Fiberglass is the top option for this region. Its insulated core provides superior resistance to heat transfer, making it the most energy-efficient material for a climate with dramatic temperature swings. Vinyl is also a strong choice, as its multi-chambered frames are designed to trap air and provide excellent insulation, making it a great value-for-money option.
Standard aluminum will work better elsewhere. As a metal, it conducts heat and cold very effectively, so it will feel frosty on the inside in the winter and hot to the touch in the summer, driving up energy bills. Aluminum with a thermal break can be an option, as the insulating barrier within the frame will mitigate the energy loss.
Wood is a natural insulator, but its efficiency depends on its condition. If its seals are compromised by warping, its insulating value plummets.
The choice of glass is also critical for energy efficiency. In this climate, double glazing is the minimum you should consider, triple glazing is preferable. A low-E coating is essential. You can cut energy loss by up to 50% with this microscopic, metallic layer that reflects heat.
You may also want to consider a gas fill. The panes between the glass panels can be filled with an inert gas like argon, which is denser than air and a better insulator.
Resisting Expansion and Contraction
The constant movement caused by temperature swings puts immense stress on a door’s frame and seals. The best patio doors can withstand this.
Fiberglass is the most stable material, as it expands and contracts very little. Vinyl is generally stable, but low-quality vinyl can become brittle in extreme cold and may crack over time.
Wood is vulnerable to the combination of intense sun and moisture from melting snow. It can warp, rot or crack if not meticulously maintained with regular painting or sealing. Aluminum is very stable and will not warp or rot.
| Material | Suitability for Eastern WA | Key Reasons |
| Fiberglass | Excellent — best overall choice | ● Superior energy efficiency
● Unmatched ability to handle temperature swings ● Low maintenance |
| Vinyl | Very good — best budget choice | ● High energy efficiency
● Low maintenance ● Affordable price point |
| Wood | High maintenance option | ● Susceptible to warping
● Requires constant upkeep |
| Aluminum | Use with caution | ● Requires a thermal break for energy efficiency
● Otherwise a major source of heat loss/gain |
What Style of Patio Doors Would Match Your Home?
The two main style options are French doors or sliding doors. Either will add to your curb appeal if carefully matched to your home’s space and aesthetics.
French doors meet in the middle, with central handles opening away from each other. They can be fitted to swing inward or outward. This choice presents a classic, elegant aesthetic and a wide opening, but it does require space for the swing.
Sliding doors give a clean, contemporary look and are ideal for smaller rooms, as they do not need swing space. Typically, they maximize views with just one large pane of glass. Sliding options are more affordable than French doors, but they have fewer security features, and the tracks need cleaning and maintenance.
Practical Tips Before Choosing Patio Doors
Start by considering your budget. It’s important to balance cost with quality. While cheaper options exist, the best long-term value comes from investing in high-quality, professionally installed patio doors.
Next, consider these key questions:
- How often will you use the doors? Daily, or less frequently?
- Are there children or pets going in and out?
- How much space do you have for a swinging door or is space limited?
- How much time do you have to spend on maintenance?
- Will you want blinds or shades to help with privacy and energy efficiency?
- Will you require screens to let in fresh air but keep out insects?
- How much security do you need?
These questions will help you narrow down the choice of style, material and glazing. The next step is to measure your space, ensure you take accurate measurements to avoid costly mistakes. Then, meet with an installer to discuss your options, settle on a choice, arrange financing if required and schedule the installation.
How to Choose the Right Patio Door Company
Choosing the right provider is vital. Even the best patio doors will fail if they are installed poorly. Here are the most important factors to consider.
Reputation and Local Experience
A brand with deep roots in Eastern Washington will understand the specific climate challenges. Its experts will know which material and glass packages perform best locally.
Check online reviews and testimonials to understand whether customers are consistently happy. Also, consider years in operation. A long-standing business has proven its ability to meet customer needs.
Product Quality and Selection
Look for a firm that partners with well-known, respected manufacturers. A good one offers various materials and styles to match your home’s architecture and your budget, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
The Sales Process and Customer Service
A trustworthy business does not use high-pressure sales tactics. Choose one that focuses on finding the right solution for your needs. You should receive a detailed, clear, written estimate that prevents surprise costs later. From the initial call onward, the team should be responsive, professional and easy to work with.
Installation Process and Team
Brands that use their own trained, in-house employees might have better quality control and accountability than those that subcontract. Look for craft warranties separate from the manufacturer’s product warranty. Ask about the installation process. A professional crew will be respectful of your home and manage the removal and disposal of your old door.
Who Offers the Best Patio Doors in Eastern Washington?
Renewal by Andersen stands out as the top patio door company in the region. With over 115 years of industry experience, its staff are experienced craftspeople. Its installations are known to be fast and efficient with minimal disruption and fully in-house service.
Renewal by Andersen® patio doors are extensively customizable to match the look of your home. Choose from sliding doors or French doors, which both come with an industry-leading, comprehensive set of warranties, including a lifetime one on installation.
The firm uses its exclusive Fibrex®, which is an extremely durable composite of wood grain and thermoplastic polymer. It’s more flexible than fiberglass, making for easier installation. The material is perfect for Eastern Washington’s climate because it doesn’t expand or contract and is highly energy-efficient. It’s also sustainable because it is made from reclaimed materials.
Why Upgrading Your Patio Doors Is a Smart Home Improvement Project
According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors, window and door upgrades account for four out of the five best remodeling investments, recouping a significant amount of their cost. Patio doors do double duty as both doors and windows, which makes them an attractive feature for potential buyers.
Modern doors can update a home’s look, creating a more inviting and stylish appearance inside and out. Expansive glass makes the living space feel larger and more connected to the outside. New doors help prevent drafts and heat transfer that could lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable environment year-round.
A Lasting Upgrade for Your Home
The right patio doors are an investment that boosts your home’s value, curb appeal and daily enjoyment. By focusing on durable materials and energy-efficient design for the local climate, you can make a confident choice that will enhance your space for decades to come.
