Tips
Parts of a patio door
What are the parts of a sliding glass patio door
Panel: The glass and supporting pieces around it together form the panel. A traditional gliding patio door has two panels — one that moves and one that doesn’t.
Frame: The outer structure of a door that holds it in place and connects it with the wall.
Stiles: Vertical pieces of a panel found outside the glass on the left and the right sides of a panel. Also called “side stiles.” On a French door, the side stiles may also be wider than on a contemporary-style panel.
Rails: Horizontal pieces of the panel found outside the glass at the top and the bottom of a panel, and called, respectively, the top rail and the bottom rail. A French door typically has a high bottom rail.
Trim/casing/millwork: Although it’s not technically a part of the door, it’s a key component of its finished look. On the interior, the decorative framing that outlines a door bridging the gap between the door and the wall is called casing. On the exterior, decorative trim around the door is referred to as the “exterior trim.”
Hardware: The handle and lock that allow a door to be moved and secured.
Glazing: The glass in the door panel.
Sill: The horizontal piece at the bottom of a door frame aligning with the floor.
Talk like a pro: Patio door handing
Patio door FAQ
You can select from a variety of hardware options when choosing a new patio door. Styles range from traditional to contemporary, with many different finishes to choose from. Explore our hardware collection.
Do you offer any smart locks?
Yes, the Yale® Assure Lock® is available on our patio doors and front doors. This smart lock allows you to monitor, lock, and unlock your door from anywhere — no keys required. Get more details.
Are screens available for patio doors?
Yes! Our new retractable insect screen is made specifically for our patio doors. A retractable screen offers all the benefits of a traditional panel screen — keeping insects out and facilitating fresh airflow — but it also disappears when not in use, so it won’t block your light or views. Check out more information
Examining the product may be the easiest way to identify the manufacturer. Two common placements of branding include hardware and glass. For Andersen® products, you’ll find the logo on both — engraved on the locking hardware and etched in the bottom right corner of the glass.
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