
Offered by Renewal by Andersen
Sliding Patio Doors
Big Views; Space Saving Design
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors are an excellent choice if you want to have big views but need to conserve floor space. Because it slides on a track, a sliding glass door is, by necessity, two panels, so you do need a fair amount of wall space to have a sliding door. That being said, they are great if you have limited floor space. Like their cousin in the window family, the sliding or gliding window, a sliding patio door does not protrude into the space (interior or exterior) and is a great option for walkways, narrow rooms, or places where you may want furnishings near by.
Many people feel like a sliding or gliding patio door is the more contemporary or modern type of patio door (as compared to a hinged or French patio door). However, at Renewal by Andersen, we are all about customization! So if you love the look of a “traditional” French door, but need to save space, consider leveraging grille options to recreate that traditional many-lite look. And, of course, our Andersen sliding glass doors patio doors come in both contemporary styling with narrower rails and larger glass area (A-Series and 200 Series), as well as traditional styling with the wider rails (A-Series and 400 Series).
For those concerned about the security and energy efficiency of sliding doors, all of our patio doors feature tempered glass, as well as the unique Andersen® reachout locking system that pulls the door panel snugly into the jamb for weathertightness and enhanced security. Additional security options are available. And of course, our Andersen sliding glass doors are also energy efficient and can be configured to meet ENERGY STAR® Certification in most areas.
ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Browse Sliding Doors
Andersen® sliding patio doors offer performance and beauty in a wide variety of styles and configurations. As beautiful as they are functional, these doors are built to optimize thermal efficiency, increase security, and improve ease of operation, all with as little maintenance as possible. When you're ready to get started, set up a free appointment and let our design consultants help you design the door you've always wanted.
FAQs About Sliding/Gliding Patio Doors
If you've got questions about sliding patio doors or the replacement process, we've got answers... Check out some of our most frequently asked questions about the sliding versions of our 200 Series, 400 Series, and A-Series patio doors.
Curious to take an in-depth look at window and door replacement topics and products? Check out our resources section. For design inspiration, head over to our design library!
What’s the difference between a French-door patio door and a sliding glass patio door?
Many people think that a French door refers to the style of grilles on the door—typically Colonial or equal lite grilles, both of which can feature numerous “lites” (the squares or rectangles created by the grilles).
In reality, what defines a French door is the operation of the doors—not the appearance. French doors have hinges on the side and swing open either to the home’s interior (inswing) or toward the exterior (outswing).
Conversely, a sliding (or gliding) patio door does not swing at all… it slides on a track and requires no additional floor space to operate.
Many people feel like a sliding or gliding patio door is the more contemporary or modern of the two styles. However, at Renewal by Andersen, we are all about customization! So if you love the look of a “traditional” French door, but need to save space, consider leveraging grille options to recreate that traditional many-lite look.
What are the advantages to a sliding glass door?
Because it slides on a track, a sliding glass door is, by necessity, a minimum of two panels. We LOVE all the light that comes in and the big views.
Another advantage is the space savings…like their cousin in the window family, the sliding or gliding window, a sliding patio door does not protrude into the space (interior or exterior) and is a great option for walkways, narrow rooms, or places where you may want furnishings near by.
Finally, our optional footlock is a great accessory available on sliding doors. The lock can be set so the door is fully closed or partially open to provide a secure venting position.
How many panels can I have in a replacement sliding patio door?
Are your sliding glass doors energy efficient?
Just like when we talk about windows, when we talk about the energy efficiency of patio doors, we have to consider the whole picture—from the frame to the glass to the installation.
A properly installed replacement patio door can help you save money on your energy bills. We offer configurations for ENERGY STAR certified doors for most climate zones across the country—discuss which glass options fit the bill for your area with your design consultant.
The Andersen® patio doors we carry and install offer a wide variety of glass options to suit most every climate zone, including dual- and triple-pane options, and numerous coating types for cold climates, warm sunny climates, and everything in between. Learn more about the benefits of our available glass options here.
And of course, installation is paramount. The best windows and doors will do you a disservice if they are not installed correctly and professionally. Improperly installed product can lead to damage of your home and door, as well as gaps, air infiltration, and more. At Renewal by Andersen, we know the right way to install every product we sell, in every part of the country and within a wide variety of unique home construction styles—and of course we warrant our products AND our installation.
ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. See website for specific configuration details.
Are replacement sliding patio doors secure?
All of our patio doors feature tempered glass, as well as the unique Andersen® reachout locking system that pulls the door panel snugly into the jamb for weathertightness and enhanced security.
For additional peace of mind, consider adding a six-pin key cylinder lock (available in hardware-coordinating styles and finishes). This lock allows the gliding door to be locked and unlocked from the exterior.
Another security option is an auxillary footlock. The footlock provides an extra measure of security when the door is in a locked position. The lock can be set so the door is fully closed or partially open to provide a secure venting position and is available in all hardware finishes.
Finally, select models and configurations are available with Stormwatch®: a PG upgrade featuring heavy-duty rollers and reinforced frame and panel components to allow standard glass units to achieve higher performance ratings. Andersen® patio door products with Stormwatch® protection are designed and tested to meet the tough building code requirements* in coastal areas.
*Tested to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101 I.S.2/A440-08. Performance values vary by product line. View Product Performance Data at Andersen Windows. See your local code official for building code requirements in your area.
Are there different glass options for sliding patio doors?
Yes! You can work with your Design Consultant to decide which type of high-performance glass option is right for your home and climate zone. Options include:
Our Andersen® patio doors also offer enhanced triple pane options; ask your Design Consultant for more information on choosing triple pane.
Visit the Glass Options page to learn more about each of the different types of glass available.
Can I get screens for my sliding patio doors?
Absolutely. Although it does vary by series a bit, there are two primary options for insect screens: gliding (or sliding) and retractable. All insect screens have a long-lasting* fiberglass screen mesh and are color matched to the exterior of the door, unless otherwise specified.
Gliding/sliding screens are available for two- and four-panel doors. Andersen’s patented square corner joint construction adds considerable strength to the frame members. These insect screens are equipped with bottom rollers that have self-contained leveling adjusters to provide smooth operation.
The retractable insect screen is available for two-panel patio doors. The retractable insect screen is installed on the exterior of the door and opens side to side across the width of the opening. When the insect screen is not in use, it neatly retracts into a small canister mounted on the exterior of the door.
*See warranty for details.
How long does it take to replace a sliding glass patio door?
The time your job takes varies depending on the number of windows and doors, the size of your crew, and the complexity of your structure — and a large majority of our replacement jobs are completed in as little as one day!
Our Hassle-Free Process

Step 1
Design Consultation

Step 2
Measure and Manufacture

Step 3
Installation

Step 4
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