Types of Glass Doors: The Ultimate Guide

Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, choosing the right type of door can transform your space. This guide will help you understand the different types of glass doors, their unique features, and how to choose the perfect one for your needs, for both interior or exterior applications. If you’re dreaming of a beautiful, unique, and functional glass door, but you’d like to understand the options, benefits, pros and cons to each kind of door, you’re in the right place!

Types of Glass Doors

Here’s a list of the types of doors we’re covering in this article:

• All Glass Hinged Doors
• Sliding Glass Doors
• Sliding Glass Barn Doors
• Sliding Glass Pocket Doors
• French Glass Doors
• Folding Glass Doors
• Pivot Glass Doors
• Frameless Exterior Commercial Grade Glass Doors
• Fiberglass Doors with Glass
• Primed or Wood Doors with Composite Core with Glass

Why Choose Glass Doors?

Aesthetic Appeal

Enhancing Home Décor with Elegant Designs

Glass doors elevate home décor with their sleek and modern look, suitable for various interior styles. They create an open, airy feel, making rooms appear larger and more inviting. The reflective properties of glass enhance natural light, brightening up spaces and adding a touch of artistry with sandblasted or etched designs.

Functionality

Balancing Privacy and Natural Light

These doors balance privacy and natural light, especially frosted and sandblasted options. They provide privacy while allowing sunlight to filter through, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Glass doors also create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, maintaining a visual connection with the outside world.

The door below is a Maple wood framed door. The door features a beautiful frosted, carved glass insert with a design called “Metacurl”. The glass is semi private, in that there are clear areas in between the waves and textures in the glass. This type of door and glass is the perfect solution where you don’t need total privacy, but are looking to get a beautiful door that will provide semi privacy without blocking light, through beautiful art glass.

Versatility

Suitable for Various Spaces (Interior, Exterior, Shower Doors, etc.)

Glass doors are versatile, ideal for both interior and exterior applications, as well as specialized uses like shower doors and partitions. They work well for bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, and patios, offering space-saving designs and enhanced natural light.

All Glass Hinged Doors: Elegance and Functionality for Your Interior Spaces

All glass hinged doors are a stylish and functional choice for interior spaces, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic similar to that of a shower door. These glass doors are an excellent option for homeowners looking for a door that will be more unique than the more standard wood door or french door. They create an open, airy feel while still providing separation between rooms.

Depending on the size and weight of the glass, all glass hinged doors can be fitted with 2, 3, or even 4 hinges to ensure stability and smooth operation. At Sans Soucie Art Glass, our standard hinges are high-quality, self-centering, and solid construction, designed to provide a secure and reliable pivot point for your door. These hinges ensure that your door operates smoothly and remains perfectly aligned over time, even with frequent use.

All Glass Hinged doors are relatively easy to maintain compared to traditional wooden doors. They do not require painting or staining and can be cleaned with a simple glass cleaner to keep them looking pristine. This low maintenance aspect makes them a practical choice for busy homeowners who want both beauty and convenience.

All glass hinged doors are also incredibly versatile and can be used in various settings within your home. Whether you want to separate a dining room from the living room, create a private home office, or add a touch of sophistication to your entryway, these doors can be customized to fit any application. Their modern look complements a wide range of interior design styles, from contemporary to minimalist.

All glass hinged doors are essentially the same as hinged shower doors, offering the same sleek design and functional benefits. The primary difference lies in their application; while shower doors are used in bathrooms, these hinged glass doors can be installed in various interior spaces throughout your home. They share the same high-quality construction, including durable tempered glass and reliable, self-centering hinges, ensuring smooth operation and a modern aesthetic wherever they are used.

All Glass Hinged Doors as Shower Doors vs. Interior Doors: The Sandblast Surface

One important difference to point out when it comes to these doors featuring a frosted glass design and being installed as a shower door versus an interior door, is the sandblast surface. For a shower door, the sandblasting will be on the exterior surface with the smooth glass on the inside. This design makes it easy to clean the glass from inside the shower with a squeegee, maintaining a pristine look with minimal effort. When installed as an interior door between rooms, both sides are beautiful without question. However, we consider the optimum viewing side to be the smooth, clear glass. Why? Because it’s shiny, which is generally thought of as more appealing. That said, we do have clients who prefer the matte finish of the frosted and carved surface. What’s wonderful is that both sides are gorgeous, offering a stunning visual appeal from any angle.

The two doors shown below, are both a hinged, all glass interior door. The door on the left is a Shower Door. The door on the right is the same type of door, but installed in between rooms. The door on the right is 100% obscure for privacy, whereas the shower door has a clear glass background, allowing visibility thru the glass when inside the shower making it possible to view the beautiful tile when outside the shower, while enjoying the beauty of the carved glass design. These glass doors create a beautiful, custom element, no matter where they’re installed. Click here to see and learn about our various Sandblast Frosted Glass Effects!

Sliding Glass Doors: The Gateway to Your Backyard

Sliding glass doors are a popular choice for homeowners looking to create a seamless connection between their indoor living spaces and the backyard. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also bring in natural light and provide easy access to outdoor areas. Here are some key points to consider if you’re thinking about installing sliding glass doors:

Frame Materials

The frames for sliding glass doors can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits:

• Vinyl: Durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient. Vinyl frames resist moisture and won’t warp, peel, or corrode.
• Aluminum: Strong and lightweight, aluminum frames offer a sleek, modern look. They’re also resistant to corrosion, but they might not insulate as well as other materials.
• Wood: Provides a classic, warm appearance. Wood frames offer excellent insulation but require regular maintenance to prevent damage from moisture and insects.
• Fiberglass: Combines the best of both worlds – durability and energy efficiency. Fiberglass frames are strong, stable, and resistant to weathering, making them an excellent choice for exterior doors.

Glass Types and Thickness

For exterior sliding glass doors, safety and energy efficiency are paramount. Here’s what you need to know about the glass used:

• Tempered Glass: This type of glass is heat-treated to increase its strength. If it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces, reducing the risk of injury. Tempered glass is a standard for exterior doors due to its safety features.
• Double or Triple Glazing: To improve insulation, sliding glass doors often feature double or triple glazing. This means the door has two or three layers of glass with air or gas-filled spaces between them. This setup helps reduce heat transfer and enhances energy efficiency.
• Thickness: The glass in exterior sliding doors is typically around 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick for each pane. This thickness ensures durability and provides sufficient insulation.

Sliding glass doors can transform your home by enhancing its style and functionality. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your space or create an easy transition to your backyard, these doors are a great option. At Sans Soucie Art Glass, we can help you design custom frosted glass sliding doors that not only provide privacy but also add an artistic touch to your home.

Sliding Glass Barn Doors: A Modern Touch

Sliding glass barn doors have surged in popularity due to their blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. These doors save space by sliding along a track rather than swinging open, making them ideal for modern homes with open floor plans. The hardware options are diverse, including matte black, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze finishes, which allow homeowners to match their decor seamlessly. While sliding glass barn doors can be an investment, their aesthetic appeal and functionality often justify the cost. Typically, these doors use tempered glass for safety, with a thickness of around 3/8 inch (10 mm) to ensure durability and a substantial feel. At Sans Soucie Art Glass, we offer custom designs to make your sliding glass barn doors both stylish and unique.

Sliding Glass Pocket Doors: Seamless and Space-Saving

Sliding glass pocket doors are a fantastic interior option for homeowners looking to maximize space while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. These doors slide into a compartment within the wall, disappearing from view when fully opened and offering an unobstructed passageway.

Wall Construction and Preparation

Installing sliding glass pocket doors requires careful planning and wall preparation. The wall must be thick enough to accommodate the door and the sliding mechanism. Typically, this involves framing a pocket within the wall, which may require modifying existing wall studs and adding additional support to ensure stability. Here’s a helpful article we found about How to Install a Pocket Door.

Remodeling Considerations: Can Pocket Doors be Added?

Sliding glass pocket doors can certainly be added as part of a remodel. Here’s how it’s typically done:

• Assessment and Planning: A professional will assess the existing wall structure to determine feasibility and identify any potential obstacles, such as plumbing or electrical wiring.
• Wall Modification: The wall is opened up, and the necessary modifications are made to create the pocket. This includes adjusting the framing and installing a header to support the wall above the door.
• Track Installation: A track system is installed within the pocket, along with any necessary hardware for smooth operation.
• Door Installation: Finally, the sliding glass door is mounted on the track, and the wall is repaired and finished to create a seamless look.

At Sans Soucie Art Glass, we offer a range of custom frosted glass pocket doors, designed to fit perfectly into your space while adding a touch of elegance and privacy. Whether you’re building new or remodeling, sliding glass pocket doors can be a stylish and practical addition to your home.

French Glass Doors: Elegance and Versatility

French glass doors are a timeless choice that can add elegance and functionality as both an interior glass door or as a glass front door. Full-lite French doors are particularly striking, featuring a single, tall piece of glass that extends the length of the door. This design allows for maximum light transmission, creating an open, airy feel while providing clear views and a sense of spaciousness. Perfect for areas where you want to maintain a visual connection, such as between a living room and a sunroom, or leading out to a garden.

In addition to full-lite designs, there are French glass doors with multiple panes of glass. These doors typically feature grids that divide the glass into smaller sections, creating a classic, more traditional look. The grids can vary in style, from simple and understated to more elaborate designs. These multi-pane doors are versatile and can enhance the character of both modern and traditional homes, providing a beautiful architectural detail.

French Doors with Multiple Glass Panes

At Sans Soucie Art Glass, we’re all about the glass. That’s why our interior frosted glass doors are French doors that feature single, full-lite glass. Our sandblast frosted glass, carved, and painted glass art is best displayed on a single, uninterrupted piece of glass, rather than divided into multiple panes. This approach not only enhances the beauty of the artwork but also allows for a more cohesive and elegant look. Whether you’re seeking to add a touch of sophistication to your interior spaces or create a stunning entryway, our full-lite French glass doors are the perfect choice to showcase our unique and intricate frosted glass designs. If you’re looking for something more unique than just a plain glass french door, click these links to browse our beautiful Interior French Doors with Frosted Glass, as well as Frosted Glass Front Doors. Here’s a few articles we think you’ll find helpful:

Everything You Need to Know About Parts of a Door

Prehung vs Slab Doors: A Guide to Understanding What’s Best for Your Home

Folding Glass Doors: Versatility and Modern Appeal

Folding glass doors, also known as bi-fold doors, have become increasingly popular in both residential and commercial settings due to their versatility and modern appeal. These doors are especially favored in homes that aim to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, such as in living rooms that open onto patios, gardens, or pool areas. Their design allows multiple glass panels to fold back and stack neatly against the wall, creating a wide, unobstructed opening. This feature makes these doors perfect for hosting gatherings, enhancing ventilation, and maximizing natural light. In commercial spaces, they are often used in restaurants, cafes, and event venues to create a flexible and open environment. Folding glass doors are an excellent choice for anyone looking to maximize space and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas. Check out this article for helpful information about out Folding Glass Doors.

Folding Glass Doors (aka Bi-Fold Doors). Example showing wider doors.

Pivot Glass Doors

Pivot glass doors rotate on a pivot hinge at the top and bottom, allowing the door to swing open in both directions. They offer a unique and modern entryway. This glass pivot door in the photos below, is extra wide at 48″. Notice that the pivot hinge is inset approximately 12″ from the edge, a design choice that effectively distributes the door’s weight. By positioning the hinge inward, the door’s balance is improved, making it easier to open and close smoothly. This inset placement helps support the substantial weight of the glass, ensuring both durability and ease of use while maintaining a sleek and modern feel. It reduces the overall actual opening width, but is needed for weight bearing. This door also includes a metal header beam at the top, where the housing for the pivot hinge is set. Headers are not a requirement, as the housing can also be installed into the wall above the door if the construction of the wall allows for it.

Pivot doors are ideal for front entrances and modern interiors. They provide a wide and impressive entryway, adding a touch of luxury to any home.

Frameless Exterior Commercial Grade Doors: Ultimate Quality and Luxury

Frameless exterior commercial grade doors are the epitome of sophistication and quality, offering the most high-end look and feel of any glass door on the market. These doors are crafted with the highest level of precision and durability, making them a preferred choice for commercial spaces such as upscale offices, luxury hotels, and high-end retail stores, and high end homes. The absence of a frame creates a sleek, seamless appearance that enhances the modern aesthetic of any building.

Constructed from thick, tempered glass, these doors provide superior strength and security while maintaining a minimalist and elegant look. The hardware for frameless commercial doors is also of premium quality. This includes a full-length header with 90º hold open concealed closures, two vertical jambs with cladding, and standard 4″ square door rails at the top and bottom. The bottom rails come with cylinder locks on the outside and thumb turns on the inside for added security. An aluminum saddle threshold, CRL Tubular 12″ back-to-back door pulls are standard, but luxury upgraded door pulls are also available. Additionally, these doors feature pile weather strips, brush sweeps on all four door edges, and door pivots that are threshold mounted with center locks. All of these components are part of the standard hardware kit for exterior frameless doors sold by Sans Soucie Art Glass. You can click here to download a PDF of the Standard Hardware Kit.

Examples of Door Pulls and Upgraded Door Pulls for Exterior Frameless Doors

The clean lines and transparent nature of frameless exterior commercial grade doors allow natural light to flood the interior spaces, creating an inviting and open atmosphere. These doors are not only functional but also serve as a striking architectural element that can elevate the overall design of a building. For businesses or homeowners looking to make a lasting impression, frameless glass doors are the ultimate choice for combining functionality with luxury.

Design and Security of Exterior Glass Doors

Which is More Secure? Exterior All Glass Doors or Framed Glass Front Doors?

Overall, the security of either type of glass door depends largely on the quality of the materials used and the additional security features implemented. Frameless all-glass doors offer a modern, sleek look with high-quality tempered or laminated glass and advanced locking mechanisms, providing strong security with proper installation and maintenance. Wood-framed glass doors offer robust construction and the ability to incorporate a variety of locking systems and reinforcements, making them equally secure when properly maintained.

Ultimately, the choice between frameless all-glass doors and wood-framed glass doors will depend on your specific security needs, aesthetic preferences, and willingness to maintain the doors to ensure their long-term effectiveness. Both options can be secure if equipped with the right features and materials.

Longevity Comparison: Fiberglass Doors vs. Primed or Wood Doors with Composite Core

When it comes to choosing an exterior door, longevity is a crucial factor to consider. Here’s a comparison between fiberglass doors and primed or wood doors made with an inner composite material to help you understand which option might last longer and why.

Fiberglass Doors

1. Durability:
   • Weather Resistance: Fiberglass doors are highly resistant to weathering. They do not warp, crack, or rot when exposed to moisture, making them ideal for areas with extreme weather conditions.
   • Impact Resistance: Fiberglass doors are strong and can withstand impacts without denting or scratching easily. This makes them durable over the long term, even in high-traffic areas.
2. Maintenance:
   • Low Maintenance: Fiberglass doors require minimal maintenance. They don’t need to be painted frequently and can be cleaned with just soap and water. They also resist pests like termites, which can be a problem for wood doors.
3. Lifespan:
   • Longevity: Fiberglass doors can last for decades, often around 20-30 years or more, depending on the quality of the door and the conditions it is exposed to. They maintain their appearance and structural integrity over time.

Primed or Wood Doors with Composite Core

1. Durability:
   • Composite Core Benefits: Doors with a composite core are designed to offer enhanced stability and resistance to warping and cracking compared to solid wood doors. The composite material is less prone to environmental damage.
   • Wood Exterior: The outer layer of these doors, whether wood or primed for painting, can be susceptible to weather-related issues. Wood can swell, warp, or rot if not properly maintained.
2. Maintenance:
   • Regular Maintenance Needed: Wood and primed doors need regular maintenance to ensure longevity. This includes painting or staining to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage, as well as periodic inspections for signs of rot or pest damage.
3. Lifespan:
   • Variable Longevity: The lifespan of wood doors with a composite core can vary significantly. With proper maintenance, they can last 15-20 years or more. However, neglecting maintenance can significantly reduce their lifespan, leading to issues like rot, warping, and pest damage.

Which Will Last Longer and Why?

Fiberglass Doors are generally considered to last longer than wood or primed doors with a composite core. The primary reasons for this are:

• Weather Resistance: Fiberglass is impervious to moisture, extreme temperatures, and pests, making it highly durable in a wide range of environments.
• Low Maintenance: The minimal maintenance requirements of fiberglass doors contribute to their long lifespan. They don’t need regular painting or sealing, which reduces the risk of neglect leading to deterioration.
• Structural Integrity: Fiberglass maintains its shape and strength over time, whereas wood can be prone to warping, swelling, and rot, especially if not meticulously maintained.

While Wood Doors with a Composite Core can also offer good durability and longevity, they require more regular upkeep to ensure they remain in good condition. The composite core helps improve their stability and resistance to warping, but the exterior wood layer needs consistent maintenance to protect against the elements.

In summary, if longevity and low maintenance are your primary concerns, fiberglass doors are likely the better choice. They offer superior durability and resistance to environmental factors, ensuring they remain functional and attractive for many years with minimal effort.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Professional Installation

Ensuring Perfect Fit and Function

For most glass doors, hiring a professional installer is best to ensure a perfect fit and smooth operation. Professionals handle precise measurements and alignment, ensuring your doors function perfectly and last longer. However, replacing a glass door slab or sliding barn door can be a manageable DIY project for those with basic handyman skills.

Maintenance Guidelines

Keeping Your Glass Doors Pristine and Beautiful

Maintain your glass by regularly cleaning with a non-abrasive glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Keep the tracks and hardware clean and lubricated for smooth operation. Check sealants and weatherstripping periodically, replacing them if worn or damaged. Regular maintenance will keep your doors looking beautiful and functioning well. Check out our article: How to Clean Frosted Glass: The Ultimate Guide! Top 19 FAQs

Conclusion

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right glass doors for your home can transform your living space, adding beauty, light, and functionality. From the sleek modern look of all glass doors to the traditional elegance of framed options, each type offers unique benefits to suit different styles and needs. Whether you need maximum privacy, enhanced security, or a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, there’s a glass door that’s perfect for you.

We encourage you to explore the various options and select the ideal glass door that will enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality.

Elevate Your Space with Sans Soucie Art Glass

Any one of the different glass door types we’ve discussed can go to a whole new level when they become works of art by Sans Soucie Art Glass. Imagine transforming a plain glass door into a stunning masterpiece that not only adds beauty but also tells a story. At Sans Soucie Art Glass, we specialize in creating custom, decorative glass designs that elevate any space. Our unique sandblast frosted, carved, and painted glass art can turn an ordinary door into a breathtaking focal point. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your entryway, create a serene atmosphere in your bathroom, or make a bold statement in your living room, our designs offer the perfect combination of luxury, style, and privacy. Let us help you bring your vision to life and make your home truly one-of-a-kind. Step into a world where art meets glass, and let your doors reflect your unique taste and personality.

We’re here to help and would love to assist you in finding the perfect glass door for your home. For consultations and further inquiries, please reach out to us at 760-328-3399. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm PST. Feel free to contact us anytime—we’re excited to help you transform your space!