A homeowner who wishes to be able to access and view his or her yard from the home's inside often chooses to install patio doors. These specially designed windows double as doors that allow a person to both see what is outside the home, as well as provide an exit to the outside yard.

An individual patio door typically stands seven feet high and features a width of four feet. Some homeowners prefer to place two doors side by side, making for a width of eight feet. Side by side doors are sometimes referred to as French doors and they may be as decorative or as simple as the owner desires.

Choosing the right style of door can require that a person consider the overall appearance of the home, as well as its practical uses. Some people prefer to match their doors to the home's exterior color and material in order to avoid marring the house's appearance. They want the doors to blend in and look natural instead of standing out in color or material.

A person may also consider for what purpose this door will be used and how often it will be handled by people inside the home. For doors that will be used frequently, home building and remodeling experts recommend that people choose doors made from sturdy wood or a durable metal, such as aluminum.

Further, people should consider whether or not to include door handles on the door for the pulling open and shutting motion of the door. If a person does not want the door to move in such a manner, he or she can opt to have sliding doors installed.

It is possible for a homeowner to install one of these doors by himself or herself. This individual should ensure that the correct tools are on hand. These tools can include wood shims, caulk, roofing paper, molding, screws, and nails.

Most people, however, consider the installation of these doors to be beyond their capabilities. For that reason, they may choose to purchase their doors from a retailer that offers installation services along with the sale. The cost of the installation typically will be included in the final cost of the product.

Caring for such a door involves some basic steps that, if followed, can ensure its long life and practical use. An owner should regularly wipe down and clean the patio doors with a mild soap and water. To ensure that no streaks are left on the windows, he or she can use a soft cloth or even paper towels to wipe away excess water. People should also inspect and repair as necessary the weather stripping that seals the opening at the top and bottom. Doors made out of wood can be cleaned and maintained with wood polishing products that are sold at most grocery stores. For the mechanical components of the door, a person should regularly tighten loose screws and replace stripped screws to ensure that the door open and closes as it should.