Patio doors may be swinging, sliding, or even folding. They generally consist of two “leaves” or doors in a single frame, though three or more leaves aren’t uncommon, particularly in larger spaces. These doors not only permit passage, but are typically designed and arranged to maximize light, views, and ventilation. As in the case of entry systems, they may also be assembled, or ganged, with transoms and sidelights in some instances.

Marvin Clad Color Palette
Marvin Clad Color Palette

Exterior Finish –

Marvin’s low maintenance, clad-wood products feature an extruded aluminum exterior finished in commercial-grade paint for superior resistance to fading and chalking. Marvin’s palette of nineteen durable colors includes a spectrum of rich colors and three fresh, pearlescent finishes.

Integrity by Marvin doors feature exteriors made from Ultrex, a proprietary pultruded fiberglass product developed initially for use as sills with Marvin’s Ultimate series doors. Engineers at Marvin soon realized that if the material worked as sills, entire assemblies could be created from it, providing a long-lasting, virtually maintenance-free exterior.

Interior Finish –

With 4 primary choices, we’ve laid out why you might select one over another.

  • Bare wood – This is typically used for a project that will be field finished, usually to match an existing color or finish.
  • Primed wood – This choice saves a step in the painting process. Once installed, the interior of your new door is ready to receive paint in the color and finish of your choice.
  • Factory pre-finished – This can be a real time-saver, as it may negate the need to bring in a painter to finish your new doors. Choose a pre-finished paint color (either black or white) or select any of the pre-finished stains from Marvin.
  • Bare fiberglass – Often used in applications where schedules are tight or there’s a desire on the customer’s part not to have to finish their doors, some select Integrity All-Ultrex units from Marvin. These doors are sleek, modern, moisture and decay resistant.
Patio doors - SDL by Marvin
Ultimate French Doors with custom SDL by Marvin

SDL – What is it?

SDL stands for Simulated Divided Light.  Older doors with multiple panes of glass were traditionally constructed in what’s known as “authentic divided light”, or ADL form. In other words individual panes of glass were separated with pieces of wood known as “muntins”. The space between the exterior of the sash and the glass was then filled with putty. These days technology and energy efficiency dictate that most doors use a single large piece of glass with the muntins applied to either side. These simulated divided lights, or SDL’s, greatly reduce the air leakage that was common with ADL doors.  Click here to learn more and to see SDL options from Marvin.

Glazing –

Low E2 or Low E 3 glass with argon is generally recommended for our area (to learn more about Low E glass, see this video).  There are occasions when a unique situation requires the use of specialty glass.  Privacy glass is one example where customers sometimes select something that’s a bit of a departure from the ordinary. Another example is a high noise environment where sound minimizing glass is sometimes used.

Hardware –

Marvin designs durable and elegant hardware  – in a variety of finishes — that works seamlessly with their windows and doors.

Patio door options - Shades by Marvin
Integrated shades by Marvin

Screens –

Marvin offers a few screen solutions to meet your project needs. Feel free to contact us to learn more.

Shades –

The latest offering from Marvin, fully integrated interior shades are now available in a wide variety of colors for your windows or doors.