Andersen offers patio doors across several product series, giving homeowners different combinations of materials, operating styles, architectural character and customization. For Hampton Roads homeowners, the right choice is less about finding one universally “best” series and more about matching the door to the opening, the home’s design, the desired operation and the level of customization that matters most.
Better View Windows & More can help homeowners compare Andersen patio door options in the context of the actual project. The overview below focuses on Andersen’s 100, 200, 400, A-Series and E-Series patio doors and the differences that are most useful when narrowing the lineup.
How Andersen Patio Door Series Differ
The Andersen series overlap in some areas, but they are not interchangeable. Some are available only as gliding patio doors, while others include both gliding and hinged configurations. Materials also change across the lineup, from Fibrex® composite construction to wood interiors protected by vinyl, fiberglass or aluminum exteriors.
- Operating style: gliding/sliding, hinged/French, or both
- Frame and panel materials
- Interior and exterior appearance
- Color, wood species and finish choices
- Panel configurations and opening requirements
- Glass, grille, hardware and privacy options
- Performance options for the specific product and configuration
Andersen 100 Series Patio Doors
The 100 Series patio door offering is centered on the 100 Series Gliding Patio Door. It uses Andersen’s Fibrex composite material and has a clean, contemporary appearance. Because the panels slide rather than swing into or out of the room, it can be especially useful where preserving floor, deck or patio space is important.
Andersen positions the 100 Series gliding patio door as a low-maintenance option within its sliding-door lineup. It is a logical series to consider when homeowners want a streamlined sliding configuration and Fibrex material without moving into the wood-interior product families.
- Gliding patio door configuration
- Fibrex composite material
- Contemporary styling
- Space-saving sliding operation
- Low-maintenance product positioning
Andersen 200 Series Patio Doors
The 200 Series gives homeowners several patio door choices. On the sliding side, Andersen currently offers the 200 Series Perma-Shield® Gliding Patio Door and 200 Series Narroline® Gliding Patio Door. The series also includes a hinged patio door for homeowners who prefer traditional swing operation.
The Perma-Shield gliding door uses wood protected by vinyl on the interior and exterior and is designed around a contemporary sliding-door format. The Narroline gliding door uses wood protected by a vinyl exterior and is notable for its comparatively narrow frame profile. Andersen’s 200 Series Hinged Patio Door provides a different experience entirely, opening into the room to preserve patio space.
- Perma-Shield and Narroline gliding patio door options
- Hinged patio door option
- Wood-based construction with protective exterior materials depending on product
- Blinds-between-the-glass available on applicable configurations
- A useful middle ground for homeowners comparing straightforward Andersen patio door choices
Andersen 400 Series Patio Doors
The 400 Series is one of Andersen’s best-known residential product families and includes both gliding and hinged patio doors. The 400 Series Gliding Patio Door combines a wood interior with a vinyl-protected exterior and traditional styling. The 400 Series Hinged Patio Door also uses a wood interior with a vinyl-protected exterior and is designed around a more traditional French-door appearance.
For hinged applications, Andersen offers one-, two- and three-panel configurations. The hinged door opens into the room, which can preserve outdoor patio or deck space. Applicable 400 Series patio doors can also be configured with options such as blinds between the glass, while triple-pane glass is available on applicable patio door configurations.
- Gliding and hinged patio door options
- Wood interiors protected by vinyl exteriors
- Traditional design emphasis
- Multiple hinged-panel configurations
- Blinds-between-the-glass on applicable products
- Triple-pane glass available on applicable configurations
Andersen A-Series Patio Doors
A-Series expands both design and performance choices while retaining a wood interior. Andersen offers A-Series gliding and hinged patio doors, with fiberglass used as a primary protective exterior material. The series is designed to work particularly well with classic architectural styles while still offering contemporary panel choices.
The A-Series Hinged Patio Door can be configured as a single-, two- or three-panel door and can open inward or outward, giving homeowners more flexibility when interior or exterior clearance affects the project. Blinds-between-the-glass are also available. For coastal projects, Andersen identifies Stormwatch® impact-resistant protection as an option on applicable A-Series patio doors.
- Gliding and hinged patio door options
- Wood interiors with fiberglass-protected exteriors
- Traditional and contemporary panel styles
- Inswing and outswing hinged configurations
- Blinds-between-the-glass option
- Stormwatch impact-resistant options on applicable products
Andersen E-Series Patio Doors
E-Series offers the greatest design flexibility among the five series compared here. Both gliding and hinged patio doors are available, combining wood interiors with aluminum-protected exteriors. Andersen currently highlights 50 standard exterior colors, nine interior wood species and 11 stain choices for E-Series patio doors, giving homeowners substantially more freedom to coordinate the door with the home.
E-Series can work with classic or contemporary design goals and supports more customized architectural applications. Hinged products are available with traditional French or contemporary panel styles, while gliding products can be used in larger compositions with stationary panels and coordinated windows. Stormwatch impact-resistant protection is also available on applicable E-Series patio doors.
- Gliding and hinged patio door options
- Wood interiors protected by aluminum exteriors
- Extensive exterior color selection
- Multiple interior wood species and stain choices
- Traditional and contemporary design possibilities
- Stormwatch impact-resistant options on applicable products
Andersen Patio Door Series Comparison
| Series | Patio Door Types | Primary Material Approach | Design Direction | Notable Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Series | Gliding | Fibrex composite | Contemporary | Low-maintenance, space-saving sliding format |
| 200 Series | Gliding + hinged | Wood with protective vinyl/fiberglass/aluminum depending on product | Contemporary to traditional | Perma-Shield, Narroline, blinds-between-glass on applicable products |
| 400 Series | Gliding + hinged | Wood interior / vinyl-protected exterior | Traditional | Multiple hinged configurations, blinds-between-glass, applicable triple-pane |
| A-Series | Gliding + hinged | Wood interior / fiberglass-protected exterior | Classic + contemporary | Inswing/outswing hinged options, Stormwatch on applicable products |
| E-Series | Gliding + hinged | Wood interior / aluminum-protected exterior | Highly customizable | 50 standard exterior colors, multiple woods/stains, Stormwatch on applicable products |
Gliding vs. Hinged Availability by Series
Operating style is one of the fastest ways to narrow the Andersen patio door lineup. The 100 Series is represented by a gliding patio door, while the 200, 400, A-Series and E-Series include both sliding/gliding and hinged choices. That distinction matters because the way a door opens affects furniture placement, traffic flow, usable patio or deck space and the architectural character of the opening.
A gliding or sliding patio door moves along its frame and does not require swing clearance. A hinged patio door opens like a traditional door and can create the classic French-door look, including wider double-door openings in applicable configurations.
For a deeper look specifically at the hinged options, compare the Andersen French and hinged patio door series or explore our broader guide to Andersen French and hinged patio door features and options.
Materials Across the Andersen Patio Door Lineup
Material is another major difference between Andersen patio door series. The 100 Series uses Fibrex composite material. The 200 and 400 Series use wood with protective materials that vary by product. A-Series pairs wood interiors with fiberglass protection, while E-Series combines wood interiors with aluminum exteriors.
These material differences affect more than maintenance. They also influence interior appearance, exterior color choices, architectural detailing and the amount of customization available. Homeowners who want a wood interior, for example, will naturally compare a different portion of the lineup than someone focused on a contemporary composite patio door.
Glass, Privacy and Energy-Efficiency Options
The amount of glass in a patio door makes glass selection especially important. Andersen offers Low-E glass options across its patio door lineup, while triple-pane glass is available on applicable A-Series, E-Series, 400 Series and 200 Series patio doors. The ideal configuration depends on the specific product, exposure, performance goals and local project requirements.
Blinds-between-the-glass are available on several Andersen patio door products, including applicable 200, 400 and A-Series configurations. This option places the blinds within the glass assembly, providing adjustable privacy and light control without exposed cords or a separate interior window treatment.
Coastal and Impact-Resistant Patio Door Options
For some Hampton Roads projects, coastal exposure and impact requirements can become part of the product selection process. Andersen offers Stormwatch impact-resistant protection on applicable A-Series and E-Series patio doors. These products use laminated glass and additional product features intended for locations where wind-borne debris protection is required or desired.
Impact requirements are project- and location-specific, so homeowners should not assume that every patio door in a series has the same rating. Better View can help determine which available configuration is appropriate for the home and opening.
How Do Andersen Big Doors Fit Into the Patio Door Lineup?
Homeowners planning an opening substantially larger than a conventional patio door may also want to compare Andersen’s Big Door systems. Products such as MultiGlide and Liftslide extend the sliding-door concept to much larger architectural openings, with configurations that can stack or pocket panels out of the primary opening.
Andersen MultiGlide is designed around large straight sliding openings with options such as stacking, pocketing and automation. Andersen Liftslide extends the concept to even larger panels and more customized configurations, including applicable corner and curved systems. Homeowners considering this category can compare the broader lineup in our Andersen Big Door Systems Compared guide.
Which Andersen Patio Door Series Is Right for Your Home?
The series name is only one part of the decision. A useful comparison starts with how the door needs to operate and then narrows the lineup by material, design and performance.
Consider 100 Series when: You want a contemporary gliding patio door, Fibrex composite construction and a low-maintenance approach.
Consider 200 Series when: You want practical Andersen gliding or hinged choices and do not need the extensive customization of the upper series.
Consider 400 Series when: You prefer traditional styling, a wood interior and the flexibility to choose between gliding and hinged patio doors.
Consider A-Series when: Architectural character, enhanced configuration flexibility, fiberglass exterior protection or applicable coastal options are priorities.
Consider E-Series when: You want the broadest color, wood, finish and design flexibility or are planning a more customized patio door composition.
Planning an Andersen Patio Door Project in Hampton Roads
A patio door should be selected for the opening and the way the surrounding space is used. Before choosing a series, consider whether a sliding or hinged door works better with furniture, walkways, decks and patios; how much glass and natural light you want; whether a traditional or contemporary appearance fits the home; and which material and finish choices coordinate with the interior and exterior.
Better View Windows & More can help Hampton Roads homeowners compare Andersen patio door series, operating styles, materials, glass and design options and determine which configurations make sense for the project. Homeowners can also visit the Better View showroom in Virginia Beach to discuss available door options.
Andersen Patio Door Series FAQs
Which Andersen series offer sliding patio doors?
Andersen currently offers gliding patio doors in the 100, 200, 400, A-Series and E-Series product families, with different materials and design options across the lineup.
Which Andersen series offer French or hinged patio doors?
Andersen currently offers hinged patio doors in the 200, 400, A-Series and E-Series. The 100 Series patio door offering is gliding rather than hinged.
Which Andersen patio door series offers the most customization?
E-Series provides the broadest design flexibility among these series, including extensive exterior color choices, multiple interior wood species and stain options.
What is the main material difference between A-Series and E-Series patio doors?
Both use wood interiors, but A-Series uses fiberglass as a primary protective exterior material while E-Series uses aluminum exterior cladding.
Can Andersen patio doors have triple-pane glass?
Yes. Andersen currently lists triple-pane glass availability on applicable A-Series, E-Series, 400 Series and 200 Series patio doors.
Does Andersen offer impact-resistant patio doors?
Yes. Stormwatch impact-resistant protection is available on applicable A-Series and E-Series patio doors. The exact product and configuration should be confirmed for the project.
Are blinds-between-the-glass available on Andersen patio doors?
Yes. Andersen offers blinds-between-the-glass on several applicable patio door products, including configurations within the 200, 400 and A-Series lines.
Should I choose a gliding or hinged Andersen patio door?
Choose based on available swing space, traffic flow, architectural style, desired opening width and how the adjoining interior and exterior areas are used. Gliding doors save swing space, while hinged doors can provide a more traditional French-door appearance and a wider clear opening in applicable configurations.
Compare Andersen Patio Doors with Better View
Choosing between Andersen 100, 200, 400, A-Series and E-Series patio doors becomes easier when the comparison starts with your home. Better View Windows & More can help you evaluate operating style, materials, glass, design options and installation considerations for your Hampton Roads project.
Schedule a consultation or call Better View Windows & More at 757-689-6210.