French Patio Doors vs Sliding Patio Doors: Which Patio Door is Best for my Home?

When deciding which door to choose for your patio, the choice usually comes down to two options: French doors or sliding patio doors. This blog will go over the pros and cons of French patio doors and sliding patio doors to help you figure out which door is best for your home.

French and sliding patio doors both have their pros and cons. Depending on your home, one door may work better for you than the other. That is why it is important you consider the following before deciding which door you will go with:

• The space in your home/patio
• The design/style you’re going for
• The type of convenience you want

Space

It is essential that you consider the amount of space you have in your home and patio before deciding on which door you want. If your space is limited or if your doors are close to furniture, then it could obstruct the space needed for opening a French door. In this case, it would be more convenient to go with a sliding door. Sliding doors don’t take up any space other than wall space. Sliding doors allow you to plan out the design of your space without having to worry about the limitations caused by French doors.

Even though sliding doors provide a lot more flexibility with furniture arrangement in your home, French doors provide a wider opening, making it easier to move in big furniture. French doors also allow more space for foot traffic for whenever you’re hosting a party in your home as well. However, if you choose to go with French doors, you need to be aware of the path around the doors while designing the plan of your room because you will not be able to place anything too close to the doors if you want them to open fully.

Design

Both French and sliding patio doors have unique styles that complement homes in different ways. That is why it is important that you consider the configuration you are aiming for to then be able to evaluate both styles fully. Although both styles let in a lot of natural light, sliding patio doors’ large panes of glass allow for the entry of a lot of natural light and unobstructed views of the outdoors. They create an illusion of having a larger space, similar to the effect of a mirror. If you want your home to have more natural light and unobstructed views, then a sliding patio door would be the choice to go with.

However, many homeowners feel that French doors match better with the style of older homes. If you live in an older home with a more traditional style, or you prefer a more classical style, then French doors may be the right choice for you. Sliding glass doors have a more simple, modern look which may not match well with the style you’re looking for. French doors compliment most older homes, while also providing a timeless look in newer buildings. Depending on whether you’re aiming to achieve a classic or contemporary look, the choice of doors will change.

Convenience

It is also important that you consider the level of convenience you’re looking for at your home. Sliding glass doors are more convenient to operate, but they also require a track to slide the doors along, where you may have to step slightly over to walk through. For example, if you have someone who uses a wheelchair in the house, the track may be a small obstacle. Your climate is also a big influence to your decision. If you live in an area with high wind gusts, sliding glass doors would be more convenient since they will be less prone to blowing shut.

Both styles have pros and cons which need to be carefully considered. It all comes down to what your personal preferences are in regards to the space, design, and amount of convenience you’re looking for. We hope this blog helped you get a better idea of what patio door is better for your home. If you decide to get a French or sliding patio door for your home, please call us at 760-214-9851 for a free in-home consultation or fill out our online form and contact All American Window & Door.