In search of a bright, airy home with direct access to your garden? To accomplish this, you must pick the right patio doors. Whether you’re installing a new patio door or replacing an old one, it can be difficult to decide on a design.
There are a variety of patio door designs to choose from, such as bi-fold, sliding, and French. French doors and glass sliding doors are two of the most well-liked alternatives. How then do you choose between the various possibilities?
Fortunately, we’ve laid out the benefits and drawbacks of both French doors and sliding glass doors so you can make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Where to begin? What distinguishes French doors from sliding doors?
French doors vs. sliding doors is a topic that has been discussed at length. To better understand the differences between sliding doors and French doors, let’s first compare their primary features. Then, we can go into greater depth about the various considerations that will lead you to the ideal patio door.
French doors, also known as hinged patio doors, have a central hinge and swing outward. From the hinges, they swing open and shut (much like any other standard door in your home).
You can choose to open just one door or both doors at once with French doors; their design is more “classic” than modern, so it works better with traditional interior design and building styles. You can leave one closed if you prefer. French doors are lovely because they give you that choice.
One benefit of French doors is that their wide opening makes it easier to bring in bulky pieces of furniture that would otherwise have to be carried in through the front door.
GET A PRICE ESTIMATE
Aluminum sliding doors:
• Also known as gliding patio doors, these doors are a popular alternative to French doors due to their larger sliding glass panels and lightweight construction.
Sliding doors can be opened in one of two ways: by sliding one over the other, or by sliding out from the centre, past a set of fixed panels. This type of door is often considered to be more aesthetically pleasing than swinging doors because its two leafs slide almost seamlessly into each other rather than swinging in or out.
Glass sliding doors are great for those who want as much glass area as possible on their doors, and there is no risk of fingers getting caught in door hinges or slamming. The middle section of the frame of a French door, where the two doors meet, is typically thicker than the rest of the door. Sliding doors have a larger glass section and narrow frames that don’t obstruct the view, making them a popular choice among those who value natural light and space efficiency. Therefore, they save more room than the other alternative.
• Aluminium sliding doors have a more modern look and feel and may not be a good fit for a more traditionally decorated home, but they are perfect for those with a more contemporary aesthetic.
Door Types: French Doors vs. Sliding Doors Safety and Power Conservation
If you’re a homeowner, you know how important it is to have the best possible glass sliding doors and windows for your home. It has long been thought that French doors are the more energy efficient option between the two patio door types. This is due to the fact that glass isn’t great for insulation, and sliding doors typically feature more glass area than French doors. Sliding doors, in contrast to French doors, provide a much more secure seal. In addition, high-tech double-paned sliding doors are now a viable investment option. That being said, it is safe to say that contemporary sliding doors are more energy efficient than French doors.
In recent years, technological advancements and the use of more durable materials have greatly increased the burglar resistance of aluminium sliding doors and French doors. When installing patio doors, there are some extra safety precautions you can take to make your home more secure. Sliding doors are an ideal candidate for the installation of electronic locks and automated alarm systems. If you’re worried about the safety of your home, you can rest assured knowing that our sliding door manufacturers at Sunflex provide you with all the options you need.
Whatever you choose, make sure it carries the British Standard (BS) Kitemark PAS 24-1 for the highest level of safety.
Door Types: French Doors vs. Sliding Doors The patio door you choose should be based in large part on the price range you have set aside. Standard French doors or sliding patio doors in the UK typically start at £1,500. All materials and labour are included in these averages, so if you’re handy around the house you can instal the doors yourself and save some money. We recommend having a professional handle the installation of your doors because of the complexity of the job.
Traditional French doors are typically more expensive than sliding glass doors because of the high cost of wood. There are a number of factors that can affect the total cost, including the model you choose, the level of security and insulation you require, and whether or not you plan to instal the system yourself.
Choosing Between French Doors and a Sliding Door
When deciding between French doors and aluminium sliding doors, your personal taste in design may be the deciding factor. For the same reason that larger windows let in more light, French doors let in less. The more substantial look of this French door’s frame may be better suited to more traditional homes.
Sliding doors are a great choice for those who value functionality and modern aesthetics because they let in more light and have a minimal frame. Sliding glass doors are more aesthetically pleasing because the panels hide behind one another when not in use (which is also a great factor for those looking for a more space efficient option).
