Many homeowners struggle to decide whether to opt for French or sliding doors. Despite the fact that they both feature a wide opening, sliding patio doors slide along a track along the wall, whereas French doors are double doors that swing on hinges.

This might seem like a very small distinction, yet it provides these stunning doors with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Discover which design is best for your property by reading on.

Choosing Between French Doors And Patio Doors

How would you like your door to open?

Normally, French doors open outward, but you can always have them built to open inward. Patio doors, in contrast, open horizontally on tracks. Whichever door you choose should depend on how much room you have available because both of them might be quite large doors.

French doors will give your property a lovely European feel if you have the space to leave a broad swing arc available for opening the doors. These doors might even serve as a design element. Sliding patio doors, on the other hand, might be a good option if you lack space. You will receive the same large opening and sunlight from these doors. However, you won’t need to bother about making room before opening your door.

How much control do you want over your entranceway?

You might not always want your home to be completely exposed to the outside. In certain cases, having the door partially open is sufficient to allow air to circulate without leaving the space chilly or draughty.

You can better regulate the opening with sliding patio doors that include double glazing. French doors, however, will work well if you prefer your doors to be completely open. 

How much exposure does your home have to winds?

Make sure the open door doesn’t slam shut if you have a swinging external door in an area where it can be windy. If you have young children or pets that could hurt themselves, you need to take extra precautions.

You do run the chance of the door slamming with French doors, just like with any swinging doors. But you might choose door stops or safety restrictors to lessen the harm that a strong breeze might do. Patio doors, on the other hand, are completely unaffected by the wind because they are sliding doors.

Nothing beats French doors in terms of elegance if your home is shielded from high winds. However, while French doors are chic and stylish, a graceful sliding patio door might be a better option if your property is vulnerable to strong winds.

How picky are you about your views being obstructed?

You want to showcase a beautiful garden or a gorgeous view when you have one. Large glazed doors like French doors and patio doors make it possible for you to achieve that. 

Overall, both patio doors and French doors make fabulous back doors for any home. However, after these considerations, you may have a better idea of which one would suit your home and lifestyle the best. 

For more information about these types of doors and installation, please get in touch with a member of our specialist team today!