Updating your patio doors is a great way to fuse indoor comfort with outdoor relaxation. When it comes to styles there are two types of patio doors that are popular and share equally valid pros and cons: French doors and sliding doors. French and sliding door styles have different characteristics that vary based on design, functionality, and home security which are vital comparisons when deciding to upgrade. If you are concerned about safety, understanding French patio door vs sliding door security will help you assess your next patio door investment.
Whether your primary consideration is aesthetics, space-saving, safety, or security, this comparison will clarify the difference between these two popular types of patio doors. Keep reading and learn what door styles will serve you best, improve the efficiency of your home, and leave your living space feeling exceptionally yours.
Design and Aesthetics
French doors bring the well-recognized and timeless look of double doors that open out or in one from another. The classic French door style pairs beautifully with traditional or cottage homes and looks magnificent as entryways to patios or gardens. Sliding patio doors have large glass panels that slide horizontally from one end of the door track to the other. This sleek profile matches modern and contemporary homes where an unobstructed and natural view to the outdoors is important for bringing in natural light.
French doors are about elegance and the look of presence. They are commonly used within sunrooms and for entrance ways leading to cultivated gardens or patios. Sliding doors can provide a modern, architectural feel to your current home, along with their skinny lines and large glass panels, making small spaces appear bigger and more connected to nature. Ultimately, it’s your personal taste that determines which one feels appropriate for your home and the desired look any given room is attempting to evoke. The recommendation from Lowe’s is to consider using the same door type that will align with your home’s architectural style for both curb appeal and resale value.
Space Considerations
If you’re going for patio doors, particularly French doors, space will be a key consideration for door swing clearance inside or outside. When a French door is opened, it needs space to open fully and each half door will expand into usable space. This may be an issue and consideration for small rooms or patios, to take up every square foot as usable space.
Blocking space is not an issue with sliding doors, which definitely work better when space is limited. Since sliding doors work on a horizontal sliding track, the doors never need to expand into the indoor room or outdoor space to access the width of the door opening. This provides an advantageous solution when patios, decks, or the placement of furniture is a consideration in the space. The way sliding doors work is one of the reasons they are becoming even more popular in urban homes and apartments.
Energy Efficiency
For many homeowners, energy efficiency is important due to the rising utility costs. Well made and properly installed French doors often provide a tighter seal against drafts and heat energy transfer than sliding doors because of the stiffness and that they meet in the center of the jamb, reducing space differences. While sliding doors offer convenience and ease of access, they can be difficult to create a tight seal. Because of how sliding doors are designed, they must have a small gap to slide along the track. As a result, sliding doors, no matter how insulated, cannot compete with the energy performance of quality French doors. If you’re a homeowner who is focused on lower energy usage, French doors, particularly with double or triple panes, typically provide a better value. See this U.S. Department of Energy link for a deeper technical discussion of the insulation levels of each door type.
Security Considerations
Home security is an essential consideration for any doorway, and patio doors are no different. Often, French doors have a multi-point locking system that locks the door at several different points. The hardware is typically more robust, and the threshold will deter someone from trying to force entry through the doors.
In recent years, sliding patio doors have also improved their security features, offering anti-lift devices, foot bolts, and high security locks. Still, the large glass sections on sliding doors could provide a way for a distraction. Impact or laminated glass, combined with a quality installation can help address this. This is also a good discussion to have with your contractor regarding what security options work best for your existing home environment and security concerns.
Maintenance Considerations
The doors themselves are designed differently which translates into different care trails. French doors will require regular maintenance of the hinges, seals, and closures. These items should be checked on an annual basis, in order to address drafts and the importance of proper swing motion. Additionally, wood French doors will likely need to be sanded and painted over time to prevent potential water issues or pest damage.
Sliding patio doors will require a routine cleaning of the tracks and lubrication of the rollers. These doors can jam up when a buildup of debris occurs. Proper maintenance and quality materials will ensure you extend the lifespan of either option.
Cost Considerations
When you design the budget for your project, consider that the door type and complexity of the hardware can create a significant financial factor in the overall budget. French doors can be routinely more expensive because of the material, hardware, and multiple doorframes often included in the installation and replacement. Higher quality grille and glass will also increase your overall costs for the project.
Sliding doors are usually less expensive than their French Door counterpart. It is standard procedure of installing new sliding doors and replacing provides a total cost benefit. The overall labor and installation costs tend to be lower if any due to the less complex installation. If you’re upgrading to specialized glass, energy efficiency, or custom sizing, then prices and overall costs will rise. Always acquire several quotes and weigh long-term durability over initial costs, because the amount saved on your energy or maintenance can far outweigh your upfront expenses.
Conclusion
Twin French doors and sliding patio doors offer unique capabilities to increase access to exterior spaces. French doors offer stately beauty and enhanced energy efficiency which make them a great choice for traditional homes or homeowners planning to renovate a home with classic styling. Sliding doors bring contemporaneous aesthetics and unmatched efficiency to provide a seamless transition to the outdoors especially in smaller more open concepts. Your ultimate decision should be based on your design styles, spatial requirements, energy impact on the home, security, carrying burden, and cost, so that you can choose the best patio door for your needs, comfort, and the unique character of your home.
