Patio doors come in a wide array of styles so that homeowners can choose the perfect type for them, but among the most commonly purchased are French doors and sliding glass doors. This leads homeowners to compare French doors vs sliding glass doors in order to figure out which one is best for them. There are many factors that influence the decision of French doors vs sliding glass doors. We’ll go over some of them here so that you can decide whether French doors or sliding glass doors best suit your needs.
French Doors Vs Sliding Glass Doors Considerations
When it comes to deciding between French doors vs sliding glass doors, you’ll need to take into consideration such things as: space, design, ease of operation, maintenance, cost, and energy efficiency. Depending on what you’re looking for, one might be a better choice for you than the other.
Both French doors and sliding glass doors have their advantages and disadvantages, so what’s perfect for one person could leave much to be desired for another. Here are some important considerations to bear in mind when trying to decide between French doors vs sliding glass doors, so that you can make an informed decision about which works better for you.
Space
You’ll need to consider the layout of your home and how much space you need in your decision between French doors vs sliding glass doors. French doors typically take up more space, since they open into an area, which can affect your furniture and plant placement. They also affect how you move around a space, since you need to be mindful of whether you can open them fully or if you’ll be putting something in their way.
Sliding glass doors take up less space because they slide side-to-side rather than in and out, which allows you to arrange your area however you like, because you don’t need to worry about obstructing the pathway of your door’s opening. Both sliding glass doors and French doors can be modified to be larger, to allow for ease of moving furniture from room to room.
Design
If you’re looking for that old-school, 17th century France aesthetic, French doors are the ones for you. With their classic look, French doors compliment homes with more traditional styles or ones that are older, while sliding doors offer a more modern look. Sliding glass doors open up your space, allowing in more light, which makes it look bigger than it is. French doors tend to obstruct your view of the outside, since they have wider frames and multiple glass panels. Some prefer this aesthetic, while others want an unobstructed view of the outdoors that the single pane sliding glass doors provide. Both doors come in many different styles and materials, so you can pick the perfect design for you.
Ease Of Operation
Between French doors vs sliding glass doors, there are several factors that affect how easy they are to operate. In general, sliding doors are easier, since they just slide open and closed, but if they have a track raised above floor level, you’ll need to be mindful to step over it when passing between rooms. You can get sliding doors that won’t present this problem, depending on the company you work with.
French doors can be easier for some people to operate, with their handles, but you’ll also need to keep in mind that if you live in a windy area, you’ll have to worry about them blowing open and closed, a problem that isn’t present with sliding doors. Additionally, rain and snow are more likely to get inside your home with French doors.
Cost
Although this depends on the kind of design you go for and the materials used, in general, sliding doors are more affordable than French doors. If cost is something that influenced your decision between French doors vs sliding glass doors, this is a good thing to bear in mind. The size of the doors and the labor involved to install them the way you want will also impact cost.
Energy Efficiency
The last thing you want is spiking energy bills when there’s something you can do to prevent that. Energy efficiency is an important consideration with French doors vs sliding glass doors. When it comes to energy efficiency, sliding glass doors are generally more efficient, due to the fact that they have a tighter seal and are made of single panels of glass which prevent air and energy from escaping your home or getting in, while French doors have several panels which increase the likelihood of higher energy bills.
French Doors Vs Sliding Glass Doors: Which Is Best?
If you’re debating French doors vs sliding glass doors, it really depends on what you are looking for in a door to decide which is best for you. Sliding doors are also easier to operate, generally cheaper, give a better view, and take up less space in your home. But if you’re going for that more traditional look, more ventilation, and easier access, French doors will provide that for you. The answer to which is better between French doors vs sliding glass doors is entirely dependent on your needs.
To learn more about patio doors and for more information about how to choose the best one for you, contact the professionals at Peak Windows. We offer a wide range of doors, including sliding glass doors, and want to ensure that your home has the perfect doors for you.