If you’re ready to upgrade your doors to the patio of your dream, you’re probably trying to figure out which doors would look best on your home. The two most popular types of patio doors right now are exterior french doors and sliding patio doors.
Choosing between them shouldn’t be a difficult process, but it can certainly feel like it! We’ve got everything you need to know about both to help you pick which is right for your home.
Exterior French Doors
Classic and timeless, french doors add a certain je ne sais quoi to any home. You might also know them as swinging patio doors. As the name might suggest, they originated in late 17th century France.
Double french doors are made up of two doors that swing open from the centre. You can open them into your home or out toward the garden depending on your preference.
They’re usually found in more traditional style homes due to their historic nature. They were first created to allow light into balcony entrances.
One of the big benefits of exterior french doors is their versatility and operability. Being able to pick which ways you want the doors to open depending on where you’re hosting company is always great.
The maintenance is fairly low, though you will need to maintain the hinges. If uncared for, the hinges will become stiff and noisy, as well as harder to operate.
Cost-wise, french doors may cost a little more than sliding patio doors. Though this isn’t always the case. It will very much come down to the brand you choose and your preference on style.
For security, both types of patio doors offer great security. French doors lock into both the floor and the frame, so they’re not easy to break in through. There are various locking mechanisms available for the handle to add further security if you wish to.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors have a more modern and chic feel than the former type. They fit well in homes with a contemporary look.
They became popular in the early 20th century. Sliding patio doors may have been inspired by Shoji doors. Shoji doors are a sliding door which originated in Japan, consisting of transparent white sheets on a wooden lattice frame.
They work by having one or more doors on a track that roll back and forth to open. For standard sliding patio doors, the opening is slightly larger than a standard doorway.
Obviously, this will depend on the style of sliding door you choose. Many offer double entrances now for ease of use. Sliding patio doors are great for those conscious of space.
Maintenance may be a little higher than for French doors. This is because the tracks that the doors run on may become filled with debris or dirt. This can make the doors difficult to open and close.
As we mentioned above, standard sliding patio doors are often more affordable than exterior french doors. This said, the more panels you want, the higher the price will be. So the cost will very much depend on your home and style.
In terms of locking mechanisms, sliding doors are as secure as french doors. However, it may also be worth considering investing in shatter-proof glass if this is a concern. Triple glazing can help with this.
Which Will You Choose?
Whether you decide to go with exterior french doors or sliding patio doors, we can help. Get in touch with us today for a free custom quote for your home.
