Choosing Between French Doors and Sliding Doors

Choosing the patio door style for your home sounds simple, given that there are only two styles to choose from. But choosing between sliding doors and French doors does require careful planning. Renewal by Andersen® of Montana shares a closer look at choosing the patio door style that makes the most sense for your home.

French Doors

French doors are the traditional patio door style, which makes them popular in homes based on traditional architecture. French doors feature two hinged sashes that meet in the middle, creating a symmetrically pleasing look, especially when opened. This symmetry is carried over to the choice of grilles, which are typically made with equal-sized panels. This is a clear indication of the Renaissance’s influence on French architecture, on which French doors are based. An important consideration when choosing French doors is the room needed to swing open and closed, which may not be always available depending on the house floor plan.

Our Frenchwood® hinged doors are designed to carry all the earmarks of traditional French door design. In addition to the symmetrical elements, the frames and sashes feature a treated wood exterior. To improve energy efficiency and long-term performance, our patio doors feature dual-panel High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, which helps minimize heat loss. Door security is enhanced thanks to our unique five-point locking system. If you want to keep the traditional aesthetic but do not have the swing space to spare, we also have a sliding French door option.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are associated with modern architecture, thanks to their sleek and space-saving design. The sashes slide on tracks at the bottom of the door frame, which makes it the better option if your floor plan doesn’t allow enough swing space for hinged doors. The tracks are an important component of sliding doors, not only because they hold the sashes in place; you need the kind of roller system that allows easy operation without getting stuck.

This is why our sliding doors feature a unique Andersen®-designed track system. The dual adjustable self-lubricating rollers use steel wheels with ball bearings, resulting in a smooth operation that feels like the sashes are gliding on air. On top of all of this, you enjoy the energy efficiency that is the hallmark of every Renewal by Andersen product.

To learn more about our patio doors, call Renewal by Andersen® of Montana today at (406) 259-3944. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free in-home consultation.