Sliding vs. French Patio Doors: What’s Best for Your Home?

There are no hard-and-fast rules about which door to incorporate in your interior space. However, there are some definite advantages and drawbacks to each design concept. If you need help deciding on what makes the most sense for your home, whether sliding glass doors or French patio doors, keep on reading — we will lay out some of the pros and cons of each type of door.

Pros and Cons of Sliding Doors

The main benefit of sliding doors is they operate on tracks, allowing them to glide easily when opening or closing. They are also space-saving since they slide along effortlessly and require nearly no space to be fully utilized. A good sliding glass door has a security feature that prevents it from being lifted off the tracks.

There is an important drawback that you need to consider as well. Locking systems of sliding doors do not allow for a deadbolt to be installed. In addition, sliding doors only open halfway since only one door can be mobile at a time while the other remains a fixed panel.

Pros and Cons of French Patio Doors

The main advantage of French doors is the ease of access. You can open up the entire width of the opening since both door panels are fully operable. This means you can let in as much or as little breeze as you want, improving the ventilation inside your home. French doors generally have a three-point locking system with two flash bolts and a lockset, offering a strong security feature to your home. Finally, they come in a variety of style and color options.

A common drawback that homeowners find with French doors is they offer less viewing space because of the wide panels on all sides. You also need to consider the fact that they usually swing into the room, meaning that furniture cannot be placed right beside them. Lastly, French doors are generally more expensive than sliding patio doors.

Breathe new life into your home with beautiful and energy-efficient doors. Renewal by Andersen® of Montana is a premier source of replacement window and patio door solutions in and around Billings, MT. We work diligently to provide homeowners with excellent service from start to finish. Call at (406) 820-2252 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment.