However the wider frame on a french patio door is a more traditional style which many homeowners desire.
French patio doors vs sliding doors.
First of all a french door has a wider door frame so it visually has the traditional style which some property owners may desire more for their homes.
Pella architect series sliding doors.
After all they re both mostly glass although a mullioned french door will break up the view a little more than the single large pane of glass that s most common on a sliding door.
French patio doors can be considered a little more energy efficient as the central glass panels can be smaller by being set into wider frames whereas sliding doors are almost exclusively created from glazed panels.
The sliding track deters many people from this option.
The track can be unattractive in appearance.
A considerable difference between french doors vs sliding doors is the track involved with sliding doors.
Although don t forget that they meet in the middle and can let air in.
A classic model has two side by side panels that swing in or out from hinges on the sides of the frame.
When most people think of patio doors what comes to mind are the sliding glass doors on metal tracks that became popular during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s for others a patio door might mean double exterior doors like french doors with shutters or roman shades.
Also often one has to step over the track to prevent stubbing the foot or tripping.
Traditional two panel sliding doors are available in wood fiberglass or vinyl.
When it comes to admitting light french doors and sliding glass doors can pretty much go toe to toe whatever that means.
Sliding glass doors are a great option in rooms with less space flexibility as they don t swing to open like french or hinged patio doors.
Deciding between sliding patio doors and french patio doors.
Homeowners that want to bring in more natural light but don t necessarily want the doors to fully open or don t have the space for folding or french doors should opt for sliding doors.
A sliding glass door frame is typically narrower than a french patio door frame which means it will allow more natural light into your home.
Traditional sliding glass doors have two panels with one that slides along rollers to cover the other.
French doors and sliding doors have a few key design differences that can help dictate which door is best for your home.
French patio doors are mostly made of glass and look similar to windows.
It s also a good choice for a home with a lot of in an out traffic because of the ease of sliding open a door.
Sliding and french doors are two of the most popular choices for residential patio doors.
French doors have a wider door frame.
But there are many different kinds of patio doors beyond sliding glass and french entryways.