Choosing a new door for your porch or patio is not as simple as you might assume. With so many options on the market, from hinged French-style to sliding glass panels, selecting the best door for your home can be daunting. Jaeger Lumber is a building supply provider in New Jersey. Here, we discuss the two primary patio door styles and what factors you should consider when choosing.
What Are French Patio Doors?
Classic French doors, or hinged patio doors, are defined by glass pane grids. They’re available in multiple materials, including wood and fiberglass, as well as a wide variety of paint colors and finishes. You can also customize the number, arrangement, and even shape of your glass panes. Standard French patio doors feature rectangular or square grids, but some feature a more unique diamond grid. The glass itself may be clear, patterned, or frosted.
Most are double doors with outside hinges, letting them open from the center. Other designs are available, however, including center hinges and double doors.
What Are Sliding Glass Doors?
Sliding doors, meanwhile, slide in a track to open and close. This barn-style design is convenient to operate. Though it can be heavy for small children, that same weight makes the doors sturdy against inclement weather. Unlike French doors, they don’t slam shut in heavy wind.
These doors are typically composed of single-pane glass panels. As with French doors, the market offers a diverse selection of sliding glass doors. Some doors feature multiple panes or a decorative grille, lending to a more traditional look. Additionally, varying finish options can add character to your living space.
Size and Space
The first consideration when choosing between hinged and sliding patio doors is the space you have available. Because sliding doors move from side to side, they don’t take up much of your home. This makes them ideal for smaller rooms where space is at a premium. It also grants you plenty of flexibility with floor plans, which is ideal for rooms with furniture.
French doors, meanwhile, swing inward. This requires you to maintain an empty area in front of the doors so they can open freely. The benefit, however, is that hinged doors allow a wider opening. French-style patio entries can open nearly twice as wide as sliding ones. This extra space is convenient for moving furniture and other large items. It also enables an easy flow of traffic, making hinged doors excellent for entertaining parties and large gatherings.
Style
When selecting a patio door, you should also take your home décor into account. Due to the paneled design, French-style patio doors deliver a timeless, traditional look. This makes them an excellent addition to older homes. Their sophisticated lines can also draw attention, creating a grand entrance and an eye-catching focal point.
In contrast, sliding doors tend toward a modern aesthetic. This makes them well-suited for newer construction or contemporary spaces where a French door lattice might seem out of place. The lack of a grille also offers plenty of natural light and an unobstructed view of your patio or deck. When installed in smaller rooms, a sliding glass door can create the illusion of a much larger space.
Neither door type is limited to one look and style, of course. Both come with a wide variety of trim options and grilles to help you achieve the appearance you want. With the right design choices and customization, both hinged and French doors can look right at home in any room.
Discover Patio Door Styles
The right patio door can bring tremendous appeal and value to your home. When choosing and installing sliding doors and French-style doors, it helps to partner with a supplier you can trust. Jaeger Lumber is a full-service building supply provider to homeowners and contractors throughout New Jersey. Contact us to find a location near you or to learn more about how we can help with your patio project. Get a quote today.
