Sliding vs. French Patio Doors: An Overview

Choosing your patio door style seems simple enough as you only have two options: French doors or sliding doors. However, with both options offering so many advantages, the decision might be harder than you expected. In today’s post, patio door installation expert Renewal by Andersen® of Portland shares an uncomplicated look at how to choose the right patio door style for your home.

Traditional French Doors

French doors are a classic option that work well in traditional-style homes. Features two hinged sashes that latch in the middle, French doors have a symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing look when open. Early French doors were based on Renaissance-era designs, which emphasized symmetry. This is why Colonial-style grilles are often seen on French doors. It is important to remember that French doors open on a hinge, which means they require floor space to swing open. This may affect access and furniture placement.

Our Frenchwood® patio doors are designed to fit the aesthetics of a traditional home. The patio door frames feature a weather-resistant treated wood exterior with an insulated core for exceptional energy efficiency. Our double-pane High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass packages complement the insulated core in minimizing heat transfer, which can help you save on energy costs. A unique five-point locking system ensures patio door security by distributing the latch points across the height of the door.

Contemporary Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are ideal for contemporary-style homes thanks to their minimalist elements. Another advantage of sliding doors is that they don’t require any floor space to operate since they slide open horizontally. This makes them a great choice for compact areas of the home where floor space is limited

Our Narroline® and Perma-Shield® doors are equipped with Andersen-designed sill tracks. The dual adjustable, self-lubricating rollers feature steel wheels with ball bearings. They ensure operation so smooth that the sashes feel like they’re gliding on air. If you want to enjoy these benefits along with the traditional aesthetics of French doors, we also offer sliding Frenchwood doors for the best of both worlds.

Renewal by Andersen of Portland is your leading provider of replacement windows and patio doors. Give us a call at (503) 419-3960 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Portland, Wilsonville and surrounding areas.