French Doors vs Sliding Doors: A Guide to Patio Door Styles

Patio doors come in two distinct styles: sliding doors and French doors. The selection may sound simple, but choosing between the two – given the number of benefits each one offers – is easier said than done.

Renewal by Andersen® of Montana understands how homeowners feel when they’re trying to decide between our two patio door options, so here is a closer look at the benefits of each. When it’s your turn to make that choice, you’ll be confident with your decision after reading this.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are the go-to patio door style for homes based on contemporary architecture. This style features clean lines, slim frames and an emphasis on bigger glass areas. As they don’t require space to swing open, sliding doors are ideal for homes with limited space, or if the entryway doesn’t have enough space for a hinged door. The most important sliding door component is the track at the bottom part of the frame. After all, it carries the door’s weight, and it makes the difference between an easy-to-open patio door and a stuck one.

Renewal by Andersen sliding patio doors feature Andersen®-designed track rollers: a system that features two adjustable, self-lubricating rollers that use steel wheels with ball bearings. This construction results in reliably smooth operation that feels like the sashes are gliding on air, which is why they are sometimes called gliding doors. Our Perma-Shield® and Narroline® patio door frames feature thin yet strong frames, maximizing your viewing areas.

French Doors

Traditional architecture almost always requires French doors, and if your home is based on such architecture, you can’t go wrong with this classic patio door style. French doors consist of two hinged doors that meet at the middle, and are often fitted with symmetrical grille designs. As these doors require room to swing open, you will have to plan your furniture placement if you’re considering them.

Homeowners with limited space need not dismiss French doors outright, though. Our Frenchwood® patio doors are also available in outswinging versions, as well as in a sliding French door option that features the look of hinged French doors. This includes the option to choose stainable pine, oak and maple interior finishes, and combine it with the space-saving benefits and smooth operation of our sliding doors.

All our patio doors feature energy-saving High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass and insulated frames. They’re not just beautiful, they also help you save on your energy costs.

If you would like to learn more about our sliding doors and French doors, call Renewal by Andersen® of Montana today at (406) 259-3944 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free in-home consultation.