What's The Difference Between uPVC French Doors And Sliding Patio Doors?
If you love indoor-outdoor living, opening up your interiors is a must. Patio doors are a fantastic way to blur the boundaries. But are uPVC French doors or sliding glass doors the right choice for your home?
Both options are incredibly popular, flooding your home with natural light for a sense of well-being. UPVC French doors are an elegant way to unite indoor and outdoor spaces while sliding patio doors have a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Other factors you should consider when choosing the perfect French doors or sliding glass doors include security, maintenance and how much do patio doors cost?
Before we look at the difference between French and sliding patio doors, let’s explore each style in more depth.
How do French and sliding patio doors work?
UPVC French patio doors operate like a traditional door, opening into your garden. They’re a stylish and practical choice, providing the perfect aesthetic for period homes. French doors are a timeless option that effortlessly transforms any space, from a living room to a downstairs bedroom.
UPVC sliding patio doors have a pared-back, minimalist aesthetic that gives a contemporary vibe. More affordable than bifold doors, they fit any space with ease. They’re also perfect for framing a beautiful view and maximising the area in a smaller room or connecting your kitchen and garden for effortless entertaining.
French doors VS sliding patio doors: key differences
Whether you’re upgrading your home or installing new doors from scratch, there are several essential factors to consider. Understanding these key differences between French and sliding doors will help you find the best option for your property.
Opening mechanisms
The opening mechanism is the most noticeable difference between French and patio doors.
UPVC French doors are hinged like a traditional door — you can configure them to open inwards or outwards onto the garden or terrace. Sliding patio doors, on the other hand, are track-mounted, allowing one of the panes to slide and create an opening.
French doors effortlessly dissolve the boundary between the indoors and outdoors by creating a generous opening to the garden. In contrast, sliding doors won’t compromise precious space in a courtyard or rooftop garden.
Aesthetic
What look do you want to achieve with your new patio doors? For a timeless design, UPVC French patio doors are a classic choice. And while their stylish multi-paned aesthetic is the natural choice for period properties, their elegance works well in any home. French doors are a popular home improvement investment that never goes out of fashion.
Would you prefer something more contemporary? Sliding patio doors have a clean and uncluttered look that’s ideal if you crave a more modern aesthetic. Slimmer frames and uninterrupted glass panes make the most of a view while maximising the sense of open-plan living.
Ventilation
UPVC French doors and sliding doors flood your interiors with natural light that improves vitamin D. Still, the pandemic made clear that access to fresh air is also vital for well-being.
Opening both French doors allows a refreshing breeze to circulate through your home. The wider opening provides welcome cooling in the summer months, preventing the build-up of dampness and odours. In turn, this creates a pleasant environment for work and relaxation.
Sliding patio doors are slightly less effective for ventilation, as 50% of the opening remains permanently closed. As a result, you’ll have more control over the width of the door opening — useful if you have children or pets.
Space requirements
Space is another important consideration when choosing French or sliding patio doors for your home. Sliding doors are highly beneficial when space is at a premium.
Unlike uPVC French doors, there’s no need to worry about a door opening into a small room or a tiny garden. Additionally, sliding patio doors can be configured to create a glass wall, effortlessly opening up the space in a dark and cramped interior.
Security
The security of your patio doors depends on a combination of materials and design. Generally speaking, uPVC French patio doors are considered the most secure option, combining security hinges and multiple locking points.
However, sliding patio door security has vastly improved with features like anti-lift systems and two-point locking. When comparing French doors vs. patio doors, always ensure they offer enhanced security features for improved safety.
Maintenance
Maintaining your uPVC French doors is relatively straightforward — you can simply use a gentle detergent with a soft cloth to clean the glazing and door frames. It’s also a good idea to regularly check the door hinges and locking mechanisms to ensure effective operation.
Sliding patio doors, on the other hand, require additional maintenance to operate smoothly and efficiently. Vacuum the guide rails monthly to remove any debris, including leaves and pet hair. Additionally, you should check door alignment, learn how to fix patio doors that have dropped and remove and replace any worn or damaged rollers.
How to choose between uPVC sliding patio doors and uPVC French doors
Choosing the best option for your home can feel complicated. You might love the appeal of French doors but need greater control over how wide your patio doors open for your pets and children. Or you may crave the look of a contemporary glass wall but prefer the versatility of uPVC French patio doors.
We’ve looked more closely at the essential benefits of uPVC sliding patio doors and uPVC French doors to help you make an informed choice.
The key benefits of French doors
First and foremost, French doors have a timeless appeal that elevates any home. They’re highly appealing to home buyers and create a fabulous aesthetic. You don’t need to live in a period property to install uPVC French doors, as there are styles to suit every property and budget.
Premium-quality French doors are an elegant way to blend your interior and exterior spaces. And that wide opening is perfect if you love to entertain. This patio door style is endlessly versatile and can be configured to open to the garden or the living room, depending on the available space.
One factor you should consider when opting for French doors is the weather. A sudden gust can make your beautiful doors a safety hazard unless you opt for sturdy door catches. But French doors' beauty, affordability and flexibility make them an outstanding choice to add quiet luxury to your home.
The advantages of sliding patio doors
Want to frame a breathtaking view? Sliding patio doors boast impressive viewing angles. This door style will flood your space with light, opening up a dark interior and creating a seamless connection with the outdoors. And that increased visibility is a boon when you’re keeping an eye on children and pets in the garden.
If you crave a contemporary and space-saving solution for your home, sliding patio doors are a fantastic choice. A sliding door is quick and effortless to operate, while lift and slide doors can be locked in the position of your choice. As a result, your door won’t budge, even in the stiffest breeze.
Ultimately, whether you choose French doors or sliding glass doors will come down to factors including available space, security and aesthetics. No matter your decision, patio doors are a practical and stylish addition to any home.
Upgrade your home with Flying Doors
If you want to upgrade your home with uPVC French doors or sliding patio doors, the dedicated team at Flying Doors are here to help. Our in-house service guarantees reliability that others can’t, from bespoke design and construction to delivery, so your patio doors arrive in top condition. And with our 10-year guarantee, you can buy with confidence.
Patio doors are a fantastic investment for your home, so shop our made-to-measure collections today.