Sliding Door Versus French Door, Choosing The Best Option

By | July 3, 2022
sliding door versus french door

What is the difference between sliding door versus French door? Although both are wide doors, the main difference is how to operate them. French doors are double doors that swing on hinges.

While the sliding door slides on a track along the wall. That is a very visible difference, although there are other differences that you should be aware of. The following are the differences between sliding door versus French door that you can use as a reference:

1. Style

As the name suggests, French doors offer a classic design and are suitable for traditional or old homes. Generally made of fiberglass, wood, or a combination of wood and aluminum. French doors can also be used as single, center-hinged, or sliding doors.

While sliding doors are available in a variety of styles, materials, and colors. Then, its sleek design is perfect for smaller modern homes. Instead of French doors, sliding doors offer an unobstructed view of the outside and create the illusion of a larger inside area.

2. Cost

Talking about the cost of exterior doors will always vary, depending on the material, size, glass, and hardware to finishing. Generally, the price ranges from USD 400 to USD 5,000. Compared to French Doors, sliding doors are more affordable. However, the price of both doors will increase if you add special features.

On French doors, they are 10%-20% more expensive than sliding doors. Prices range from USD 500 to USD 4,000. While the glass sliding door with a height of 6 feet costs between USD 300 to USD 2,600.

3. Security

The special grade glass on the French door serves to withstand rain, wind, and debris so that the panels are difficult to break. Then, the French door has a 3 and 5-point locking system that can secure the panels to each other and the frame.

Meanwhile sliding doors, the glass is more durable. Then, the locking system is multi-point, which is equipped with security hooks that can ensure safety. Also, it comes as one, durable unit.

4. Space Saving

Among sliding door versus French door, the door that saves the most space is the sliding door. This is because French doors require a swing radius so they take up quite a bit of floor space. Then, its wide frame can take up most of the walls in small houses.

While sliding doors are perfect for saving walls or living room in a small house. Sliding doors also provide great views and plenty of light, creating the illusion of space.

5. Repair and Maintenance

Although French doors are easy for you to operate, the repair costs are quite expensive, which ranges from USD 220. Then, French doors are also susceptible to water and wind damage. Meanwhile, you can also operate sliding doors simply.

Maintenance only involves regular cleaning, as the tracks are often dirty. Furthermore, sliding rollers have a long service life and are easier to adjust and replace than hinges on French doors.

That’s the difference between a sliding door versus French door, from style, cost, and security, to repair and maintenance. Both types of doors have their respective advantages that you can adjust to your needs. So, you don’t need to be confused anymore about which door is the best for your patio.