Hinged vs. Sliding Patio Doors: Which is Right for You?

Both hinged and sliding patio doors can make the access point between your home and backyard an appealing and functional space. Each style has its own distinct features and advantages to offer. Hinged doors are a traditional choice while sliding offers a more contemporary look. Whatever your preference, this blog will guide you through the pros and cons of both hinged and sliding patio doors.

Hinged Patio Doors

Hinged patio doors are hinged at one side and open by either swinging inward or outward into a space. They are available as single, double, and triple-door options. Hinged doors are also known as French patio doors when they are made out of glass.

Pros

Unrestricted
Hinged patio doors have the ability to fully open without limitation and only require a small amount of wall space to install. In addition, the double or triple-door styles allow for plenty of room to move items between your home and backyard, making them ideal for entertaining or moving.

Easy-to-Find Styles
Since hinged doors are such a classic style, they come in a wide range of sizes and finishes. You likely won’t have any trouble finding one that will fit with the aesthetic of your home and yard.

Customizable
Hinged doors are also highly customizable. They are often paired with a large window to increase the amount of natural light they let in. You can also add locks for additional security.

Cons

Take Up Space
While opening and closing unrestricted is one of the advantages of hinged doors, it can also be a disadvantage. Compared to sliding doors, hinged doors take up more room because you have to account for space on either side of the door in order for it to fully open and close. This sacrifices a bit of the space in your home.

Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors open horizontally on a track as opposed to outward. They are often made of one glass panel that is mobile and one that is stationary. Sliding doors can glide open and closed along either a top or bottom track.

Pros

Space-Saving
Since sliding doors operate on a track rather than a hinge, they do not require any room in front or behind them to function. If you have a limited amount of space in your room, sliding doors are a great option. They also create a seamless flow between your outdoor and indoor spaces.

Ventilation
Another advantage of sliding doors is that they allow for ventilation. Installing screen panels lets you leave the door open to let in fresh air without the risk of bugs and dirt coming inside your home.

Natural Light
Sliding doors are made almost entirely out of glass. They act much like a window, letting in an abundance of natural light. Utilizing natural light instead of artificial light when possible can save you money on your energy bills, as well as get you your daily dose of vitamin D.

Cons

Difficult to Clean
While cleaning the interior of your sliding glass door is relatively easy, the exterior can be difficult because of its design. The track tends to easily fill up with debris such as leaves and dirt as well.

Installing Patio Doors With The Window Depot

At The Window Depot, we offer more than just windows; we also carry a wide variety of door options. Whether you are looking to install new doors for your patio or any other room in your home, we are here to help. For more information on patio door installation, contact us today.