Blurring the boundaries between the inside and outside, a modern set of patio doors can immediately introduce a sense of wellbeing by flooding the home with light. Both sliding and French doors elegantly achieve this union between the urban and the natural, yet each accomplish this in their own distinctive way. Each type of door may be suited to very different design schemes and lifestyle requirements.
Aside from the appearance of both types of doors, there are other key factors to consider when choosing the perfect patio door, such as configuration, affordability, and thermal efficiency. So, whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing doors or to install a completely new set, our guide is here to help you at every step of the way. Read on for a guide to the key benefits of each model and advice on choosing the best option for you.
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Read the key benefits of French doors and the features they offer.
We explain the key benefits and features of sliding doors.
Find out more about the different models of sliding doors that Origin offer.
Read our guide to the key differences between sliding doors and French doors.
We provide tips on choosing the best option for you.
We answer frequently asked questions on choosing between sliding doors and French doors.
What are the key benefits of French doors?
Timeless design
The classic design that characterises French doors is a key reason for their popularity. When you opt for a set of French doors, you can be sure of introducing a truly timeless look to your home.
Wide opening
Premium-quality French doors feature a 180-degree opening, beautifully dissolving the boundary between the home and garden, and creating a larger space for entertaining on a warm day.
Affordability
Modestly priced for the quality, French doors generally offer a more affordable alternative to many sliding patio door options.
Versatility
French doors can open inwards or outwards, depending on the space available, and will therefore suit most floorplans. Though French doors only consists of two door panels - at Origin, with our expert manufacturing techniques, it means we can build them to fit into apertures up to 2.4m. If your space is bigger than this, your doors can also be specified with fixed panes on either side of the double door. Each fixed frame can be made up to 7sqm, allowing them to fit a huge aperture.
You can find out more about the benefits of French doors by requesting one of our brochures.
Sliding doors – the key benefits
Expansive views
Boasting an impressive viewing angle, sliding doors are a brilliant choice for homes with an imposing outside space. Not only do they allow for an almost uninterrupted connection with the outdoors, but they also flood the interior with natural light.
Modern design
The clean lines and uncluttered, minimalist styling of sliding doors make them ideally suited to more contemporary aesthetics.
Space-saving
A key benefit of sliding doors is that they can help you to make the most of your space. Sliding doors don’t hinge inwards or outwards, so are a perfect option if you have compromised space.
Ease of use
Gliding along a sleekly designed track, sliding doors open with ease, meaning everyone from adults to children can operate the doors. Alongside providing greater flexibility within a constricted floorplan; as they’re designed with weighted bearings, even on a blustery day and your door is open, a sudden gust won’t cause the door to move.
Find out more about the benefits of sliding doors here.
Origin’s sliding door selection
At Origin, we offer two distinct sliding door options to choose from:
Origin Artisan Slider OS-20
This Origin Artisan Slider combines sleek, uninterrupted lines, seamless handles, and a near-panoramic expanse of glass to offer one of the most exquisite sliding doors on the market. Ideal for larger spaces, the doors can be crafted with up to 6 panels, covering an imposing maximum width of over 13m. With a sightline of only 20mm wide, the slimline frames blend smoothly with the expansive glass and the flush-faced lever handles come in four colours: Hipca White, Slate Grey, Anthracite Grey, or Jet Black.
Origin Patio Slider OS-44/OS-77
Boasting an equally impressive set of specifications, the Origin Patio Slider offers a bolder frame, with sightlines measuring 44 or 77mm wide, so is ideal for creating a striking contrast against the glass. It can also be crafted in up to 6 panelled sets in a maximum overall width of 11.8m, and features a choice of two stylish stainless-steel handles - the 300mm all-in-one and the 500mm offset bar handle.
You can find out more about Origin’s sliding doors by requesting a brochure.
So, what are the key differences between French doors and sliding doors?
The key differences between French doors and sliding doors are:
Configuration
French doors open outwards or inwards, whilst sliding doors open on the left or the right on the same track.
Number of panels
French doors feature two panels, whilst sliding doors can accommodate up to 6 panels.
Size
French doors usually cover smaller apertures (for example, Origin French Doors can fit apertures up to 2400mm), whilst Origin Sliding Doors can fit apertures of up to 13m.
Layout considerations
French doors must hinge open outwards or inwards, so either the outside or inside space will be partially compromised, whilst sliding doors require minimal floor space.
Affordability
French doors are often a more affordable option than sliding doors.
Appearance
French doors offer a classic, timeless look, well-suited to traditional aesthetics, whilst the minimalist look of sliding doors makes them ideal for more contemporary spaces.
The following table summarises the key differences between each option:
Doors | Configuration | Panels | Max size | Layout considerations | Thermal efficiency | Affordability | Appearance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
French Doors | Inwards or outwards | 2 | 2.4m | Partial constriction | Good | Less costly | Classic opening |
Sliding doors | Left or right | Up to 6 | 13m | Minimal constriction | Excellent | More costly | Contemporary opening |
Choosing the best option for you
The affordable luxury of French doors makes them the best choice for the budget-conscious buyer with an eye for classic design. If you are looking for a more traditional feel rather than a contemporary feel, you may want to opt for French doors.
On the other hand, a set of sleek, expansive sliding doors would be ideal if you are seeking impressive views of your garden and are looking for a space-saving design. The contemporary, minimalistic feel of sliding doors is perfect if you are seeking a more modern style over a traditional option.
Choosing the right option for you also depends on your preferred number of panels – sliding doors can accommodate up to six panels, making them ideal for you if you are wanting a larger number of panels.
If you’re still unsure about what style of door is right for you, an installer will be able to answer any of your questions.
Explore Origin’s Bespoke Sliding Doors and French Doors
Origin’s completely bespoke selection of sliding and French doors features only the highest-quality aluminium frames, which are more lightweight and robust than standard UPVC models. As well as boasting an extensive array of colour options, each product is precision-crafted to stand the test of time, allowing us to offer our market-leading guarantee of up to 20-years.
Coming with a selection of sightlines on both systems (the Origin French Door offers either a 49mm or 72mm sightline, and the Origin Sliding Door Range offers either 20mm, 44mm or 77mm), you are able to choose the look that’s right for you.
Entirely British-made in our Buckinghamshire-based factory, all our doors are diligently quality checked from start to finish, and whether you choose a sliding or French door, boast multi-point locking system for added peace of mind. So, for the finest patio doors on the market, get in touch with your local installer today, and start creating your dream indoor-outdoor space.
Frequently asked questions
Can you replace a sliding glass door with a French door?
Most sliding doors can be replaced with French doors. French doors can be made up to 2.4m wide, so if your aperture is bigger than this, you’ll need fixed windows either side to fill the aperture.
Which material is best for patio doors?
For robustness and longevity, aluminium is by far the best option. Though its initial cost may be higher than for UPVC alternatives, it makes a great long-term investment.
Are sliding doors cheaper than bi-folds?
Generally, the costs are similar, but sliding doors with larger glass panels will cost more than the average bi-fold door.
Are French doors hard to install?
Installing French doors may be slightly more complex than installing a single patio door, for example, because of the necessity of creating a balanced reveal around the double doors. That’s why it’s important to choose an approved installer.
Are French doors or sliding doors more expensive?
Sliding doors are usually the more expensive option, as they offer more expansive glass panels.
What glazing should I choose for patio doors?
Whilst both double glazing and triple glazing options offer great thermal protection, triple glazing is the most effective option for sound and heat insulation. Acoustic variants of glass are also available. Please speak to your installer for more details.