When it comes to choosing patio doors, there are benefits and downsides to both sliding doors and hinged doors. Both types of patio doors offer functionality and style, however, there are a range of factors to consider that may influence which type of patio door is the best choice for you.
At Origin, we provide a range of patio doors for your home so we’ve put this handy guide together to help you choose the right door.
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Learn more about the types of patio door available, including sliding doors and hinged doors.
Find out more about the pros and cons of patio doors and how to choose the right doors for your home.
Learn more about Origin’s patio doors including the types and options available.
Find the answers to commonly asked questions around sliding doors and hinged doors.
Types of Patio Door
There are three main types of patio door that you can choose from:
- Sliding doors
- French patio doors (hinged doors)
- Bi-fold doors
If you take the time to understand the types of patio doors available, you will be able to make an informed decision about which is the best option for you.
Sliding Doors
A sliding door does not open in and out like a traditional hinged door. They glide horizontally along a track. The configurations available will comprise of moving and fixed doors but will move on the one track. This means that even when all the doors are put to one side in an open position, there will always be at least one panel visible so won’t open up the aperture fully. These types of doors are ideal for outside spaces that are a little smaller and where there is no room for the doors to be opened outwards. A sliding door is also the best choice if you want to maximise the views from inside your home as they provide very slim sightlines.
French Doors
French doors, or a hinged patio door, are usually fitted as double doors rather than a single door. French doors are individually hinged, and can open outwards or inwards, allowing the full aperture to be opened. However, with these types of doors, there needs to be space outside or inside of the patio for the doors to be opened.
Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold patio doors consist of multiple panels, or leaves, that fold and stack. This can completely open a space up, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. These doors require enough space inside or outside for the doors to be opened and stacked together.
Pros and cons of patio doors
When it comes to choosing between the three types of patio doors or finding a glass door, there are a variety of pros and cons that you should be aware of, with regards to aesthetics, practicality, and usage.
Aesthetics
All types of patio doors can create an access point between the interior of your home and your garden that is decorative and aesthetically pleasing.
A sliding patio door may be more suitable for modern homes, whereas hinged doors will match more traditional style homes. Regardless of the type of patio door you opt for, you can benefit from creating an unobstructed view of your surroundings.
Sliding doors - sliding doors provide the biggest expanse of glass with the slimmest sightlines out of the 3 options. This means you can enjoy uninterrupted views from inside your home when the doors are closed.
Bi-fold doors - when open, bi-fold doors provide uninterrupted views of the outside but, when closed, the number of frames can have an impact on your view of the outside.
French doors - these doors are the most limiting in terms of your views of the outside as they are suited to smaller openings and spaces.
Security
Security is always an important consideration and, fortunately, all types of modern patio doors are designed with security in mind. All modern patio doors, such as those from Origin, are designed to be tough and durable, with multi-point locking systems, cylinders and running gear that is designed to withstand force.
Cleaning
Sliding and bi-fold doors are the hardest to keep clean. The tracks can sometimes pick up debris, and they will need to be kept clean to allow them to seal properly and function well over the long term. On the other hand, French doors are just as easy to clean as any other hinged door.
Cost
The price of having patio doors installed will always vary depending on your location and their size, however, French doors are usually the cheapest option. Depending on the system used and sightline opted for, bi-fold doors and sliders can be quite comparable on a cost front.
Usage
If you want to connect the inside and outside of your home with the doors completely open, bi-fold doors are the best option. In addition, bi-fold doors can be fitted with a lead door (traffic door) which will allow you to use it as a normal hinged door in the winter or when you want to gain easy access to your garden or patio without opening the full set of doors.
Sliding doors are another great way to connect your home to your patio or garden but they cannot be opened fully - one panel will always remain static. The door, however, will also offer the functionality of being able to be partially opened to gain access to the outside. Sliding doors take up less space when they’re opened.
French doors operate in the same way as a normal door, so will provide access to your patio or garden in the same way. Both doors can be opened to provide a larger opening, but space will be required for the doors to be folded back.
Origin’s patio doors
Origin offers a wide variety of patio doors, including French, Bi-fold, and Sliding. All Origin patio doors are made using durable, hardy materials and multi-point security systems. Each door offers guarantees of up to 20 years so you can be assured that your investment lasts over the long-term.
Origin’s OB-49 and OB-72 French Door Systems are designed to open a full 180° (or however far the brickwork will allow), allowing you to maximise the space in your home.
Our French Doors are available in both modern and traditional styles. Georgian bars are available to help add a sense of regency and English heritage to match the style of more traditional properties.
The OB-49 and OB-72 are also what our bi-folding door system operates on, so you can choose the sightline that’s right for you.
Origin’s Sliding Doors, including our Artisan OS-20 as well as our OS-29, OS-44 and OS-77 are available in a huge range of colours, allowing your new doors to be perfectly matched to the rest of your home. These Sliding Doors are also available with up to six panels, providing a finished product of anywhere between 1.4 to 13.2 metres wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sliding and hinged doors?
Hinged patio doors open inwards or outwards using a hinge, much like traditional front or internal doors do.
Sliding doors, however, are operated on tracks, with one panel typically being fixed in place, and the other sliding behind the fixed panel to create an opening.
When do you use a sliding door, and when are hinged doors used?
Both types make a great patio door, however, sliding doors are often better suited to small spaces than hinged doors.
Do sliding doors last longer than traditional hinged doors?
Traditionally, homeowners may have been concerned about hinges, however, modern doors are all designed to be long lasting. Manufacturers such as Origin offer a guarantee of up to 20 years which demonstrates the quality of build.
Which type of patio doors are best for a small space?
Sliding doors are better for small spaces as the panels are contained within the doorway, whereas hinged doors open fully inwards or outwards.
To learn more about having patio doors installed in your home, please contact your local Origin installer.
