If your home has a patio or a deck, you’ll want to select the right door to complement both the exterior and interior living spaces. Many homeowners choose between French doors and sliding patio doors for their entryway, and while they may seem similar, they are not entirely the same. To help you make the best selection for your home, learn about the differences between patio and French doors below.

French Doors

This type of door consists of two identical hinged doors that mirror each other. They can be made of a single-framed sheet of hurricane-grade glass or have multiple glass panels. One side will contain a handle and a lock for daily use. The other door remains closed and secured to the frame with a latch at either its base or top.

However, the door may become unlatched to swing open. When both doors are open, they create a wide point of entry that is perfect for moving in furniture, appliances, or other bulky items that need more room for transport. French doors can swing inward or outward from their center, and they are best suited for houses with a traditional architectural style because of their intricate appearance. 

Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors open and close by gliding along a track fixed to the ground. They consist of at least two side-by-side glass panels with one moveable side. To open the door, the moveable portion will slide along the track and cover the unmoveable side.

Sliding patio doors require less space, which makes them the perfect choice for houses that don’t have a lot of interior or exterior room to handle swinging doors. The frames for the glass panels are significantly smaller than the French variety, so they let in more natural light.

Modern versions can also be customized to move like an accordion in which multiple side-by-side glass panels fold into each other to create a wider opening. The modern feel of sliding patio doors works well with contemporary-styled homes.

If you’re ready to transform your home with beautiful patio or French doors, head to Requarth Co. in Dayton, OH. This lumberyard is home to building supplies for home improvement projects and renovations that you won’t find in big-box stores. Whether you’re looking for custom kitchen cabinets, windows, or entry doors, they have the materials you’ll need for the job. To schedule a consultation with one of their design experts, call (937) 224-1141 or visit them online for more details.