When you need to decide between two options, it is always important to look at all of the factors, and not just solely the price. Generally speaking, the answer to the question ‘are French doors more expensive than patio doors’ is a resounding yes.
In most cases, French doors cost more than patio doors. However, that also depends on the custom options you choose.
Overall, it all comes down to your preferences, and whether you replace the existing sliding door with a set of French doors, or whether you simply desire a more energy efficient door.
The Difference Between French and Patio Doors
Patio doors and French doors are very similar. However, there are definitive differences.The price aside, choosing the one that’s best for your home depends on unique personal factors.
If your only factor is price, then we have already given you the answer to the question ‘are French doors more expensive than patio doors?’ and that may be all you need to know.
(Having said that, we have a range of finance options available to help you spread the cost!)
Here are the main differences between French Doors and Patio Doors:
Opening Options
The main difference between these two is how they open. Patio doors operate by sliding along a track and open to the side. French doors open outwards like conventional doors.
Sliding doors are suited more for modern and contemporary properties, whereas French doors are better suited for older, and ‘heritage’ properties.
Space and Frame
One of the key benefits of both door types is that they encourage natural light into your home, enabling you to open up the space to its full potential. However, the door frame of a sliding patio door is narrower than of French doors, meaning that the sliding door will allow more natural light into your home.
One of the biggest benefits of sliding patio doors over French doors is that they perfect for smaller homes. They require no space to be fully opened, as they slide along a parallel track.
Style
Style and appearance are another difference. We have already mentioned that patio doors are better suited for modern and contemporary properties.
That is because of their modern appearance. French doors look more traditional, with a smaller area of glazing.
Glazing area
Patio doors have a large area of glazing, allowing more natural light into the room.
French doors allow a lot of natural light, but they use a combination of smaller areas of glazing. This will provide you with more privacy.
Advantages of Sliding Patio Doors
- Easy and user-friendly operation - The entire weight is supported by the track.
- Space saving - Because they slide along a parallel track, sliding doors require no space to be fully opened. Security features are incorporated into the design, preventing fixed and operable doors from being lifted off their rails.
Disadvantages of Sliding Patio Doors
The disadvantage of the sliding doors is also one of their advantages! They enable much more natural light to enter, which means you need to invest in high-quality energy efficient glass doors. If not, your home will be extremely hot during the Summer, and you’ll have a hard time controlling the temperature.
Advantages of French Doors
- Excellent ventilation - You can open both doors fully, and with both operable, enjoy as much breeze, or as little breeze, as you like.
- Ease of access - Sliding doors allow only opening to the left, or to the right. French doors can open to the entire width of the opening.
Disadvantages of French Doors
- You cannot place furniture next to them, because of the way they are installed and opened.
- Door mechanisms will require servicing.
- Poor energy efficiency rating. The area where they join together is susceptible to air and water leakage. Because of the way sliding doors overlap, they are much more energy efficient overall.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Between French & Patio Doors?
Other than cost, there are several other factors to take into account when making your decision.
Performance
When deciding on your chosen door type, thermal performance should be at the top of the agenda. This is measured by the U value of the door's material.
Basically, the lower the U value, the slower the rate of heat transfer. You can achieve the lowest U value possible by opting for toughened glass units for your doors. Good news for your home, and even better news for your energy bills!
Security
All doors come with security features, but some offer extra enhancements for additional peace of mind.
For sliding patio doors, anti-lift devices and anti-bump lock cylinders are also recommended-these work in tandem to prevent unlawful entry. For French doors, cover splines are advisable. The weakest point of the product is usually where both doors meet; splines will ensure that this gap is sufficiently covered and support the structure of the frame.
Access
The restricted opening of sliding patio doors is another important consideration, especially if you want to open up your inside space as much as possible.
If this is your main aim, then French doors offer the better solution.
If you are interested in buying French doors or Patio Doors for your home, we have a range of finance options.
Further details on our range of French Doors and Patio Doors can be found here.