For those considering them, patio doors offer numerous benefits, from high function to a fantastic access point between the home’s interior and exterior. Two common types of patio doors that are often compared against one another for this purpose: Hinged and sliding patio doors.
At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we’re happy to offer a wide range of patio door options, from sliding selections like multi-slide doors to hinged options like the folding door and several others. How do these two types compare, and which should you prioritize for your new patio door installation? This two-part blog series will dig into these areas, starting with the sliding door first.
Sliding Patio Doors
The more contemporary and modern option of these two tends to be the sliding patio door, which as the name suggests operates by sliding open and closed along a basic track. Sliding patio doors will come with two glass panels: One that’s stationary and does not move on a side of the door that will not open, and the other that slides open and closed.
In addition, many sliding patio doors will include a sliding screen. This screen, which typically opens and closes on a parallel track to the actual door, helps keep bugs out while still allowing for a nice breeze and exposure to the outdoors.
French Versus Multi-Slide
There are a few varieties of sliding door out there, and two of the most common are French and multi-slide:
- French: While they aren’t quite as common as multi-slide options, French patio doors combine convenience with fine detail. They have a French door look with wider stiles and rails, but function as a sliding door.
- Multi-slide: These doors have expansive panels that easily slide open, plus stack up against one another or tuck away out of sight into a wall pocket. Panels can either travel to one side or part in the middle if you desire.
Saving Space
For many, the primary benefit of sliding patio doors compared to other types is the space that’s saved. Especially for smaller areas, the fact that these doors stack up against one another or tuck away in a wall pocket makes a huge difference in maximizing the space you have available, both for aesthetics and practical needs.
For larger areas, these doors still do very well. They offer the option to add an extra panel or two and expand the opening, if you have enough room, something many homeowners do to increase their natural light that enters the home.
For more on choosing the ideal patio door, or to learn about any of our high-end doors or window installation services, speak to the staff at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors today.