The difference among patio doors.
Two of the most common patio doors, gliding and french, have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Gliding (or Sliding) Patio Doors
The Good
These are the doors, as the name indicates, that slide side to side to open and close. If located near any furniture this could be a good choice because they don’t require any additional space inside or outside of the room. These doors have a more contemporary look and will go well in a home with a contemporary design. Additionally, these doors are typically very inexpensive, saving you money to use in other areas of your home.
The Bad
However, there could be instances in which gliding patio doors would not be the right option for your home. For instance, if you need an extra-large door opening to move furniture or other large objects, gliding patio doors are not going to give you all the space that you need and will end up unable to move large objects from one room to another. And if your home is older or has a more classic vibe, then this contemporary style patio door may not look right with your home.
French Patio Doors
The Good
These doors open and close like any other typical door that you’ve encountered. Typically, one panel will be the one you use most often- considered the active panel. And another panel that will be locked in place- the passive panel. The benefit of two panels is that when needed, both doors can be opened to give you a wider opening to move large objects from room to room. Giving any room a classic feel, these French patio doors are great for older, more classic homes.
The Bad
Although there are clearly a variety of advantages for installing french patio doors, there are drawbacks. For one thing, requiring floor space for opening and closing may not be something that smaller rooms can practically accommodate. Another thing would be the high cost typically associated with french patio doors.
The Best For Your Home
In the end, it all comes down to your style and your needs. If you need to be able to move large objects like patio furniture through the doors, then gliding patio doors may be the best option. If you have the floor space to accommodate french patio doors and like the classic look, then maybe you can invest in some beautiful french patio doors.
Get In Touch With Fisher Lumber Today
Fisher Lumber and Hardware has served homeowners and contractors in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia areas since 1894. We have excellent lumber, all of the building materials you need, top-notch tools, and the expertise to help you pick the right supplies for your project. Give us a call at 301-424-6500 or visit us online for more information. To see more tips for your DIY project, visit us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, Houzz, and Twitter!