The sliding track deters many people from this option.
Sliding door vs french door.
Due to a sleek one track operating mechanism sliding patio doors need far less space than french doors and as such are very popular with people who have a less expansive area to update.
A considerable difference between french doors vs sliding doors is the track involved with sliding doors.
A french door consists of a frame around one or more transparent panels that may be installed in matching pairs or in a series.
Here is an example.
French patio doors are mostly made of glass and look similar to windows.
The wood frame surrounding a number of window panes when closed cannot be mistaken for being open.
The track can be unattractive in appearance.
However the wider frame on a french patio door is a more traditional style which many homeowners desire.
As an added bonus more light tends to flow into a home with sliding door installed as thinner frames are possible.
This can severely impact the usability of a room.
Sliding doors open by sliding either one over the other or sliding out from the centre over fixed panels.
A classic model has two side by side panels that swing in or out from hinges on the sides of the frame.
French doors and sliding doors have different hardware.
Sliding doors on the other hand because they are often entirely transparent can be mistaken for being open.
If your doors will be connecting two spaces that have furniture in them it is best to use a sliding door.
Without a doubt french doors are safer that sliding doors.
Traditional sliding glass doors have two panels with one that slides along rollers to cover the other.
French doors have a wider door frame.
Also often one has to step over the track to prevent stubbing the foot or tripping.
Sometimes called gliding patio doors aluminium sliding doors differ from french doors in that they are made of larger panes of glass and slide open and closed.
With french doors you re going to have the swing of the doors competing for space where furniture will be or should be.