Hinged vs. Sliding Patio Doors: Which Should You Choose For Your Home?

Whether you’re renovating your home for aesthetic reasons or trying to increase your property’s resale value, you’re bound to face a couple of difficult decisions along the way. One of them might be choosing which kind of patio door best suits your home.

Patio doors are popular for homeowners who want to introduce more natural light into their homes. They also create a seamless indoor-to-outdoor transition, making it easier to access your outside space.

They come in various styles, but hinged and sliding doors are two of the most common types. Both combine function and beauty, meaning the choice boils down to your preference and your home’s layout and design.

But before you shop for replacements, it’s essential to learn their differences, pros, and cons between your options. For instance, if your doors are close to any obstruction, a sliding door might be more suitable for you. However, you may find hinged to be the better option if space is not an issue for you—assuming you have room to open them!

So, if you’re in the market for patio doors but don’t know which kind to get, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll compare the features of hinged and sliding patio doors to find the best choice for your home’s layout.

Now, let’s dive in!

Hinged Patio Doors

Hinged patio doors have been around since 1600 B.C. and are among the oldest known door types. They’re the standard style in most properties and are ideal for property owners interested in adding a timeless look to their homes.

Hinged patio doors are considered highly energy efficient because they have smaller glass panes. Although this wasn’t always the case, today’s hinged door models are manufactured with materials that provide better insulation. They are also low maintenance compared to most styles thanks to their sturdier parts.

You can choose from various styles such as bifold doors and French doors, with the latter having the highest return on investment. French doors are tall and slim, with panels that make up most of the inner doors and bring a traditional elegance to a room.

On the other hand, bifold doors are a type of hinged doors that fold back on themselves. Their unique style is great for homes with smaller spaces because the doors fold to the side.

While they have a lot of advantages, there are some things to consider when choosing hinged patio doors.

The Pros of Hinged Patio Doors:

• They create a more traditional and elegant look in a home.
• They can also provide a wider opening than sliding doors, making them ideal for areas where natural light and ventilation are important.
• More energy-efficient because of the smaller glass panes and better sealing.
• More durable because they have more robust locking mechanisms. They’re also more secure than sliding doors.

The Cons of Hinged Patio Doors:

• They require more clearance to swing open, which can be problematic in homes with limited space.
• They’re heavy and can be more challenging to operate for some people.
• They may provide less glass area than sliding doors, making them less suitable for areas where maximizing natural light is important.
• They may be less aesthetically pleasing to the eyes of those seeking a sleek, modern home design.

Sliding Patio Doors

Space-saving and simple are how we describe sliding patio doors. This option is suitable for homes with limited capacity as they don’t require a lot of floor allowance and slide open horizontally, making them easier to fit into tight spaces.

Furniture can be placed in front of them without problem, letting you maximize the room in a single area. They’re also easy to operate—only needing to move side-to-side—and are low maintenance because their parts are easy to replace.

Because of their expansive glass area, they also let in a lot more natural light and offer a complete view of the outdoor or balcony area. During the warm summer months, you could slide open one door to welcome in a breeze and let air circulate freely. They also look aesthetically pleasing, adding a sleeker, more refined look to any property.

But just like hinged doors, sliding patio doors also have their disadvantages.

The Pros of Sliding Patio Doors:

• Great space-saving options for rooms with limited floor area
• Larger glass panes offer a more expansive view of the outdoors.
• They are aesthetically pleasing; modern and sleek.
• Easy to operate because they only need to move side-to-side.

The Cons of Sliding Patio Doors:

• Less secure due to weaker locking mechanisms.
• They may not be as energy efficient as hinged doors because of the larger glass panes. However, some designs are made from unique materials to provide better insulation in a room.
• Sturdy, but must be maintained to keep them sliding smoothly to prevent malfunctioning.

Choose High-Quality Patio Doors at Burano

Patio sliding doors vs hinged: once you’ve made your choice, it’s time to call in the pros and have them customize a design you’re sure to love. You’ll find a wide range of styles, colours, and designs to complement your home at Burano Doors.

Our steel and fiberglass doors have high R-value, making them thermal resistant and able to withstand the harsh Canadian climate.Everything we produce is also Energy Star approved, having undergone rigorous energy-efficiency testing.

Need help choosing between hinged and sliding patio doors? Contact us today for expert advice and a free estimate!