Blog > Category > Posted: 2019-May-30, Updated: 2020-Sep-29

Patio doors vs Garden doors

Pros and cons of Sliding patio doors vs Garden doors
When it comes to making a choice between swinging garden doors or sliding patio doors, its a personal choice. However, knowing the pros and cons of each may curb your decision.

Sliding door - Pros & Cons

sliding patio doors

Style & design

  • PRO - A contemporary modern look more suited to newer home designs
  • PRO - Can be designed to 3 and 4-panel configurations
  • PRO - Can be custom manufactured to non-standard heights and widths
  • PRO - Sliding screen doors are standard, allowing for full open-door ventilation and an extra locking capability
  • CON - May seem out of place in an older home
  • CON - Limited to solid glass styles

Space & ease of use

  • PRO - Most people (young and old) find them easy to operate
  • PRO - Sliding patio doors slide open and don’t take up any interior space
  • CON - The sliding track can potentially trip those not aware of its presence
  • CON - Because one door is usually fixed, it has a limited open space width for taking things in and out of the home

Energy efficiency

  • PRO - A vinyl sliding patio door is an oversize window and can be fitted with a double or triple pane option
  • PRO - Low-E glass coatings can control UV levels entering the home and provide additional energy efficiencies
  • PRO- Allow more light into the home than Garden doors

Viewing

  • PRO - By its construction nature patio doors maximize the glass surface area and the ratio of glass to frame providing an unobstructed view of your backyard or property

Security & privacy

  • PRO - Several additional security options are available
  • PRO - The sliding design of patio doors allows for the integration of a security bar, upper and lower dead-bolts and kick locks
  • PRO - Tempered glass prevents brake ins
  • PRO - Optional inner mini blinds are available for convenience and privacy

Costs & maintenance

  • PRO - Typically costs less than garden doors
  • PRO - Low maintenance

Garden door - Pros & Cons

sliding patio door

Style & design

  • PRO - Can dramatically change the appearance of a home both inside and out and can match a specific style
  • PRO - Available in a huge variety of colours, frames, finishes, materials and hinge swing options
  • PRO - Available in a French Door style with 2 opening doors or a Centred Patio door configuration with one opening door and one fixed door
  • PRO - Some manufacturers offer operational casement windows with interior screens for added for ventilation

Space & ease of use

  • PRO - When opened, double door configurations can provide a bigger opening than patio doors, making it easy to move items in and out of the house
  • PRO - Garden doors are a great solution for pet lovers - some styles allow for the installation of a pet door
  • PRO - A sill instead of a track reduces the risk of potential tripping
  • PRO - Can be designed to multiple door configurations
  • CON - Screen options are limited
  • CON - Requires interior or exterior space to allow the door to swing open
  • CON - Must conform to standard door widths and heights

Energy efficiency

  • CON - Garden doors are usually made from a combination of steel and wood and lose heat much faster than Vinyl Sliding Patio doors
  • CON - Glass options typically only allow for double-glazed windows (energy efficient) and very rarely allow for triple-glazing

Viewing

  • PRO - Almost endless glass options (stained glass, Tints, privacy glass…)
  • CON - Because of their larger frame requirements, Garden doors let less visible light into the home than patio doors.

Security & privacy

  • PRO - Glass mini blinds inserts can be fitted for privacy
  • PRO - Garden doors can be customized with privacy glass, grilled glass, stained glass, etched glass or special glass coatings
  • CON - French-style garden doors are less secure, due to the lack of a solid centre support
  • CON - Garden doors typically have just one lock and are less secure than sliding patio doors
  • CON - Multi-locking mechanisms are available for added security, but they can be awkward and expensive

Costs & maintenance

  • PRO - Typically made with non-rusting, non-corrosive materials for long life
  • CON - Often cost more than sliding doors

Related blog posts

Diagram -
Anatomy of a garden door

Piecing together a new patio door

Diagram -
Anatomy of a vinyl sliding patio door

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