Choosing between traditional French doors and contemporary sliding doors isn’t about one style being better than the other; it’s about which style will work best with your home. If the following factors apply to you, you should consider sliding doors for your upcoming door replacement project:
You Don’t Have Enough Space
Traditional French doors require space to swing open, so if the immediate area won’t be able to accommodate that or if the hinged door sashes would get in the way when opened, then it makes more sense to choose sliding patio doors. Aside from the swing space, you also need to consider furniture placement. If your living space is cramped as it is, you’re better off with sliding doors.
You Need Bigger Patio Doors
Sliding door frames have rollers that not only facilitate easy operation, but also carry the weight of the door sashes. This gives gliding patio doors a distinct advantage over their hinged counterparts, as they don’t have size restrictions. With extra-wide French doors, the increased weight puts a strain on the door hardware and frame. While there are solutions such as bi-fold French doors, they don’t have the same wide glass areas as sliding doors.
With Renewal by Andersen® gliding patio doors, you can have significantly wider patio doors. Our Narroline® and Perma-Shield® gliding patio doors feature adjustable, self-lubricating tandem rollers designed by Andersen® that use steel wheels with ball bearings. In addition to providing smooth and effortless operation, the assembly also distributes the weight of the door sash across the length of the track, resulting in consistent performance for many years.
You Want Contemporary Elements in Your Traditional Home
Gliding patio doors are a good addition to your home if you’re going for a more modern appeal. Thanks to our Frenchwood® sliding French doors, you can have the aesthetics of traditional French doors – including the option to choose stainable pine, oak, or maple interior finishes – while also taking advantage of the benefits of contemporary gliding patio doors.
Learn more about our gliding and hinged patio doors. Call Renewal by Andersen® of Seattle today at (206) 777-0954 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free in-home consultation. We serve many areas here in Seattle.