Table of Contents
Quick Takeaways of the post:
The main patio door choices are French doors vs sliding patio doors
There are pros and cons to each
Consider your budget, aesthetic and priorities to help you choose
Factor in the initial cost vs the return on investment
Manchester Window Factory offer a bespoke door design and installation service
Several factors are involved in choosing patio doors. You want to maximise your views and natural light, creating a seamless transition from the outside in, without letting in harmful UV rays. You need them to be secure, stylish, energy efficient, and durable.
Depending on your circumstances and priorities, other considerations may include space, eco-friendliness and weather exposure.
But with different types of patio doors, not to mention various brands, styles and price points, how do you choose the right patio door for you?
In this blog, we will explain the key differences between French doors and other kinds of patio doors, such as sliding patio doors, to help you make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.
What are French Doors?
French doors, sometimes known as French windows, are attractive doors that open and close by swinging on hinges. They originated in France, hence the name, during the 17th-century French Renaissance period to bring more natural light and fresh air into homes. They were designed as elongated windows, which could be opened and closed quickly and easily due to their hinges. They are usually double doors and remain predominantly glass with different frames.
French doors can be used as patio doors, but they also serve other functions, such as connecting dining rooms, playrooms, or studies. They can also open out onto a balcony or conservatory.
Patio doors can refer to French doors, but can also be a different kind of door, such as sliding doors.
What are Sliding Patio Doors?
There are different types of patio doors, including French doors, but we are primarily looking at sliding patio doors. These doors run horizontally on a track, allowing you to decide how ‘open’ you need them to be at a given time. However, this is only up to 50%, since not all the panels open. They consist of large glass panels in a slim aluminium or UPVC frame. The panels slide behind one another, varying in size, design, and configuration. Alternatively, some styles feature two doors sliding open in the centre, with fixed outer panels. They typically open onto gardens, patio areas or conservatories.
Key Differences Between French Doors and Patio Doors
While the main difference between French doors and patio doors is how each type of door opens, they also differ in appearance, functionality, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
Design and Appearance
Patio doors typically have a more modern aesthetic than French doors. However, styles of French doors have increased in recent years to fit a contemporary look and heritage properties. Sliding patio doors can also be fashioned to fit an older aesthetic. French doors still tend to have a chunkier frame, so bear that in mind when making your decision.
Space and Opening Mechanism
While French doors open inwards or outwards on hinges, sliding patio doors operate on a track. French doors require more space, eating into your room or garden when open. Due to the sliding panels, sliding doors cannot be fully opened, but they do not require space to open into.
Light & View
Patio doors and French doors each offer plenty of natural light in the home. As mentioned, this was the original purpose of French doors, and they continue to help maximise natural light today. Patio doors perform the same function, with large glazed areas, and both offer vast, largely uninterrupted views.
This is particularly true of aluminium sliding patio doors with ultra-slim sightlines. French doors can also be aluminium or UPVC, but timber versions tend to have larger/heavier frames.
Both styles of doors are available at Manchester Window Factory with your choice of glazing.
Energy Efficiency & Weather Exposure
Our doors have air-lock seals as standard. The double or triple glazing offers excellent energy efficiency, and the gaps between panes are filled with Argon gas for maximum insulation.
Both door styles allow for plenty of ventilation, but you have more control over how ‘open’ you want your doors with sliding patio doors. This means you can open the door a crack to let some fresh air in and clear any condensation on cooler days.
Sliding patio doors are slightly more energy efficient, purely because it takes longer to fully open or close French doors, making it easier for heat to escape.
You can check the U-value of any of our doors. Please ask if you need help.
Bear in mind that French doors may slam shut in windy weather, although you can fit hooks or bolts to prevent this from happening.
Weather resistance largely depends on the frame material and whether it has been treated to withstand inclement conditions. For example, timber is a natural insulator, but can crack, warp or rot if not properly sealed and maintained.
Aluminium can usually withstand most typical weather conditions. However, if you live near the sea or experience coastal storms, you might want to use marine-grade aluminium. This is more expensive, but it will not tarnish from exposure to salt water.
Security & Privacy
Since unsecured patio doors are a favourite entry point for burglars, you need to be sure that whichever design you choose makes it difficult to break in.
Both types of patio doors perform equally well in terms of security. All Manchester Window Factory doors offer multi-point locking systems, such as Ultion door barrels, and toughened laminated glass. The sliding doors have anti-removal technology, so a would-be intruder cannot lift a panel off the track to gain access to your home. The hinges on your French doors will lock into one another, so the door cannot be easily removed from its hinges.
Laminated glass can also help with privacy, as the uninterrupted views can come at the price of privacy. You can also opt for frosted or obscure glass in some cases.
Maintenance & Durability
Traditionally, French doors had solid timber frames. Timber frames are still popular today, but you can also get composite, UPVC and even aluminium French doors.
Timber French doors require regular painting, sealing and repairing to keep them looking their best. Upvc and aluminium don’t require much maintenance, but can be difficult to repair should any damage occur. Certain colours of UPVC can also fade in the sun.
Similarly, sliding patio doors can be UPVC or aluminium but are unlikely to be made of timber due to their sliding function.
Aluminium is the most durable material, but you will also get a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee on UPVC or timber doors.
Cost Comparison & Value Over Time
Your budget will be a major factor when you are choosing doors or windows.
On average, patio doors are cheaper than French doors. But that is not true of the lowest-end prices. French doors range from around £500 to £3,000, while you would expect to pay £800 – £3,500 for sliding patio doors.
Factors that affect the price include:
- The materials used
- The size
- The complexity of design
- Your choice of glazing
- Your choice of fixtures and fittings
- Tricky installation
You also need to factor in the reduction in heating bills from installing either type of door and the potential added value to your property. Depending on the style and size of your space, French doors or sliding patio doors can be an attractive feature, adding to the ‘curb appeal’ for potential buyers.
How To Choose The Right Patio Door For Your Home
Material
The three main materials for frames are timber, aluminium, and UPVC. As noted above, they each have advantages and drawbacks. Composite doors are another option, but are less likely to be used as patio doors.
Glass Type
There are several options for glazing your patio doors, from standard double and triple glazing to toughened laminated glass, integral blinds, self-cleaning glass, and Planitherm energy-efficient glass. Each type of glass is designed to address a specific issue. For example, acoustic glass to limit noise pollution and obscure glass for the desired level of privacy.
Opening Style & Size Constraints
Whether you choose French doors or sliding patio doors will depend partly on how you want your doors to open. This may be determined by the occupants or the typical weather conditions in your location. For example, if you have small children or pets, you may prefer the safety of sliding doors over the possibility of French doors swinging shut without warning. This is especially true if you live in a windy spot. Alternatively, you can fit hooks and locks to ensure the doors stay open until you close them manually.
The size of the space will also help determine which is the better choice for you.
If you have a large space to cover, sliding patio doors may be a more appropriate solution. Aluminium sliding doors can be made to fit most sizes. They also don’t require a lot of floor space. On the other hand, if you have a large garden or patio area, French doors that open outwards can create a beautiful transition between your home and your garden.
Warranty & Brand Reputation
All our windows and doors come with a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee as standard. Sliding patio doors generally last 20 to 30 years, due to the track, but you can increase the lifespan with regular cleaning and lubrication. French doors can last up to 60 years if they are properly taken care of.
Pros and Cons: French Doors vs Sliding Patio Doors
Feature | French Doors | Sliding Patio Doors |
Design & Appearance | Classic, symmetrical, and ideal for period homes; can be highly decorative | Sleek, modern aesthetic with larger uninterrupted glass panels |
Space Efficiency | Requires swing clearance (inward or outward) — limits furniture or planting near door | Slides along track — great for tight or compact spaces |
Light & Views | Allows good light but includes framing in the centre (where doors meet) | Maximises light and visibility with wide, unobstructed glass panels |
Ease of Access | Full opening (both doors swing open) allows a wide walkthrough | One panel typically moves — slightly smaller access opening than French doors |
Energy Efficiency | High when double/triple glazed and properly sealed; may suffer draughts if poorly fitted | Good thermal performance; less likely to leak air due to sealed track system |
Security | Multi-point locking; hinge side may be vulnerable if not reinforced | Built-in track locks and optional anti-lift devices provide strong resistance |
Maintenance | Hinges and swing mechanisms require occasional attention | Tracks can gather dirt and debris — need regular cleaning |
Durability | Solid and long-lasting; especially when made of aluminium or hardwood | Fewer moving parts make them long-lasting; fewer weather-related issues |
Cost | Generally more expensive than sliders (especially in bespoke materials) | Typically more cost-effective, especially in standard sizes and uPVC frames |
Wind Exposure | Can slam in gusty weather if not properly secured | Less affected by wind since doors stay on track |
Privacy Options | Easier to add blinds/curtains to two doors | Requires wide blinds or specialist glass treatments for full coverage |
How Manchester Window Factory Can Help You Choose & Install
Manchester Window Factory provides and installs a range of patio doors, from classic timber French doors to sleek ultra-slim aluminium sliding patio doors. With our bespoke service, we can help you to select the most appropriate style for your home and customise it to truly make it yours.
Our professional fitters are CERTASS-certified and can provide the building regulation compliance certificates you will need to sell your home in the future.
Summary and Takeaways
When choosing between French doors and patio doors, the main factors to consider are the size and accessibility of the space, your budget, your lifestyle, and, of course, personal preference.
There is little to choose between them for natural light, energy efficiency and security, so your choice will depend primarily on the costs and aesthetics.
Both types of doors are customisable, so you can create French or sliding patio doors tailor-made for your home.
Conclusion
If you’re still unsure or simply want a second opinion, we’re on hand to help. Drop us an email, call us, or fill in our online contact form for a free, no-obligation quote. We also have an Altrincham showroom, with the latest opening times on our website.
We look forward to hearing from you.
FAQs
Yes, the traditional look of French doors has excellent curb appeal; their charm, energy efficiency and space-saving benefits can translate into an increase in property value.
Yes, depending on the size of the opening. The maximum width of French doors is typically 2.4 m, but you could also have fixed windows on either side if the opening is particularly large.
Usually, neither type of patio door requires planning permission, as doors, like windows, typically fall under permitted development rights. However, this may change if you are increasing the size of the opening by knocking down part of a wall. If you live in a listed building or conservation area, you may need consent. Always speak to your local authority to determine any rules specific to your property or area.
Patio doors can be trickier to install than your average entrance door, taking anything from half a day to several days to complete. This timescale is determined by whether it is an existing opening, the size and the complexity of the design.
French doors are typically harder to install than sliding doors, and therefore take longer. This is because they must have a balanced reveal around both doors, so you will need to hire an accredited professional.
Yes, Bi-fold doors are another popular option for patio doors in Manchester and across the UK. Like sliding patio doors, they offer light, space and expansive views with the added benefit of opening fully across the space.