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French Doors vs Patio Doors: Is There a Difference?
Lifestyle
French doors vs patio doors: is there a difference? It’s a question that comes up often during home renovation planning, especially if you’re looking to bring more light into your space or create a better connection to the garden. The short answer is yes- and no. French doors are actually a type of patio door, but they differ from other popular options like sliding patio doors and bifold doors in how they look, open, and function within your space.
With so many styles available, it’s worth understanding the key differences so you can choose what works best for your home. In this guide, we’ll break down the features of French doors compared to other types of patio doors, covering everything from design and opening mechanisms to natural light and energy efficiency; helping you decide which is the right fit for your project.
Understanding the Door Types
What Are Patio Doors?
The term patio door includes any external glazed door that leads outside, be it to a garden, balcony, or deck. Sliding doors, bifold doors, and French doors all fall under this, but they differ significantly in how they operate and how much space they require.
What Are French Doors?
French doors, also known as French patio doors, are a set of double doors that open from the centre, hinged either to swing inward or outward. They are well known for their symmetrical look and traditional charm, making them an attractive option for both modern and older properties.
Comparing French Doors with Other Patio Door Options
The Opening Mechanism
A key difference between French doors and patio doors like sliding or bifold systems lies in how they open:
- French Doors are hinged and swing open from the centre, either inward or outward, depending on your space and preference. This dual-hinged design gives you the flexibility to open one door or both, allowing for greater control over ventilation and access to the outdoors.
- Sliding Patio Doors move horizontally along a fixed track. At least one panel stays in place while the other glides behind it. This means you don’t need clearance for the door swing, which makes them ideal for tighter spaces like balconies or compact patios.
- Bifold Doors consist of multiple panels that slide and fold back along a track in an accordion style. These can fully open up an entire wall, perfect for creating a wide opening into the garden. However, the folded panels take up space at the end of the track, so they’re best suited for larger areas.
Although French doors provide full-width access when both doors are open, they do need swing space, which can be restrictive in smaller gardens. Sliding and bifold systems eliminate this issue, maximising usable space. Still, only bifold doors allow for completely opening the doorway, as sliding patio doors always retain a fixed panel.
Aesthetics & Visual Appeal
When deciding between bifold doors, French doors, and sliding doors, one of the most noticeable differences is their look. French doors typically bring a classic, European aesthetic that suits period homes and newer builds wanting to introduce character. Aluminium French doors update this traditional format with slimmer sightlines, modern materials, and a wide choice of finishes, offering a timeless yet up-to-date patio door option.
By contrast, sliding patio doors and bifold doors tend to favour a more contemporary appearance. With larger glass panels and fewer visible frames, they offer uninterrupted views and let in more natural light. Frameless sliding doors push this even further by removing visual barriers almost entirely. While their cleaner look suits new builds, the growing range of colours and materials makes it easier to match these options with more traditional homes too.
Natural Light
All patio door types allow abundant natural light to fill your home due to their large glazed areas. French doors, especially when fitted with expansive panes and slim aluminium frames, do an excellent job of bringing in daylight. However, for those who prioritise maximising brightness, sliding patio doors and bifolds often offer even larger glass panels, letting more light pour in.
If you’re looking to optimise both natural light and visibility, frameless sliding doors are an even better choice. Designed with ultra-slim profiles and expansive glass surfaces, they minimise obstructions and provide an almost uninterrupted view of your garden. This creates a brighter, more open feel to your interior, making them the perfect solution for anyone wanting to bridge the gap between their indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cost
Cost is a key factor when choosing patio doors. Generally, French doors are more affordable because they have a simpler design, easier installation, and less complex hardware. In comparison, sliding and bifold doors tend to be more expensive due to larger glass panels and more intricate track systems. Bifold doors, in particular, may require extra structural work if not installed correctly, which can increase costs.
Although French doors are more budget-friendly, sliding and bifold doors offer greater integration with outdoor spaces and a modern aesthetic. The higher initial cost can be offset by their long-term benefits, such as increased home value and a better connection to your garden.
Other Important Considerations
Material Matters
At Express, we believe aluminium is the best choice for patio doors, and here’s why: it’s strong, secure, and built to last. Unlike timber, which can warp or rot, or uPVC, which might discolour or crack over time, aluminium stays looking great with very little maintenance. It doesn’t rust, it handles the weather with ease, and it won’t let you down after a few years.
All our external doors are made with thermally broken aluminium, paired with Low-E performance double glazing to help keep your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and quieter all year round. It’s a smart way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and cut down on energy bills.
You’ll also have plenty of choice when it comes to how your doors look. Our bespoke range includes over 200 colours and finishes, so you can match your doors to your style. And with a 10-year guarantee, you can feel confident that your doors will stand the test of time, both in performance and appearance.
Security
When it comes to security, most types of patio doors have, perhaps unfairly, earned a reputation as being vulnerable. However, thanks to advancements in modern security features, this is no longer a concern.
In fact, bifold doors, French doors and sliding patio doors all offer excellent security. Each can be equipped with advanced locking systems, such as multi-point locks, which prevent the doors from being lifted out of their frames. Even if the locks were somehow tampered with, the doors remain secure and cannot be opened.
Combine these robust locking mechanisms with toughened glass, and you’ve got a strong, secure solution for your home, no matter which door style you choose.
Manufacture and Installation
Whatever patio door you choose, the quality of manufacture and installation is just as important as the design itself. At Express, all our doors are manufactured in our 200,000 square foot facility in Leeds using advanced CNC machinery. We employ over 200 skilled professionals who oversee every part of the process, from specification to final fitting.
Our expert installation team carries out full site surveys to make sure your doors are tailored to your space. Proper installation is crucial to ensure smooth operation, long-term durability, and the full benefits of thermally broken aluminium and double glazing.
Find Your Perfect Patio Door with Express
When it comes to French doors vs patio doors, the best choice depends on your space, your home, and how you plan to use it. Love the charm of traditional French doors? Want the light and openness of sliding patio doors or a frameless sliding door? There’s something to suit every layout and preference. Whichever route you take, features like thermally broken aluminium frames and double glazing mean you’ll get comfort and performance that lasts.
Still deciding which patio door is right for you? Explore our full range online or pop into a showroom; our team’s here to help you choose the doors that feel right for your home and your lifestyle.
