Hinged and sliding doors are both capable of making a space more beautiful and functional. Several characteristics set apart sliding doors from hinged ones. These factors make choosing between the two easier.

We'll look at what each of these doors is, their typical characteristics, and the pros and cons you should consider before using them in your home.

Use the links below to skip ahead:

• Sliding door vs hinged door
• Pros and cons of sliding doors
• Pros and cons of hinged doors

Sliding Door vs Hinged Door

There are a few things you need to consider before choosing exterior doors for your home. Keep the considerations below in mind as you compare your options.

1. Where will the door be installed? Is it a front door or a back door? Most homeowners use hinged doors for the front entrance and sometimes pivot doors are used in luxury homes. Sliding, hinged, bifolding, and pivot doors are used for secondary entrances to patios, verandas, and sunrooms. 
2. How much space do you have to work with? Consider the walls to the left, right, and above the location where you want the door installed. The amount of space here can limit your options regarding the size of the door.
3. How much living space do you have to work with inside the house and outside the house? Consider how the door will open, will you have room to open the door? Are there any obstructions like furniture or appliances?
4. Will the door be protected by an overhang? With some doors, you'll want to consider how much protection it will have from sun, rain, and wind. The more protection the doors have the longer they will last.

What is a sliding door?

A sliding patio door doesn't open inward or outward, so you don't have to worry about the space surrounding the door being big enough for it to function. Instead, these doors glide horizontally on a track. There is typically one mobile panel and one stationary panel. They fit tightly together when they lock and seal against the two vertical sides. As long as the tracks are installed well, they should be completely sealed along the top and bottom.

Buying Tip: Some doors are top hung which means they slide from the top of the track and some roll along the bottom track. Top hung sliding doors are more durable than bottom roller doors. ProVia makes really great top-hung sliding patio doors.

What is a hinged door?

A hinged door is typically made up of one or two solid panels joined to the wall by two to four hinges. These two panels meet in the middle. Typically, both of the panels can open individually, or you can lock one to remain fixed. These doors need space to open and close. They will have to open either outward or inward to function properly.

In the U.S. we commonly refer to hinged double doors are french doors. French patio doors is the term we usually use to describe hinged double doors that are primarily glass.

Pros and Cons of Sliding Doors

For some people, getting one of these doors might seem like an open-and-shut decision. However, if you are still debating about how they might work in your space, consider the pros and cons of each.

What are the advantages of sliding doors?

There are quite a few advantages of sliding doors for a patio area, in fact, they're the most popular option for active families because they're easy to operate and don't take up a lot of space. 

Pros of Sliding Doors

• Tons of options! As the most popular style, vendors make multiple variations of sliding doors.
• Quality sliding doors don't take much effort to open.
• They give your home a sleek or contemporary style instead of a more traditional one.
• Sliding doors don't need any exterior space to function.
• Sliding doors are nearly all-glass meaning you'll get tons of natural light.

What are the disadvantages of sliding doors?

Consider some of the disadvantages of a sliding door before putting all your chips in one basket. You want to make sure that these doors are the right option for your home. 

Cons of Sliding Doors

• Sliding door tracks need to be

   

  cleaned well

   

  for them to continue to seal properly.
• The tracks easily fill up with debris like dirt and leaves.
• The tracks, panels, and hardware on cheaper options are easily damaged if not handled with care. 
• If not installed properly, the door will be difficult to open.
• You can't open a sliding door fully since one side is typically stationary.

Pros and Cons of Hinged Doors

What are the advantages of hinged doors?

Hinged doors have stood the test of time, even with new operating styles hinged doors are and will always be used for openings.

Pros of Hinged Doors

• They can open fully, giving you full use of the portal.
• Hinged doors are a traditional option.
• There are many varieties, sizes, and finishes available of hinged doors.

What are the disadvantages of hinged doors?

As with anything, there is always the other side to consider before committing to a decision.

The Cons of Hinged Doors

• They need exterior space either on the inside or outside of the house.
• If not operated with care, people can get their fingers caught when shutting the door.

Ultimately your choice for doors will come down to cost, style, and how soon you can have them installed. Door installations aren't projects most people do more than once in their homes so make sure to the doors that you want. Consider the way the door will look, how you will use it, and its durability before you make your decision. 

Brennan Enterprises is a window and door company in North Texas. We sell and install exterior doors for residential and commercial properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. If you're interested in looking at door options please explore our website. We offer doors from ProVia and Andersen, two of the most trusted brands in the industry. 

Brennan

Published

June 04, 2021

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Sliding doors 5 advantages 1 disadvantage

In a previous blog, we did this for pivot doors. Now we list the advantages of sliding steel doors for you and also a point for your consideration. Here is our list:

Benefit 1: Optimal use of living space.

Sometimes there is no room to install a French door. The distance to the kitchen island may not allow this or the door may block the walkway and/or other doors. A sliding door offers a stylish solution to this. The advantage is that a sliding door does not swing out, but slides into the wall or even better: along it. All space is thus optimally utilized.

Benefit 2: Soft close closure

Feel free to throw the sliding door! It brakes itself and closes gently. This soft-close system is possible with both a closed rail and a “barn” rail with wheels in sight. With the latter system, external brakes ensure noiseless closure.

Benefit 3: Openness when possible, privacy when necessary

Not everyone in the house has the same agenda. Give them space! Close the slim steel sliding doors and you have an oasis of calm. Homework, gaming, watching TV and talking quietly, everything suddenly becomes possible. The same goes for your home office. Slide the slim steel doors closed and you can work and/or talk on the phone quietly. Openness when possible, privacy when necessary.

Benefit 4: Slide rails in different styles

With sliding doors, you have several options: the first is a closed sliding rail with soft-close. When you close this door, it brakes itself and closes gently. The sliding rail has a sleek design, making it more minimalist than the sliding system with the wheels in sight. This is the other option. We call this the “Barn” version. If you choose an overhead light, the wheels remain nicely visible on both sides. The industrial atmosphere is optimally conveyed by the wheels.

Benefit 5: New look and feel

Install sliding doors to replace old ensuite doors or give your home a new look. The black steel sliding doors are sleek and elegant. The combination of glass and steel gives you plenty of light. Separates spaces while preserving light! Go for an extra-large sliding door for maximum effect, choose a single door or just a double sliding door. Many things are possible to make new living pleasure according to your desire.

Disadvantage: Opens a little slower

Compared to a pivot door, a sliding door opens a fraction of a second slower. After all, you stand still for a moment when opening and closing a sliding door while with a pivot door you can simply walk through. In practice, you will find that a sliding door is often open. When necessary, you have the peace of mind to close it.

Where should I start?

Do you want steel sliding doors? Check out the “I want steel sliding doors” video. Of course you want to feel the doors. That’s why you want to come to the showroom. Let’s meet! You can easily make an appointmentthrough the site.

Naftali Leidelmeijer, Exclusive Steel

See all of Exclusive Steel’s projects here

Sliding doors bring a host of advantages that make them a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for various settings. One of their primary benefits is their space-efficient design, as they do not require the swing space that traditional doors need. This makes sliding doors an ideal solution for rooms with limited space or for creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.

Moreover, sliding doors contribute to the overall ambiance of a space by maximizing natural light. The expansive glass panels allow sunlight to flood the interior, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, these doors offer unobstructed views of the surrounding environment, whether it be a beautiful garden, a scenic landscape, or an urban skyline.

• Efficient Space Utilization

  :Sliding doors, by not swinging open, are ideal for maximizing space. This feature is particularly beneficial for patio doors, ensuring they don’t encroach on outdoor living areas.

• Natural Light Enhancement:

  Featuring large glass panels, sliding doors allow an influx of natural light, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Panoramic Views

  :The expansive glass surfaces provide breathtaking panoramic views, making sliding doors an excellent choice for spaces with beautiful surroundings.

What is the main advantage of a sliding door?

The primary and standout feature of sliding doors is their ability to maximize space efficiency. Traditional hinged doors require clearance space for swinging open, which can be a significant limitation in areas with confined or restricted space. In contrast, sliding doors glide horizontally along a track, eliminating the need for extra space to accommodate the door’s movement. This makes sliding doors particularly well-suited for small rooms, narrow hallways, or areas where every square foot matters.

In residential settings, sliding doors are often chosen for their ability to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. This advantage is especially evident in patio or balcony doors, where the absence of a swinging motion allows homeowners to optimize the use of both interior and exterior areas. The uninterrupted flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces creates a sense of continuity and expands the perceived living area, contributing to a more open and spacious atmosphere.

Furthermore, the efficiency in space utilization offered by sliding doors enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of a space. The unobstructed views provided by expansive glass panels contribute to a feeling of openness and brightness. This visual continuity can be particularly appealing in modern and contemporary design schemes, where clean lines and a sense of spaciousness are often key elements.

Why are sliding doors better than normal doors?

Sliding doors offer several advantages over traditional hinged doors. One notable benefit is their efficient use of space. Unlike conventional doors that require a swinging arc, sliding doors move horizontally along a track, making them ideal for areas with limited space or where furniture placement is a consideration.

Moreover, sliding doors facilitate a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. With expansive glass panels, they bring in abundant natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere while providing unobstructed views of the surroundings.

In terms of aesthetics, sliding doors often contribute to a modern and sleek design. Their minimalist appearance can complement various architectural styles, adding a touch of contemporary elegance to interiors.

Ease of operation is another key advantage. Sliding doors move smoothly on tracks, making them user-friendly and convenient, especially in spaces where quick and frequent access is necessary.

Additionally, sliding doors can enhance ventilation control. They can be partially opened to allow for controlled airflow while maintaining a connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

Sunparadise Sliding Doors Advantages

Sunparadise sliding doors offer a range of advantages that blend both practical functionality and aesthetic appeal. Renowned for their innovative designs, Sunparadise ensures that their sliding doors not only serve a utilitarian purpose but also contribute to the overall visual appeal of a space. The use of high-quality materials in the construction of these doors ensures durability and resistance to environmental factors, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable product. One notable feature is the customization options available, allowing customers to tailor the doors to their specific design preferences. Beyond aesthetics, Sunparadise sliding doors are designed for energy efficiency, incorporating features such as thermal insulated sliding doors and double-glazing. The seamless integration with outdoor spaces is a hallmark of Sunparadise doors, achieved through thoughtful design that maximizes natural light and provides unobstructed views. The emphasis on smooth operation, security features, and low-maintenance materials further enhances the overall appeal of Sunparadise sliding doors, making them a comprehensive and attractive choice for both residential and commercial applications.

Hazal is a blog writer specialized in glass roofs, bifold and sliding doors, windows, glass balconies, glazing, and shading systems. With a creative approach and technical expertise, Hazal provides customized content for Sunparadise. With extensive experience in energy efficiency, aesthetic design, and security, Hazal keeps readers updated with the latest industry innovations and effectively promotes Sunparadise’s products.