Patio Doors Vs. Garden Doors

Are you looking to freshen up the look of your home? If so, one renovation option that might be worth considering is replacing an existing door with a patio or garden door.

Not sure which type of door is right for you? Don't fret! In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between patio and garden doors in order to help you determine which type would be best suited to your needs and style preferences.

From designs and functionality to security concerns and energy efficiency, ponder no more--we've got all the info needed for making an informed decision about these two types of exterior doors.

Read on to learn more about choosing between patio vs garden doors!

Sliding Door - Pros & Cons

Sliding doors have been steadily gaining popularity in recent years due to their ability to add a modern and attractive aesthetic to a home. When considering whether to install sliding patio doors, it's important to note the various advantages and disadvantages associated with this feature.

	Standard Size(in")
Width	Height	Size
96	80, 84, 96	96x80, 96x84, 96x96
120	80, 96	120x80, 120x96
144	96	144x96
96	*	*
108	*	*
120	*	*

 

	Standard Size(ft')
Width	Height	Size
8	6 1/2, 7, 8	8x6 1/2, 8x7, 8x8
10	8, 9	10x8, 10x9
12	8	12x8
9	*	*
10	*	*

Design & Aesthetics

One of the most popular advantages of sliding patio doors is the modern look they can bring to newer house appearances. With the ability to customize both the height and width, sliding doors also offer versatility in terms of design.

Sliding doors with a screen are the most commonly used doors in such setting, allowing for complete ventilation and providing additional locking feature.

However, the style may not suit older hose designs and you might be confined to glass options only.

Functionality & Space

One of the most practical benefits of sliding patio doors is the fact that they’re simple to use. Additionally, the sliding feature means they won’t take up the inside space.

However, it is important to note that the sliding track could make people trip if they are unaware of its presence. Additionally, one door is usually fixed, which limits the open space width for taking things in and out of the home.

Energy Efficiency

Sliding doors can also provide a significant boost to the energy efficiency of a home. In fact, they can often act as a huge window, allowing for extra light.

Low-E glass coatings can also regulate the amount of UV light reaching the home, which provides additional energy efficiency benefits.

Furthermore, sliding patio doors allow more light inside the home as compared to garden doors, which can have a positive impact on the energy efficiency of a home.

View From The Door

For homeowners who prioritize natural light and outdoor views, sliding patio doors can offer a unique advantage. Due to their construction, these doors maximize the amount of glass surface area and the ratio of glass to frame, offering an unobstructed view of your property or backyard.

This can be particularly important in smaller homes or in spaces where natural light is at a premium, as sliding doors can help create a feeling of openness and space.

Security & Privacy

Security and privacy are also important factors to consider when weighing the pros and cons of sliding patio doors.

Fortunately, several additional security options are available, including the option to integrate door security bars, upper and lower deadbolts, and kick locks. Additionally, tempered glass makes sure there are no break-ins, and optional inner mini blinds can also be added as per choice.

Cost & Maintenance

One of the clear advantages of sliding patio doors is that they often cost much lesser as compared garden doors. Homeowners can save money while still enjoying the benefits of a unique and modern design. Additionally, sliding patio doors generally require much less maintenance than other types of doors. This is due in part to the fact that they don't require the same regular upkeep as hinges on other types of doors that can become rusty or loose over time.

Garden Door - Pros & Cons

Garden doors offer a unique and attractive aesthetic, with a variety of door configurations and customizable options to fit any home's style.

Style & Aesthetics

One of the clear advantages of garden doors is their ability to uplift the appearance of a home. With a range of colors, material options, frame materials, swing options, and finishes, garden doors can be customized to match any specific style.

Additionally, casement windows with inside screens can also be added for extra ventilation.

Functionality & Space

Garden doors can be a great solution for homeowners looking for a larger opening than patio doors. When they’re let open, double-door configurations offer larger openings, making it convenient to move your belongings in and out of the house.

Additionally, garden doors can be a great choice for people with pets, with some styles even allowing the integration of a small door for pets. Plus, since it contains sill and doesn’t feature a track, it means there are lesser chances of tripping.

However, garden doors need some space to open or close and hence can limit the functionality of a space.

Energy Efficiency

Garden doors are less energy-efficient than vinyl sliding patio doors. They are usually made using wood, steel, or a combination of both, which lose heat much faster than vinyl materials.

Additionally, glass options usually only allow for double-glazed windows, while patio doors can offer triple-glazing.

View From The Door

Garden doors offer a wide range of glass options, including stained glass, privacy glass, and tinted glass.

However, they allow less light inside the house as compared to patio doors due to their larger frame requirements.

Security & Privacy

While glass mini blind inserts can be integrated for privacy, French-style garden doors tend to be less secure than other types of doors like sliding patio doors because they don’t have solid center support.

Additionally, garden doors typically have just one lock, which makes them less secure.

Costs & Maintenance

Garden doors are often made with steel or aluminum that don’t rust or corrode. However, they tend to be costlier than sliding doors. Additionally, while they don't require the same regular maintenance as other types of doors like sliding patio doors, they are still an investment that requires upkeep to last a long time.

Overall, both styles of doors offer a variety of customizable style options and features, making them attractive option for homeowners. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision, taking into account the specific needs and priorities of your home.