Which Type Makes a Better Patio Door: Sliding or Hinged?

Are you planning on replacing a patio door this year? The most common questions we get from homeowners shopping for new patio doors are “What are the pros and cons of a hinged door vs sliding door?” and “Do you recommend one over another?”. Our recommendations come down to your design preferences, your lifestyle, and how much space you have for a patio door. Both sliding patio doors and hinged patio doors are functional, beautiful, and can improve energy efficiency.

When choosing a hinged vs. sliding patio door for your home, here’s what you should consider:

• Architectural style
• Room lighting
• Airflow
• Walkway and furniture placement
• Whether or not you want screens
• Do you have room for an inswing or outswing door

Pros & Cons: Hinged Door vs. Sliding Door

Hinged patio doors

Hinged patio doors can be opened to the full width of a door opening compared to sliding doors that open the width of one door. Hinged patio doors do not come with screens and require a storm door add-on if you want to keep bugs and the elements out.

Renewal by Anderson’s Frenchwood® hinged patio doors are built with the ability to choose a door that swings out or swings in. Therefore, this style of door requires more room than low-profile sliding patio doors. The traditional style of French hinged patio doors is a classic design option that adds value to any home.

Sliding patio doors

Sliding patio doors are easy to operate, take up very little space, let in a lot of light, allow for maximum ventilation, and are available with oversized screens. Sliding patio doors come in a wide variety of finishes and sizes so you get a look and scale that fits your home design. Sliding patio doors fit well with clean, contemporary architecture. They come with options like screen panels to let fresh air in while keeping dirt and insects out.

 

Renewal by Andersen of Alaska carries three types of sliding doors:

Perma-Shield® sliding doors are a contemporary style of door that provides the widest view with maximum glass area.

Frenchwood® sliding doors offer the traditional design of standard French doors but in a sliding door style.

Narroline® sliding patio doors are designed with vinyl-clad wood, a low-maintenance exterior, and a stainable natural pine interior.

How to choose an energy-efficient patio door

Whether you choose a hinged patio door or a sliding patio door it’s important to consider glass, energy ratings, and locks—all of the things that will keep you comfortable, save you money, and keep you safe.

Look for a patio door with a strong glass package: something with double or triple-pane glass and a Low-E coating to slow the transmission of UV rays and conserve up to 50% of your heat during winter months.

It’s also important to look for a patio door that is ENERGY STAR® Certified. ENERGY STAR® ratings indicate a door meets federally mandated guidelines regarding energy efficiency. Doors that show the ENERGY STAR® Certified rating have:

• Multiple glass panes
• Energy-efficient core material
• Magnetic weatherstripping
• A tight fit

Still wondering which patio door type is right for you?

We offer free consultations to connect you with an expert from our team. We’ll answer any project questions you have and can talk you through the replacement process from quote to installation.