Sliders or French doors? (house, space, room, addition)

[jego914]

Hi! Opinions on sliders vs French doors. Home is a 1960's expanded split, renovating the whole place. Replacing the current French doors, which lead out to an enclosed patio. I was all set on replacing with new French doors, but the contractor is suggesting we go with sliders, as they use less space. I like the look of French doors, but maybe sliders would be a better choice. We have plenty of space, so not too worried about that. Thoughts? Opinions?

[Camden Northsider]

For your home's period/style, sliders are likely more appropriate for the original architecture. But patio doors could work well too if they are full-length glass or have 2-3 horizontal mullions dividing full length glass doors. Whatever you do, buy a high quality wood product!

[unit731]

Have done both.

The slider is just a better choice as stated above.
Then there are the curtains - and how the curtains operate.

Also, purchase a 2nd screen door and put in storage.
Yes, the big box stores do sell replacement screen doors. Sometimes they fit perfectly. Sometimes not.

[K'ledgeBldr]

If you want “period correct”- slider!
If you want a product that will last longer, have better sealing, requires less maintenance, and are not hampered by blinds (because they can be inside the glass; or mounted to the door), I’d go French doors! And, IF space were a premium you can always go with reverse swing doors (swing out)- And yes, they can be just as secure as an in-swing.

And you certainly don’t “need” an extra screen door! They can be “re-screened” if torn, and rollers are readily available for replacement- they are not “rocket science” to operate OR maintain!

[JayCT]

Are the French doors that are today original if so, stick with? If not then you can decide on either. As noted French doors take up a lot of room. Is there room for the doors to swing or could the room use the extra space. Up to you. Jay

[Strannik33]

When you say you have "expanded split," are these doors leading into the addition? If yes, as stated by Unit731, curtains make all the difference. If you have them, go with sliders; otherwise French doors would work, too. Depending on where you are you could find a local company that manufacturers doors. In the NE it's Harvey Building Products, which provides lifetime warranties, or at least used to.

I had a vinyl sliding door leading to the deck replaced by them. (Despite my reservations about using vinyl doors, the product so far exceeded my expectations. So no more wood doors or windows for me that shrink, need repainting/restaining.) The company replaced the screen door for free when it was torn by snow removal operations.

I also believe sliders provide better weatherproofing than French doors, as the slider design makes only the vertical edge exposed to weather, and when tightened, it effectively closes.

[rabbit33]

I hate sliders. After a few years they invariably get hard to operate, the tracks constantly accumulate debris, the locking hardware is junk. Aside from style, I'd go with French doors a thousand times over sliding doors.

And just because a house was built in the 1960s does NOT mean it is or should be turned into mid-century modern style.

[SunGrins]

French doors are easier to force open if you have security concerns. But -- if someone wants to get in bad enough, they will.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by rabbit33

I hate sliders. After a few years they invariably get hard to operate, the tracks constantly accumulate debris, the locking hardware is junk. Aside from style, I'd go with French doors a thousand times over sliding doors.

And just because a house was built in the 1960s does NOT mean it is or should be turned into mid-century modern style.

This. All of it. OP, sliders are cheap junk. And the wood framing on the French doors provides much better insulation, than the metal framing on the sliders. And if you varnish the wood, the wood adds a warm look to the house.

[Driver 47]

It's YOUR home, get what YOU want, not what the contractor want's to sell you.