Have you got an opening in your house ready for a door? If so, you have a number of choices for what door might suit the space. Two common solutions are French doors and sliding doors, both of which feature windows that maximise natural light and give pleasant views of your garden or outside space.
In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of French doors and sliding doors to help you choose which option will suit your property best.
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are a popular option, especially glass sliding doors, for those seeking to make the most of an opening in the wall. Sliding doors open horizontally by sliding, usually parallel to or within a wall. They can either be suspended from a track above or mounted on a track.
At Oknalux, we offer two different sliding door system options. These are:
Tilt and Slide
In addition to sliding like a typical sliding door, this door system allows the sash to tilt open to allow air from the outside in. The system includes multi-locking technology meaning the sash door has bolts around the frame that lock it in place. This prevents anyone from being able to open the door externally, making it secure against intruders. When the door is closed, it is completely sealed and draught proof.
HS Lift and Slide
This door system can handle large sashes up to and over 2.5 metres. This is made possible through a hidden rail system which allows the sash to lift and glide open. This option has a great stable construction and it can be automated to open when a button is pressed.
The structure is light and tight due to the advanced technology of the guide rail system and velour EPDM sealing. The system can accommodate a sash weight of 400kg.
Benefits of Sliding Doors
Sliding doors allow a house’s interior to flow into the exterior, giving access to the garden. They also have a variety of other benefits, which include:
- Maximising Natural Light: When compared to other external door options, both systems of sliding doors boast the biggest ratio of glass to frame. This means this door type floods the room with natural light. It also offers an excellent view of your garden or surroundings.
- Comfortable to use: Sliding doors are exceptionally easy to use, sliding along their track with minimal effort. This makes it easy to access your outside space.
- Greater Floor Space: Hinged doors require space to open inwards or outwards, taking up additional floor space. Sliding doors remove this problem, with the sash instead sliding along the other pane. This makes them a great solution for smaller rooms.
- Customisable: Sliding door frames can be made from four different materials. These are uPVC, timber, aluminium or composite timber and aluminium. Door frame colours can be changed to suit your interior design desires.
At Oknalux, we offer sliding doors that are double or triple-glazed.
French Doors
Also known as French windows, a French door is a door which has glass panes from floor to ceiling. Typically, they are fitted as a pair rather than a single door and they may open inwards or outwards 180° singly or simultaneously. Sometimes the doors are accompanied by windows.
French doors are lauded for their elegance and timeless charm, making uPVC French doors a popular choice for modern homes. Due to their multi-locking hardware with anti-burglary bolts, French doors have an unbeatable level of security. This means they are incredibly durable and exceptionally difficult to break into. This makes them a good option for both domestic and commercial use.
Benefits of French Doors
- Natural Light: French doors flood the room with natural light. This can make the room feel bigger and more inviting. They also boast versatility in design, and they can be customised to suit your needs and aesthetics.
- Multi-Locking Security Mechanisms: The modern design of French doors include security mechanisms that make it incredibly difficult for intruders to break into your home. This security mechanism includes anti-burglary bolts that secure the door to the frame in multiple places. This is why they suit domestic and commercial spaces.
- Versatile Functionality: French doors can be left ajar to let in the fresh air. Additionally, one or both doors can be opened to allow seamless entry from your house and into the garden.
- Customisation: The frames of French windows can be customised to suit your aesthetic and needs. The frames can be made out of uPVC, timber, aluminium and composite timber and aluminium. You can also choose the colour and finishes.
At Oknalux, we offer double-glazed French doors.
Benefits of Double Glazing for French Doors and Sliding Doors
At Oknalux, we offer double and triple-glazing for our sliding and French door products. This has the following benefits:
Energy Efficiency
Double-glazed doors add insulation to your home, preventing heat loss and gain through the window. This helps your house stay warm during winter and cool during summer. It also reduces the need for heating and air conditioning, saving you money.
Increased Security Protection
Double-glazing makes your home tougher to break into. This is because intruders need to break through two layers of glass. Double-glazing also prevents the window from shattering during collisions with the door.
Reduced Noise
Just as double-glazing insulates thermally, it also reduces noise pollution from outside from entering your home. This will help make sure you maintain a quiet and peaceful home environment.
French Doors vs. Sliding Doors: Which is Better?
When it comes to whether sliding doors or French doors are better, a lot of it comes down to taste.
If you want views that are uninterrupted by window frames as much as possible and you wish to maximise space, sliding doors will suit you.
However, if you are looking for double doors that can open like traditional doors and/or you prefer it from an aesthetic point of view, French doors may be your best option.
Do You Want Double Glazed French Doors or Sliding Doors?
If you would like to explore our full range of entrance doors, or discuss how French or sliding doors can work for your property, get in touch with Oknalux’ friendly team.
Call us on 1300 265 250 or use the livechat option on our website to discuss your needs with our friendly team.
