Which Is Right for Your Home?
If you’re upgrading your home, building an extension, or planning a new build, choosing between French doors and sliding doors is an important design decision. Both provide access to outdoor spaces, both maximise natural light, and both can achieve excellent performance when triple glazed, but they function very differently.
At Glass Worx Ltd, we supply and install both systems, so here’s a clear, practical comparison to help you decide which is right for your project.
How They Operate: Hinged vs Sliding
The biggest difference between French doors and sliding doors is how they open.
French doors operate on hinges and open either inward or outward from the centre. When both sashes are opened fully, you create a clear, unobstructed access point.
Sliding doors, on the other hand, move horizontally along a track. One panel slides behind the other, meaning you don’t need any swing space inside or outside.
If you’re tight on space near furniture or patio areas, sliding doors often provide a practical advantage.
Glass Area & Sightlines
When it comes to design impact, glazing proportions matter.
Sliding doors are known for their larger glass panels and slimmer sightlines, which create a more contemporary, architectural appearance. They are ideal for modern extensions where maximising views and natural light is the priority.
French doors typically have more visible framing and a central meeting point. While this creates a more traditional aesthetic, many homeowners prefer this defined look, particularly in period properties or classic-style homes.
Opening Size & Layout
The size of your structural opening will often influence your decision.
- Standard-sized openings often suit French doors perfectly.
- Wider openings tend to favour sliding door systems.
French doors can provide a full opening width when both leaves are open, which is great for ventilation. Sliding doors will only ever open to around half the total frame width (unless using multi-panel systems), but they do so without needing internal clearance.
Triple Glazing & Thermal Performance
As triple glazing specialists, performance is central to what we do at Glass Worx Ltd.
Both French and sliding doors can achieve excellent thermal efficiency when triple glazed. Modern systems are designed to minimise heat loss, reduce draughts, and improve acoustic insulation.
Triple glazing benefits include:
- Lower U-values
- Improved energy efficiency
- Better noise reduction
- Increased comfort year-round
In short, both systems perform extremely well when specified correctly.
Security & Hardware
Both door types offer high levels of security, including:
- Multi-point locking systems
- Reinforced frames
- Secure glazing units
French doors lock along the full length of the frame, while sliding doors often feature robust multipoint locking.
The right specification matters more than the style itself.
Which Door Suits Your Home?
Choose French doors if you:
- Prefer a classic, symmetrical look
- Have a standard opening size
- Want full-width ventilation
- Like the traditional hinged operation
Choose sliding doors if you:
- Want maximum glass and uninterrupted views
- Are designing a contemporary extension
- Need a space-saving solution
- Have a wide structural opening
There’s no “better” system, only the one that best suits your layout, design vision, and how you use your space.
Speak to Glass Worx Ltd
Whether you’re leaning towards French doors or sliding doors, choosing a high-performance, triple glazed system will make a significant difference to comfort and efficiency.
At Glass Worx Ltd, we specialise in architectural triple glazing and can help you select the right solution for your project.
📞 Get in touch to discuss your plans
📩 Request a quotation
🪟 Visit our showroom to see both systems in person
The right door isn’t just about access, it’s about light, performance, and how your home feels every day.
