Traditional sliding glass doors have two panels with one that slides along rollers to cover the other.
Sliding door vs french door.
Here is an example.
Due to a sleek one track operating mechanism sliding patio doors need far less space than french doors and as such are very popular with people who have a less expansive area to update.
The actual sliding door is a moveable rectangular framed sheet of glass that is mounted on sliding rollers which slide along a fixed track parallel to the fixed neighboring glass partition.
Sliding doors open by sliding either one over the other or sliding out from the centre over fixed panels.
The wood frame surrounding a number of window panes when closed cannot be mistaken for being open.
The sliding track deters many people from this option.
A classic model has two side by side panels that swing in or out from hinges on the sides of the frame.
French doors and sliding doors have different hardware.
As an added bonus more light tends to flow into a home with sliding door installed as thinner frames are possible.
This can severely impact the usability of a room.
A french door consists of a frame around one or more transparent panels that may be installed in matching pairs or in a series.
Without a doubt french doors are safer that sliding doors.
A sliding glass door frame is typically narrower than a french patio door frame which means it will allow more natural light into your home.
However the wider frame on a french patio door is a more traditional style which many homeowners desire.
Sliding doors on the other hand because they are often entirely transparent can be mistaken for being open.
Also often one has to step over the track to prevent stubbing the foot or tripping.
This is largely due to the fact that they are obviously doors.
The track can be unattractive in appearance.
French doors have a wider door frame.
With french doors you re going to have the swing of the doors competing for space where furniture will be or should be.
French patio doors are mostly made of glass and look similar to windows.