Hinged or Sliding Patio Doors? Which Should I Choose?

We get asked this question a lot, "what patio door should I choose?" For one, there are two primary styles of patio door to choose from; hinged doors and sliding doors. There are many subtypes under that as well, but we'll stick with the basics for this guide.

As you might guess, we can’t exactly answer this question for you. After all, it’s not our house, so we can’t tell you what to get because personal preference varies wildly! What we can do is tell you what each type of door does best and let you make an informed decision based on the functionality of your space, your budget, and your taste.

Single Hinge Patio Doors Add Elegance to a Space

A hinged patio door can be an elegant part of your interior, provided you have the space to swing it (pun intended.) As the name implies, a hinged patio door swings either outward or inward, depending on your functionality requirements.

What makes a hinged door so sophisticated? They are beautiful pieces of craftsmanship that you can open to bring tons of sunlight and fresh air into your home. Beyond that, they can make an already-large room feel even grander.

Double Hinge Patio Doors Make a Dramatic Statement

What’s better than one? Two! Okay, maybe not always. However, a double-hinge patio door is one of those architectural features that people notice. Just think; the next time you’re hosting a summer dinner party you walk to your patio door and in one grand motion open both sides. Suddenly the entire house is filled with golden summer light and a light breeze that smells of honeysuckle. Your dinner guests begin clapping, you wipe a tear from the corner of your eye, and you say out loud, “None of this would have been possible without Window World!”

Are double hinge doors practical? Not usually! They require a lot of space, and they need even more space to look at home in your home. When you spare no expense and go big, people will notice. That's exactly the point of a double-hinged door.

Sliding Patio Doors Bring the Outside in (But Not All the Way)

Sliding patio doors are the go-to solution for living spaces that are tighter on room. Because the door neither needs to swing in nor out it keeps a low profile. However, a high-quality sliding door can make every bit of a statement and be as elegant as a hinged door.

What’s one perk that a sliding patio door has that hinged doors typically do not? A screen, which can allow you to bring light and fresh air into your home without extending that invitation to bugs and other pests.

I’ll Take What’s Behind Door Number 1

We’re firm believers that you can buy happiness, especially if a brand new patio door will make you smile. Luckily, we can install either a hinged or sliding door for you and have many styles to choose from, both in the hinged, double-hinged, and sliding categories. Take a look at our options.

Of course, once you’ve decided, reach out to us to get a free quote. We’ll even let you know what we think makes the most sense for your space and budget.