Whether you're upgrading your patio entry, adding a new deck, or remodeling your entire main floor, one decision can have a major impact on both style and function: your backdoor.
Two of the most popular choices homeowners consider are French doors and sliding glass doors. Both are designed to bring in natural light, open up your view, and offer easy access to outdoor spaces. But they offer very different experiences—and choosing the right one depends on your layout, design goals, and how your family uses the space.
At Custom Built, we’ve helped hundreds of Mid-Michigan and Northern Michigan homeowners make this decision.
Here are the pros and cons—and what design details to think about before you choose:
- French Doors: Classic Style with Statement Appeal
- Sliding Glass Doors: Sleek, Modern, and Space-Saving
- Which Door Is Right for Your Home?
- Additional Indoor-Outdoor Transition Ideas
French Doors: Classic Style with Statement Appeal
French doors consist of two hinged panels that swing open, either inward or outward. They’re often chosen for their charming look and symmetry, especially in more traditional homes.
Pros of French Doors:
- Timeless Elegance: Works well with colonial, farmhouse, and cottage styles.
- Full Access: Open both doors for a wide, unobstructed entry—great for entertaining or moving large furniture.
- Flexible Customization: Includes options like grilles, decorative glass, and different hardware finishes.
Cons of French Doors:
- Swings One Way: Typically, French doors only swing one way. If they are exterior doors, they have to swing inward, which can limit your interior layout and reduce usable space near the door.
- May Impact Energy Efficiency: Lower-quality options can let in drafts if not sealed properly. We recommend installing a 3-point lock system door to maintain the best seal.
Design Considerations:
- Plan around furniture layout or landscaping—French doors need space to swing.
- Out-swing models can help preserve interior floor space. However, this can only be done in Michigan if there is a roof covering the door.
- For northern climates like ours, prioritize insulated glass and tight weatherstripping to improve energy performance.
- Add sidelights for even more natural light while maintaining symmetry.
Sliding Glass Doors: Sleek, Modern, and Space-Saving
Sliding glass doors feature two (or more) large glass panels, one of which glides open horizontally. They're a go-to for homes that favor modern or minimalist design.
Pros of Sliding Glass Doors:
- Great for Tight Spaces: No need to account for door swing, which is perfect for small patios or open-concept layouts.
- Maximized Views: Large, uninterrupted panes make your yard feel like part of your interior.
- Smooth Operation: Modern versions slide effortlessly and include secure multi-point locking systems.
Cons of Sliding Glass Doors:
- Only Half Opens: You’ll only have access through one side of the doorway.
- Less Architectural Character: Can look plain in more classic or historic homes.
Design Considerations:
- When choosing the size for your sliding glass door, focus on the open clearance rather than the overall door width.
- Consider wider openings with multi-slide or telescoping panels to increase functionality.
- To match traditional interiors, look for wood-clad frames or add interior window grids for a more classic feel.
- Be sure to coordinate track color and door frame finish with nearby cabinetry, flooring, or trim.
Which Door Is Right for Your Home?
Still undecided on these two beautiful options? Let’s break it down based on your needs, your space, and your style:
Choose French Doors if:
- You have room for a door swing and want a dramatic entrance that makes a statement.
- Your home leans toward traditional or transitional design.
- You're looking for a symmetrical feature that matches double-hung windows or other architectural details.
- You value the ability to open both sides and create a wide, inviting connection to the outdoors.
French doors work especially well in dining rooms, sunrooms, or any space where entertaining is a focus and indoor-outdoor flow is essential.
Choose Sliding Glass Doors if:
- You’re working with limited space or want a clean, modern aesthetic.
- Large panes of glass and an uncluttered view of the outdoors are more important than a wide-open entry.
- You want a low-maintenance option with a streamlined profile.
- You're looking to maximize natural light without sacrificing wall space.
Sliding doors are ideal for kitchens, family rooms, and compact walk-out basements where every inch counts.
Additional Indoor-Outdoor Transition Ideas
Want to take your indoor-outdoor flow to the next level? Consider incorporating these thoughtful design elements:
- Decks or patios built level with your interior floor for a seamless step outside
- Retractable screens that offer insect protection without blocking light or views
- Covered outdoor spaces like pergolas, overhangs, or three-season rooms to extend usability
- Consistent flooring materials or complementary color tones to visually tie interior and exterior spaces together
- Outdoor lighting that reflects your interior style, helping your home feel cohesive and welcoming after dark
- Large potted plants or greenery that echo your outdoor landscape inside your home
- Matching furniture styles or finishes to create visual harmony between your indoor and outdoor living areas
- Sliding or folding window walls that open up entire sections of a room to the outside
- Built-in storage benches that transition from indoor mudroom to outdoor gear drop zone
- Sound systems or outdoor speakers to keep the atmosphere consistent as you move from inside to out
Small design details like these can help blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces—making your home feel more open, cohesive, and livable year-round.
Next Steps to Improving Your Home’s Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Your choice of patio door can shape how you use your indoor and outdoor spaces—both visually and practically.
French doors bring charm and full-open access, while sliding glass doors prioritize space and views.
At Custom Built, we help homeowners in the Greater Lansing and Northern Michigan areas make informed, confident design decisions that fit their lifestyles.
Ready to transform how your home connects to the outdoors? Schedule a Discovery Call today and let’s find the option that fits your home best.
Now that you know more about French doors and sliding glass doors, let’s explore our top timeless home design elements, a high-level comparison between hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring, and the difference between shiplap and tile backsplashes:
- 5 Timeless Home Design Elements That Never Go Out of Style - These design choices will elevate your home no matter which aesthetic your space delivers.
- Hardwood vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Comparing Interior Upgrades - Discover the pros and cons of these popular flooring selections before updating your interior.
- Shiplap vs. Tile Backsplashes: Enhancing Your Kitchen’s Aesthetic - Learn more about two more exciting backsplash material options and which is right for your kitchen.
Topics:
