CLERA WINDOWS + DOORS · PATIO DOORS GUIDE

What Is the Difference Between a Sliding Door and a Patio Door?

This question is a common point of confusion when door shopping. The short answer is that a sliding door is a type of patio door, not a separate category. 'Patio door' is the umbrella term for any large glass door that connects interior and exterior spaces.

The Two Main Styles

Sliding patio doors: One or more panels slide horizontally along a track. For most, only one panel slides open, while the other remains fixed. These doors are usually the top choice for tighter spaces as they don’t require any additional space to swing open.
French patio doors: Two panels are hinged and swing open, either inward or outward. They offer a more traditional, elegant aesthetic and a wider, unobstructed opening when both panels are open.

‍

Why the Terminology Matters

Using the right term matters when door shopping because the two styles vary in frame construction, hardware, security features, and price. When most people say 'sliding door,' they mean a sliding patio door. When they say 'patio door' without any specification, they may mean either style.

Why Clera? Clera offers both sliding and French-style patio doors in a wide array of sizes and configurations to suit any home layout and design preference.

‍