Whether you are renovating your home or building a new one, choosing the right door and window designs is crucial. After all, doors and windows are key visual elements of any building. The style, material, colour, and shape of windows and doors can enhance the architectural aesthetics of your home to a great extent.

The door and window design you select must harmonise with the décor of your home, accentuate its distinctive features, while also providing optimal natural light, ventilation, and security. When it comes to door design, the sliding option would be particularly a good idea. They are widely popular installations in both residential and commercial settings. 

What Exactly Are Sliding Doors?

A sliding door moves horizontally along a track. To open and close such a door, you have to slide it along the track rather than swinging it via hinges. Sliding doors are an excellent space-saving option and can provide wide, expansive views of the outside. They also provide easy access to outdoor areas, thereby enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your house. Sliding doors can be made from materials like glass, wood, uPVC, aluminium or composite. Sliding uPVC and aluminium doors are especially widely popular today.  These doors can be used as room dividers, closet doors or exterior access points. Overall, there are several reasons to install sliding doors at your home. 

  • Light: Sliding doors are typically fitted with large glass panes that allow a good amount of natural sunlight to enter your home during the daytime. Many of them even have panes running from the ground up to the top of the door panel, as a result, you may not even have to turn on any lights in the room during the day. Installation of a sliding door can turn your home into an energy saving zone, and help cut down on the monthly utility bills. The natural light also makes your indoor space warmer and welcoming. 
  • Air: Having a large sliding door at one end of your home can significantly improve airflow and circulation in the space. During the summer months, you can simply open the door and let in the fresh breeze to air out your stuffy home. Homes with small or few windows often lack sufficient air circulation. A sliding door creates a space that lets in large surges of air, thereby cooling your house and improving the overall ambience. It may also improve the energy efficiency of the house by reducing the need for air conditioning.
  • Traffic Flow: A large sliding door allows for improved traffic flow to and from the house. They are ideally perfect for get-togethers with friends and family, hosting BBQs in the backyard and more. Sliding doors are durable, low-maintenance and easy to operate. At times, you may want to move large objects inside or out of the house, like desks, beds, tables, and couches. A large sliding door comes as a huge help in this situation. It can be twice as wide as regularly sized entry doors, and facilitate easy navigation and access. 
  • Appearance: Sliding doors can elevate the aesthetics and elegance of your home. It comes in a variety of materials, designs, and finishes. Hence, you can easily choose an option that beautifully complements the interior or exterior décor of your home. Depending on your preferences, these doors may either add a touch of classic charm or contemporary elegance to your space.  A sliding door can be used to replace a solid wall, thereby getting rid of the cramped feeling inside a room, and making the space look and feel larger. 
  • View: Adding sliding windows or doors to a room can make the outside environment a part of the space. These doors are especially ideal for patios and balconies. It would allow you to enjoy amazing views of the outside throughout the year. They can especially be helpful for parents of young children, as these doors make it easier to keep an eye on little ones and keep them safe while they play outside.

Why Are Sliding Doors Better Than Normal Doors?

There are many ways sliding doors are better than traditional hinged doors, including their efficient use of space. A typical, hinged door shall need a swinging arc, while a sliding door moves horizontally along a track. Hence, they are perfect for rooms with space constraints or areas where furniture placement is a consideration.

Sliding doors are also likely easier to operate than traditional hinged doors. These doors glide smoothly on tracks and, therefore, are user-friendly and convenient. Hence, they are perfect for homes with young kids or elderly individuals, as well as spaces where quick and frequent access is necessary. Sliding door would also provide better ventilation control than a hinged door. They can be opened partially, allowing for controlled airflow while maintaining a connection between indoor and outdoor environments at home.