Hinged Doors versus Sliding Doors – The Pros and Cons

What is a hinged door?

A hinged door is the most common door and has been in existence for a lot longer. A hinged door traditionally has 2-3 hinges on the vertical long edge of the door and is either left or right-handed. A hinged door can be fitted to swing inwards or outwards. The illustration on the right, shows a left and a right-handed inward swinging door.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hinged door?

Advantages

  • Mostly cheaper because they are more common
  • Less maintenance
  • Easier to install
  • A greater selection of handles
  • A greater variety of styles
  • Cheaper to install
  • Easier to maintain
  • One side can be used for attaching robe hooks or belt & tie racks
  • Greater range of locking systems

Disadvantages

  • Less aesthetic if a sleek look is required
  • Takes up more space
  • Can be affected by wind if not restrained
  • Can be a safety hazard if left ajar
7104.BB.SS - Torch Pull Handle, 530mm Length, Stainless Steel Finish
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5228.SS - Oval Flush Pull, 120x40mm - Visible Fix, Stainless Steel Finish

What is a sliding door?

A sliding door runs along a top or bottom track – mostly at the top. They can also open either from the left or the right. Tracks can be exposed or concealed, and the door can either slide into a cavity or run externally against a wall. See figures 1 and 2.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a sliding door?

Advantages

  • Sleeker
  • More aesthetically pleasing
  • Easy to use
  • No handle required to operate
  • Not affected by wind
  • Saves space which can be utilized for other items such as furniture
  • Trending hardware can be used such as long flush pulls such as the Verve sliding door hardware range.
  • Safer
  • The use of external track is often utilized by designers to create a ‘barn’ look.

Disadvantages

  • Harder to install
  • More expensive
  • More maintenance
  • Less locking options
  • Less style options
  • One side of the door can’t be utilized as a hanging space

So as can be seen, there are pros and cons and it all depends on your use of the space, the style you require and your budget. There is no question that the greatest benefit of a sliding door is the space saved. It could be argued that this makes up for the extra cost by reducing the total square metres of building area through more efficient optimization of space.

The greatest benefit of a hinged door is the expanded choice of locking options and styles and the more economical cost to purchase and install.