Bi-folding doors vs Sliding doors vs French doors – which style is right for you?
In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of bi-folding doors, but when the time comes to replace or upgrade the doors on your property, how do you choose between bi-folding, sliding or French doors? Which will best suit your property, space and lifestyle? In this post, we explore the differences to help you make the right choice for your home.
Bi-folding Doors
Bi-folding, or bi-fold doors, feature multiple panels that fold back on themselves in a concertina style. The doors then stack neatly to one side, providing an unobstructed opening between the home and garden. The desire for seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors has seen a growing popularity for bi-fold doors, especially in new builds and contemporary style homes.
A big advantage of bi-fold doors is the flexibility when it comes to opening the doors. If you want to access your garden without fully opening the doors, you have the option to open one singular panel allowing the doors to act as a single door. The SF75eco, an aluminium bi-fold offered by Sunflex, also offers an innovative ‘part vent’ position. Without opening the main door, it is possible to turn the handle on one of the intermediate doors, partially opening the panels outwards to allow for ventilation without needing to fully open a door – ideal for allowing airflow while keeping your home secure.
Although aluminium bi-folds are commonly seen on contemporary properties, our Timber bi-folds can offer a traditional aesthetic with the ability to add panels and classic hardware – perfect for traditional properties.
If you have a wide opening and would like the ability to fully open up the space in the warmer months, a bi-folding door would be the perfect solution.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding doors feature two or more panels and move horizontally across a track. Instead of folding or swinging open, the panels slide over each other, creating a partial opening. Although sliding doors do not open completely like bi-folds, they can still provide a generous opening, especially in wider apertures.
Because the doors do not stack like a bi-fold, or swing on a tradition hinge like a French door, they are space saving, which is beneficial if you have a more compact garden or patio area.
Sliding doors are always fully glazed, maximising natural light into the home. Aluminium sliding doors are very popular due to the ultra slim sightlines available. The Sunflex SVG20 features incredibly thin 20mm sightlines; not only does this maximise the glass allowing natural light to flood in, it means that even when closed, the doors offer expansive, uninterrupted views.
The versatile design of the Sunflex system allows for large panels up to an incredible 3 metres wide. Larger panel sizes mean fewer sections of vertical frames – resulting in clearer views and a contemporary finish.
Due to the way sliding doors open, they are suitable for both large and smaller openings.
French Doors
A timeless, classic door style that many people will be familiar with. French doors are a set of double doors that can open either inwards or outwards depending on the individuals preference and the space available.
French doors are versatile when it comes to design. They can be fully glazed to maximise light or be partially glazed, featuring panels for a more traditional feel. If space allows, French doors can also have full height sidelights or smaller side windows attached.
For smaller openings, French doors could be the most suitable, or only option, as bi-folding and sliding doors generally need a wider aperture to be able to operate. If you are wanting French doors for a wider opening, sidelights may be required, this is because the maximum panel width of French doors is typically lower than bi-fold or sliding doors.
French doors are available in PVC, aluminium and timber making them suitable for any property and budget.
Ready for an upgrade?
If you are ready to replace your doors, our experienced sales consultants are here to help. Whether you live in a London townhouse, a traditional Surrey cottage or a contemporary new build, we can help find the perfect solution for you. Contact us on the link below or call us on 01483 467250.