Those thinking about sprucing up their patio often consider sliding doors vs bi-fold doors to connect their indoor and outdoor space. We understand part of the decision comes down to personal preferences, however both options offer specific advantages that may be beneficial to your home.
We’ve put together this guide to showcase all the features and benefits to help you make the best decision to transform your home’s appearance.
What are Sliding Doors?
External sliding doors are stylish and sleek patio doors with large glass panels that function by gliding smoothly along a track to open and close. They’re simple to operate and have a modern aesthetic, while also enhancing space.
Benefits of Sliding Doors
Many benefits derive from the design, functionality and overall appearance of sliding doors. Their large glass panels allow sunlight to brighten up your home and create a more open environment. Cosier living spaces can benefit from the spacious ambience and unobstructed view provided by external sliding doors.
They’re also easy to operate, as it just requires using a handle to slide the door on the track. This is beneficial for warmer months when you might want to open your doors for fresh air and improved ventilation. Sliding doors also take up less space compared to swinging patio doors.
This combination of form and function is why sliding doors continue to be a popular choice in home design layouts.
Drawbacks of Sliding Doors
There are some drawbacks when it comes to sliding doors, as they require occasional maintenance to ensure the track is clear and unobstructed. Misaligned wheels also make closing sliding doors difficult, especially with older doors where rollers can falter off track. Doors that aren’t perfectly aligned tend to leave gaps when closed so you will want to ensure your tracks are clear of any debris.
The large glass panels will also require regular cleaning, as over time dust and streaks can accumulate. This is especially true in homes with pets and children, so it’s important to stay on top of cleaning sliding doors to maintain their appearance and functionality.
What Are Bi-Fold Doors?
Bi-fold doors consist of large glass panels, sturdy frames and are connected by hinges to allow them to seamlessly fold onto each other. External bi-fold patio doors offer stylish accessibility and a unique design to any home’s patio.
Benefits of Bi-Fold Doors
The distinctive design of bi-fold doors will help your home stand out and add a contemporary aesthetic to your patio. External bi-fold doors help turn ordinary gardens into stylish and inviting spaces. Since they feature large glass panels, they offer a pleasant view of your garden right from the comfort of the indoors.
Newer bi-fold doors with double and triple-glazed windows also offer improved thermal protection to keep your home comfortable all year round. Along with their stylish design and improved thermal efficiency, they can also be opened as wide as you’d like, so you can benefit from allowing fresh air in your home.
Drawbacks of Bi-Fold Doors
Their design does come with some drawbacks, though, as they’re not the ideal choice for saving space. Bi-fold doors require some space to be folded on top of each other either inside or outside your home. Furthermore, on average, they tend to be slightly more costly than sliding doors as they have more components and take longer to install.
Bi-fold door frames may require maintenance and repairs to ensure the panels can close smoothly. If you have problems shutting your bi-fold doors, it’s important to check the hinges. Like sliding doors, the tracks should also be checked for debris that may be causing an obstruction.
Sliding Doors Vs Bi-Fold Doors: Factors to Consider
| Features | Bi-fold Doors | Sliding Doors |
| Accessibility | Very good | Great |
| Ventilation | Great | Good |
| Maintenance | Good | Great |
| Outdoor view | Very Good | Great |
Consider Your Options
Now that you have a better idea of the design, features and benefits, you can decide whether bi-fold or sliding doors are the right choice for your home. Whether you prefer the sleek design of sliding doors or the contemporary appearance of bi-fold doors, your home’s appearance will benefit from the upgrade regardless.
Speak to a Door Expert Today
If you have any enquiries about our vast selection of doors, including our stylish French doors, just reach out to our friendly team. Send us an email, fill out our contact form, or give us a call on 01582 343534. We can help you decide on bi-fold or sliding doors, or answer any questions related to our extensive range of pre-loved and new mismeasured doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bi-Fold Doors or Sliding Doors Better?
This all comes down to personal preferences and which option better suits your home. If you like a standard and space-saving design, you may prefer sliding doors. If you’re after a more contemporary aesthetic, then consider bi-fold doors to enhance your outdoor space.
What are the Disadvantages of Sliding Folding Doors?
Sliding folding doors, also known as bi-fold doors, may require more regular maintenance since there are more components and moving parts. Depending on the width and frame design, they may not offer the same uninterrupted view of a solid glass panel in a sliding door.
However, an installation completed by a professional and occasional maintenance go a long way in preserving the appearance and functionality of your bi-fold doors.
