The rise in popularity of bifold doors that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces has sparked a comparison with traditional sliding doors. Matthew Leach, Director of Aluminium Doors Direct, sheds light on the differences and helps you decide which option suits your needs best.
Key Distinctions
Bifold doors exhibit a concertina-style folding mechanism, with two to seven hinged panels gliding along concealed tracks on the floor, ceiling, or both. In contrast, sliding doors consist of large glass panes that glide sideways within a frame. A notable difference is that bifold doors require space for panel stacking, while sliding doors do not extend outward.
Functionality and Pros/Cons
Matthew Leach delves into the functional aspects of each door design.
“Bi-fold doors offer the advantage of fully folding back, essentially opening up an entire wall to your patio and garden. This creates a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, enhancing the overall appeal of your property.”
“On the flip side, traditional sliding doors often provide only around 65 percent opening to either the left or right. Pocket doors, which slide into concealed wall crevices, can maximize space utilization.”
“Sliding doors offer greater control. You can open them slightly for a gentle breeze, partially for quick access outside, or fully to invite fresh air. If you opt for a bifold system, consider a ‘traffic door’ or access leaf, especially if it’s the sole gateway to your garden.”
Aesthetics and Interior Enhancement
Matthew explores the visual impact of both designs on your home’s interior.
“Sliding doors with fewer panels and larger glass expanses allow abundant natural light, making them ideal for modern and contemporary aesthetics.”
“While bifold doors can be pulled back to widen the entrance, they expose more vertical frame when closed. Sliding doors, with their higher glass-to-frame ratio, offer unobstructed views of your garden or surrounding landscape, enhancing open schemes and aesthetics.”
“For those aiming to maximize natural light or seeking year-round garden views, sliding doors may be the better choice.”
Cost-effectiveness and Energy Efficiency
Considering budget and environmental concerns, Matthew advises on cost-effective and energy-efficient design options.
“In terms of price, both are comparable, contingent on configurations. However, wider sliding doors with multiple panes can become notably pricier due to the cost of large single glass units.”
“Sliding doors, owing to their smaller frames, are usually more thermally efficient compared to bifold doors. Nevertheless, customization is possible for both designs to meet individual client requirements.”
For more information about Aluminium Doors Direct’s designs and services, visit their website.
About Aluminium Doors Direct
Aluminium Doors Direct is a prominent UK supplier of high-quality Bifold and Sliding Doors at trade prices. With over 60 years of expertise in bespoke glazing solutions, their sister company Northwich Glass is highly regarded in Cheshire and beyond.
