At Paradise Windows in Oxford, our customers often ask us about choosing bi-fold or sliding patio doors. Essentially, both types have their pros and cons. So deciding between the two styles can seem challenging. Available space, the layout of your property and your own needs, tastes and budget will all play their part in your decision.
Not so long ago, we wrote an article comparing French doors with sliding doors which proved very popular, so we thought readers might like a similar post comparing bi-folding doors with sliding units.
As frame profiles grow thinner and more technologically advanced runners make opening smoother, modern sliding doors are increasingly the smart choice for a seamless border with the outside world, whether you’re upgrading existing windows and doors or have a new-build home or extension.
Patio doors can also replace smaller, older units such as French doors or a single-panel back door to help bring the outside in.
When it comes to materials, take your pick from affordable uPVC or the slim sightlines of lightweight but long-lasting aluminium. Then, when it comes to colours, take your pick from smart white to stylish dark or trendy pastel shades. (Glossy black is also increasingly popular.)
These units tend to be back doors, typically overlooking a garden or patio area. With most models, one pane is fixed while the other slides over it.
Sliding doors suit similar spaces to bi-folding units, while the spaces they fit especially well tend to be bigger, than those for French doors. But because of this similarity with bifold models, choosing between the two is harder.
One thing you won’t have with patio doors is access to the full width of the opening; instead, you may have half the access. But you can add large fixed panels at the sides to maximise window spaces in very large areas, or choose to have more than one set of sliding doors.
In the same way as their sliding counterparts, these are typically back doors overlooking a patio or garden. And like patio doors, they can replace older smaller windows or doors, such as French doors, or a one-panel back door, blending the outside and inside perfectly.
While they can be used in many differently sized spaces, they are great for larger areas.
Broadly speaking, the same range of colours and materials is available, with perhaps a slightly stronger preference for aluminium doors.
Unlike sliding patio doors, however, the way these units work, you have full access to the whole width of the space available when the doors are opened, so you couldn’t do any more to bring the outside indoors. (With sliding doors, of course, one panel remains fixed in place.)
Finally, bifold doors can go on both sides of your property, creating what’s called a ‘floating corner’, where two doors go at right angles to each other forming an apparently wall-less space.
Firstly, let’s recap why sliding doors could be the perfect stylish addition to your property:
Sliding patio doors may not always be the best choice. Here are some considerations:
Clearly, many of the points discussed above apply here. But to sum up, bifold doors:
When it comes to potential downsides, they can cost a little more, plus there are more panels, therefore you’re working with a larger frame area. And, like sliding patio doors, older models may eventually develop issues after years of use, although newer models typically offer better, longer-lasting performance.
In summary, bifold doors may offer more options for smaller spaces. However, sliding doors could be perfect if you’re lucky enough to have more space and want to maximise the natural light flooding your home. Equally, with their smaller frame areas, you’ll have a clearer, wider view of the outside world. The choice really is yours, and there are advantage and snags to both types.
In summary, bifold doors may offer more options for smaller spaces. However, sliding doors could be perfect if you’re lucky enough to have more space and want to maximise the natural light flooding your home. Equally, with their smaller frame areas, you’ll have a clearer, wider view of the outside world. The choice really is yours, and there are advantage and snags to both types.
At Paradise, we offer both types of doors in a range of styles and materials including uPVC and aluminium. Meanwhile, our composite French doors could be just what you are looking for if you need a smaller set of doors or to enhance a smaller space.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from us today and we’ll do the rest. We’re well placed to offer expert advice on what would best suit your home. Look forward to superlative customer service and high-performance products, from a highly reputable local provider, not to mention a 10-year guarantee on labour and parts.