Sliding doors vs Bi-folds – what’s best for my property?

Choosing between bi-fold doors and sliding doors can be a tough decision. In many ways, they are similar doors, but we find that people often make their choice according to budgets or preferences, as bi-folds and sliding doors bring a similar style to a property, connecting the indoors with the outdoors in a way that most other door designs are unable to achieve.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are generally made up of two or more large panes of glass which slide to one side, stacking the panes together at one end of the door frame, as you can see in the above right photo from one of our projects. These doors achieve almost entirely uninterrupted views and are perfect for large openings where you want to emphasise natural light in your property and enjoy the outdoors from within.

However, sliding doors don’t usually achieve a complete opening, like the bi-fold door does, as the doors must slide back and stack against each other on one side of the frame, so one pane is always visible.

A sliding door is often a good choice for homeowners with restricted space as they do not need as much space to open, fold and stack – like bi-fold doors do.

Pros of sliding doors

–          Take up the least amount of space when opened when compared to bi-fold doors and French doors

–          Lightweight aluminium makes doors easier to operate

–          Slimmer sightlines

–          Large glass panels give a clear, wide view to the outdoors whether doors are open or closed

Cons of sliding doors

–          Less suitable for quick entrance, compared to a bi-fold door with a traffic door

–          Flush tracks cannot be achieved due to space required for roller system, the track can be sunk into the floor, however.

–          Depending on the profile and brand, sliders can be more expensive than bifold doors.

Edge Recommends

Our favourite Sliding Door system is Origin’s Patio Slider (OS-44.) This is due to its sleek, slimline design and heavy-duty tacking mechanism, which is hard wearing and low maintenance. Come and see our OS-44 sample at our Chichester Showroom!

Bi-fold Doors

Like sliding doors, Bi-fold doors are made up of at least two door panels which, when opened, fold back against themselves in a ‘concertina style.’

Bi-fold doors can open up all the panes within the frame, again, connecting the inside of your property seamlessly with your outdoor space – creating a naturally-lit, open plan space. They can be manufactured to include a traffic door to allow easier entrance without having to slide and fold back all the door’s leaves.

The panels are joined by heavy-duty hinges and run along a top and bottom track using a carriage mechanism.

Pros of bi-fold doors

–          Traffic door option available

–          Wide range of configurations to suit each property

–          low thresholds available

–          Works in many opening sizes.

–          Can open both inwards and outwards

–          Popular, stylish and said to increase home value.

Cons of bi-fold doors

–          Need space to stack

–         Higher number of door panels can impede view of outdoors

Edge Recommends

We highly recommend our Korniche and Origin Bi-fold doors. The Korniche Door is an affordable option, while the Origin Bifolds are in the higher price range. What we love about the Korniche door is its simplicity of design, making it very versatile – fitting in with more property styles. Origin Bi-fold doors bring projects to the next level with their sleek, contemporary design and heavy-duty folding and locking systems. We have a sample of the Origin Bifold at our Chichester Branch, come and see it!

Side-by-side comparison of Bi-fold Doors and Sliding Doors

Case Studies | Installations of Sliding and Bi-fold Doors

Chartwell Green Bifolds installed into a beautiful conservatory

Sleek Origin Sliders installed into a contemporary pool house

Origin Bifolds installed into a Chichester community centre

Stunning Black Bifolds installed in traditional country home

Origin Bi-folds installed into Surrey home

Bifolds connect indoors with outdoors at  the Tinwood Estate

Contemporary installation of aluminium bifolds in Sussex

King & Drury Construction install special RAL colour bifolds in Midhurst project

Want to find out more about our range of Bi-fold and sliding doors?

Send your enquiry to [email protected] or give us a ring on 03450213333 – one of our experienced staff members will be able to help you. You can also pop into our Chichester Showroom, and a helpful staff member can talk you through our range.