Bifold vs. Sliding Doors

Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 at 04:25 am

Bifold doors and sliding doors are highly popular in commercial properties. However, considering the benefits of both these types of doors, people are also installing them in their homes. Both the bifold and sliding doors are convenient to operate and last for years depending on the type of material of which they are made.

However, homeowners need to decide which doors to install as both bifold and sliding have their special advantages. People can get confused while choosing any one option. This post shares the pros and cons of both these doors that can help you to make the right decision for installation in your home.

To choose between bifold doors and sliding doors for your home, it is important to understand the differences between them, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each door system.

Folding and sliding doors offer a variety of benefits, but the choice of doors will depend mainly on your needs and the space available.

Bifold doors

Bifold doors consist of at least two sheets that fold against each other when opened in the form of an accordion. The panels are articulated and alternated along the top and bottom rails using a cart system.

Bifold doors can open an entire opening, helping to seamlessly connect your home’s interior with your outdoor space, creating a more open home. They can also include an access or circulation door to allow easy access between the garden or patio and your home without having to slide all the doors back.

Sliding doors

The sliding doors consist of two or more large glass panels that move sideways, and the panels are placed one behind the other. These doors offer almost uninterrupted views and are ideal for large openings where you want to make the most of natural light and the views they provide.

Unlike a bifold door, they usually offer 100% opening, as the doors need to slide against each other so that the window is always visible. A sliding door system can also be a popular choice for owners with limited space, as they don’t need as much space to open like double doors.

How to choose between Bifold and Sliding Doors?

These points will help you decide whether folding doors or sliding doors are right for your project.

The outdoor views

The sliding doors offer an unobstructed view of the outside. Take two large panels, one sliding over the other, to create two large openings. However, the folding doors only offer a complete view when fully opened.

Flexible opening

One of the best things about sliding doors is that you can easily open them to let the breeze enter your home or to allow children to come and go during the coldest months. With folding doors, you will have to open at least one door to get out so that they are less flexible.

Access

When it comes to access, folding doors can be more versatile. They open the entire room, or you can open a panel for daily use. They are also better at creating a boundary between the outdoors and wheelchair users, and there is no lip that people can trip over.

Thermal performance

This is not always the case, but more folding door frames mean more risk of thermal bridges, which can make aluminium sliding doors more resistant to heat. If you really consider the thermal performance, you should go with the aluminium sliding doors for your home.

Enjoy beautifully outdoors

Premium sliding doors can be up to 3 meters high and 3 meters wide, providing maximum visibility when the doors are closed. This is compared to folding doors where the standard width is between 1 and 1.2 meters.

Therefore, if you want to make the most of your privileged position all year round and cannot choose between folding or sliding doors, sliding doors offer the best view. It is definitely worth considering when you have a stunning view that you want to make the most of.

Do you have space for stacking the folding doors?

Although the bifold doors allow for a clear opening, you still need to stack them somewhere. You can choose between outdoor or indoor environments, but either way, keep in mind that they can be an obstacle, especially if you have young children running around.

Door stacking works well when you have a wall at a 90 ° angle to the doors – this way, it will not interfere with the doors. Sliding doors, on the other hand, can only be opened by two-thirds, but they do not fold back and therefore save space inside or outside your home.

Final Words

These were the differences between bi-fold and sliding doors. Now, as you understand all the advantages of both these doors, you can make a decision to install the type of doors best suitable to your property and requirements.