When it comes to choosing between Bi-fold doors and Sliding doors, it really can be a matter of personal taste and matching the existing design of your home, as well as budget considerations of course. As a leading installation company of both of these styles of doors in West Yorkshire, we have put together an article on everything you need to know when it comes to comparing the two. Here it is.
Differences Between the Two
The main difference between the two is how they open and how far they can open.
Bi-fold doors have leaves which when opened, fold back against each other. Sliding doors, move to the side with the panes stacking together.
Bi-fold doors are composed of panels which are connected by hinges. These run along a top and bottom track, using a carriage system and can also include an opening for access if you don’t want to slide back all of the doors. Bi-fold doors can be pushed all the way back so you have complete access to the outside, perfect for the summer months. Sliding doors conversely cannot be pushed all the way back as they are usually made of two, but sometimes more panes of glass which sit behind each other.
However when it comes to the space you need to open them, sliding doors will always prevail as you need a significant amount of room to stack Bi-fold doors. Sliding doors are thin in comparison and simply can be pushed or pulled to a side. Both truly bring the outside in, both on those hot summer days, but also in the winter months as even when closed, they offer amazing views of the outside world!
Pros and Cons
Bi-fold Doors
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Pros |
Cons |
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Can be fully opened to seamlessly connect your home with the outdoors. |
Requires space to stack either inside your home or in the garden. |
|
Some doors have the option for an access door within the doors so you don’t have to open them all the way. |
The frames can be obstructive to the views. |
|
Huge range of options and configurations |
|
|
Can be opened both ways |
|
|
More materials to choose from |
|
|
Less maintenance |
Sliding Doors
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Takes up less space compared to bi-fold doors |
Not as quick access as when Bi-fold doors are open |
|
Completely see through |
Does not have as flush a track as Bi-fold doors but these can be lowered into the floor |
|
Easy to slide |
Can be more expensive |
|
Harder to clean |
Materials
When it comes to choosing materials for Bi-fold doors, there are many options to choose from. A popular choice for this is Aluminium as it is lighter to stack, naturally strong and usually powder coated so you don’t lose the visual effect over time. Other choices include UPVC, Timber or Composite Bi-fold doors. Whilst UPVC and Composite doors can be great choices for weather resistance and home security, you also need to consider the weight. Composite doors in particular are made with a range of materials to be more durable and secure, and so may not prove the best option for stacking. Timber on the other hand can achieve a great finish and help blend your home into the outdoors, but is less secure precisely due to its weight and despite a polished finish is a lot less weather resistant.
Whilst it may be understandable to think that when it comes to sliding doors, that the only real option is glass, there are many more options to choose from when it comes to the type of glass. You can opt for double or triple glazed glass for an extra layer of argon gas to insulate your home. You can opt for tempered glass which is shatter resistant to improve your home’s security. You also have a range of choices for the frame of your sliding doors, and it is even possible to install a void in the wall so that the door can slide seamlessly into the wall. Obviously this is dependent on the amount of wall space available at either side of the sliding doors.
Cost
Of course, if your budget is the deciding factor when it comes to choosing between bi-fold and sliding doors, then it becomes more about your personal preference. Industry averages for Bi-fold doors start between £1,500 – £4,000. Sliding doors start lower at around £600 however also rise up into the thousands depending on style and design. The price you pay for either is determined by a number of factors. These are:
- The size of your doors
- The materials used, for the door itself, the frame and any other features for your installation.
- Double or Triple Glazing
Contact Bingley Windows & Glass
Both types of doors have their advantages and disadvantages, so it can be a tough choice to make when it comes to deciding what doors you want to be installed in your home. If you would like a no obligation chat to discuss which would be a better feature in your home, or any advice on the type, size, and materials of doors to best suit you, please feel free to contact us. Otherwise if you live in or around the Bingley area of West Yorkshire, we hope you decide to choose us as your professional window and door installers.
You can get in touch by filling out our online contact form or by calling us on 01535 958 183.
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