Bi-fold and sliding doors are two of the most popular choices when upgrading your living space with an easy connection to the outdoors. Both options offer modern designs and the ability to flood your home with natural light, but deciding between them can be challenging. Each door type brings its own unique set of benefits.
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between bi-fold and sliding doors, comparing their design, functionality, efficiency, and overall suitability for different spaces.
Whether you’re renovating your home or planning a new build, this comparison will help you choose the perfect door to suit your style, needs, and budget.
What are bi-fold doors?
Designed with multiple panels that fold and stack neatly against one side when opened, bi-fold doors offer an alternative to traditional swinging doors. They operate on an integrated track system, making them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking to increase their living space while maintaining a casual aesthetic.
One of the standout features of bi-fold doors is their ability to create a wide opening, perfect for boosting natural light and ventilation.
Available in a variety of materials, such as aluminium, timber, or uPVC, and customisable with different finishes and colours, these doors can be tailored to suit any architectural style. Additional design options include double or triple glazing and integrated blinds for added privacy.
What are sliding doors?
Sliding doors operate by gliding along horizontal tracks, with one or more panels sliding parallel to a fixed panel. This mechanism makes for an easy operation, making sliding doors an ideal choice for large openings or spaces where functionality is desired. Unlike hinged or bi-fold doors, sliding doors require less space for operation.
Modern sliding doors often feature slim frames and expansive glass panels, offering a sleek aesthetic. Materials like aluminium, uPVC, and timber can be used for the frames, each providing benefits in terms of durability and design.
Comparing bi-fold doors and sliding doors
When choosing between bi-fold and sliding doors, make sure you consider these factors:
Design & aesthetics
- Bi-fold doors provide a completely open space when folded, ideal for creating space indoors and outdoors. However, they tend to have more visible frames.
- Sliding doors offer designs with large glass panels, making for natural light and stunning views.
Space
- Bi-fold doors require space to fold in two, which may reduce usable space around the opening.
- Sliding doors save space as they slide along a fixed track, making them great for tighter areas.
Ease of use
- Bi-fold doors can require slightly more effort to fold and stack, especially on larger installations.
- Sliding doors are simple to operate, gliding along their track.
Efficiency
- Both options can be efficient when installed with double or triple glazing, but sliding doors often have fewer seals and gaps, making them slightly better for thermal performance.
Cost considerations
- Bi-fold doors are often slightly more expensive due to their complex mechanisms and added materials.
- Sliding doors are typically more cost-effective, especially for wide openings.
Advantages and disadvantages
Bi-fold doors pros & cons
Advantages
Bi-fold doors are a versatile option that offers both flexibility and practicality and can match the style of your home. They’re ideal for smaller spaces, as the panels can be neatly folded away to increase the size of the opening.
Disadvantages
While bi-fold doors provide an open and spacious feel, the multiple frames can slightly obstruct the view when closed. They also require more maintenance than sliding doors, as the folding mechanism has multiple moving parts.
Sliding doors pros and cons
Advantages
Sliding doors are suited for modern homes that allow for natural light. Sliding doors are designed to take less space in their operation since they move on a track and do not fold inside or outside. Their ease of operation and their sleek looks have made them very popular in homes and offices.
Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages of sliding doors is that they cannot give a complete opening since one panel is fixed. This limits the ventilation and access when compared to a bi-fold door. While offering a modern look, the large glass panes of sliding doors sometimes require advanced glazing.
Price comparison
Bi-fold doors are generally priced higher than sliding doors due to their complex design and multiple moving panels. A standard bi-fold door system can range from £1,500 to £3,500 or more, depending on the size, material, and additional customisations such as glazing options or premium finishes. Sliding doors, on the other hand, are often more affordable, starting from around £1,000 to £2,500, with costs increasing for larger installations or materials like aluminium or timber.
Several factors influence the pricing of both options. For bi-fold doors, the number of panels, type of frame material, and hardware mechanisms contribute significantly to the overall cost. More panels mean higher costs for materials and installation. Sliding doors, while simpler in design, can vary in price based on the size of the glass panels and the type of sliding mechanism.
Maintenance and durability
Bi-fold doors, with the complicated folding action and multiple moving parts, indeed call for more regular maintenance. It would be good practice to check that hinges, tracks, and seals facilitate smooth operation to avoid wear and tear.
This can be made to last longer and stay easy to operate by cleaning the tracks regularly and lubricating the moving parts. Also, in addition to making sure that glass panels are undamaged, clearing off the frames of dirt and dust prevents scratches and preserves them from damage as well.
However, sliding doors are relatively much easier to maintain, considering the mechanics in them are somewhat simpler. Nevertheless, the tracks should be cleaned and free from obstruction to avoid sticking or difficulty in sliding the door. Regular lubrication of rollers and inspection of seals is also recommended for efficiency. The toughened glass panels used in bi-fold and sliding doors are incredibly strong and resistant to impact, but for reasons of non-abrasion and clarity, they should still be cleaned with non-abrasive materials.
Learn about how to clean patio doors and how to get a streak-free finish on your glass doors in our expert guides.
Contact Toughened Glass Systems today
At Toughened Glass Systems, we specialise in delivering stylish door solutions suited to your needs. Whether you’re looking to boost your indoor and outdoor space or style your interiors with new designs, our expert team is here to guide you through every step.
Get in touch with us today or explore our range of innovative glass door options.
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