Bi-fold, Sliding and French Doors – which is right for you?
At Window Wise we provide top-of-the-range French doors, patio doors and bi-fold doors, each of which have their unique benefits and features depending on the level of practicality, style, design and security that you might require.
The majority of the time, such an installation will be on the rear elevation of a property and ideally leading from a kitchen or living room to an outside living space, patio or garden area.
If you make the right choice you will end up with an attractive and functional set of doors that will offer better views, let fresh air circulate and maximise natural light.
But which type of door is best for you?
Conventional-style, casement French doors
French doors normally comprise of just two doors, that open from side-hung hinges and can swing through a 180-degree range of motion with options for opening either inwards and outwards.
Ideally suited for homes that might not have the capacity for a larger opening, or period properties for which the style is a key part of the exterior aesthetic and where a whole wall area cannot be opened up and replaced with glass.
French doors will enable both doors to be fully open at the same time, thus providing full opening of the aperture.
The basic configuration of French doors means that there is less of an importance placed on design for functionality. As a result, there are more options available to homeowners when it comes to choosing the style of both the glass and the door frames.
Generally, the smaller width of French doors compared to potentially vast sliding and bi-fold doors means that the installation cost will be cheaper.
Window Wise can provide French doors in both PVCu, powder-coated aluminium and timber, all of which come in a number of finishes and installed to the highest standard.
In summary, French doors…
- suit homes where there isn’t enough space for a large opening,
- provide a timeless aesthetic, particularly good for period homes, and
- offer a wider range of frame and glazing choices.
Visit our French doors page for further information.
In-line sliding patio doors
Sliding patio doors, as the name suggests, open by moving to the side with each panel opening will slide in front or behind adjacent fixed units. There is also, if required, the option of multiple sliding doors on a triple track system.
Sliding doors prove to be a good choice when space is limited alongside the door; unlike bi-folding or French doors, no part of the door frame needs to swing away from the threshold.
The configuration of sliding doors ranges from two to four sections, meaning you’ll be able to replace an entire wall of your home if required.
However, with whichever configuration you choose, there will be a necessity to incorporate some fixed units.
In terms of budget sliding doors are at a mid-range price point; although more expensive than French doors, they aren’t as expensive as bi-folding doors.
Our range of sliding patio doors come with ultra-thin PVCu or powder-coated aluminium frames, meaning minimal frame thickness and maximum glass area.
Thanks to the latest materials and manufacturing technology, our patio doors provide an excellent level of security and insulation.
In summary, sliding patio doors…
- can be configured alongside fixed units to encompass very wide openings,
- suit homes where there is limited space alongside the opening, and
- provide the maximum expanse of glass.
Visit our sliding patio door page for more details.
Bi-fold doors
Bi-fold doors are currently the fashionable and trendy option, particularly if you want to completely open up one side of your home without any interruption to the view.
These doors provide the most technologically advanced option of the three alternatives. The door panels move along a track and concertina into one another to create a seamless link between home and garden, with either all door panels folding back to one side or with a split in the centre.
It’s no surprise that these doors are the popular choice for more contemporary properties, although owners of more traditional homes are also frequently turning to them as well.
The ability to stretch across a wider span means that a number of configurations are available – at Window Wise we provide bi-folding doors that can be formed of between one and seven door panels, in eighteen different combinations!
However – this does mean that, when closed, there’s the potential for more door frames interrupting the view when compared to a sliding door alternative.
Bi-fold doors can also be fit with a ‘traffic door’ among their panels. This allows one to move quickly through the door without opening the whole thing.
Of the three, these are the most expensive option. This is to be expected simply due to the technology that goes into them, as well as their ability to be much, much larger than patio and French doors.
Window Wise can provide bi-folding doors in both PVCu, aluminium and timber.
Available in a number of finishes, our bi-fold doors combine efficiency and security with an extensive range of door furniture and colour finishes, providing customers with the potential for a fully bespoke product that can’t be bettered.
In summary, bi-fold doors…
- enable you to fully open the widest expanses to create true indoor/outdoor living,
- have a stylish, contemporary look,
- can incorporate a ‘traffic door’ for quick access to your garden, and
- are likely to be the most expensive of the three options.
To find out more about our bi-fold doors, click here.
How to decide which is best for your home?
There are a few initial questions which can help you to narrow down the options:
Question: How wide is the opening?
Answer: If it’s less than 1.5m then French doors will probably be the best solution. If it’s wider than this, patio or bi-fold doors might be better, although French doors with fixed glazing panels either side could be an option.
Question: How important is it to be able to fully open the doors?
Answer: If you want to be able to fully open them, bi-fold doors might be the right answer.
Question: Is an unimpeded view of your garden the most important thing?
Answer: Sliding patio doors will give you the maximum ratio of glass to frame, providing a ‘picture window’ out to your garden.
Question: Do you frequently need to pop in and out?
Answer: If so, French doors or bi-fold doors with a ‘traffic door’ included will provide you with quick and easy access.
Of course, the best way to decide is to visit our Haywards Heath showroom to look at the options for yourself and seek advice from our expert design team! Find our showroom or call us on 01444 457 145 to book a design consultation at your home.