Bifold Vs Sliding doors...?

7 years ago

Hi all,
Bifold vs Sliding doors - any advice appreciated. We are leaning towards sliding (pic attached). Does anyone have an idea of the cost of either option? We have a 4m space to fill...see pic.
Thanks!
Clodagh

Featured Answer

Mary Mary

7 years ago

I just don't think that you can beat bi folds we love ours and guess what the beauty of them is you don't have to open them all up it amazes me how people go on about not being able to use them in this country because of the weather simple just open the traffic door

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Comments (14)

PRO
Oasys Property Solutions
7 years ago
Clodagh,

I don't think cost will be a great differentiating factor, and more personal choice. Bifold doors are the only option if you want a clear opening to the garden. The downside is that when closed, there will b considerably more framework compared to sliding doors. For the 4m opening you mention you have the option of 2 or 3 leaves for the sliding doors, but most probably at least 4 leaves for bifold doors. With the internal layout shown on the plan, I would perhaps suggest 2 leaf sliding doors opening in the direction of the dining area.

Regards, Simon
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clodaghdorgan
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the advice Simon. I figure that given the British weather, we won't have the doors open that often. On that basis, I much prefer the look of the sliding doors when closed.
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clodaghdorgan
Original Author
7 years ago
Mary, your doors do look lovely! How big are yours? They look like they would be about the same size we would need (4m). Also, if you wouldn't mind, can you send me a picture of them closed? Many thanks.
Mary Mary
7 years ago
Here's a pic to help you decide
Mary Mary
7 years ago
Hi they are 4m across
clodaghdorgan
Original Author
7 years ago
Wow! They look fab! Thanks for sending them Mary.
Big decisions to be made now!
PRO
Dub M
7 years ago
Clodagh I came on here to post the same dilemma so here's my thoughts. We have to decide with windows manufacturer and builder tomorrow. We have a 3.2m opening onto a north facing garden and have to decide between....

1-French doors with fixed panes either side or one large fixed panel, cheapest option but lack the wow factor!

2- Bifolds with three or four panes, more expensive and with a North facing garden we get lots of sun in garden but never coming through back of house so wonder how often they'll be open with Irish weather Plus with all the frames it breaks up the view??

3- Aluclad sliders with two panes, much less framework and still has the wow factor but so much more expensive!

I've attached a few pics of our dilemma!
clodaghdorgan
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Dub M, I love the look of your project. That room will be amazing! If I were you I'd forget about the French doors because as you say, they lack the wow factor. But then you're still left to decide between bifold and sliding...decisions decisions! Have you seen the sliding doors that slide into the wall?! They would cost the mega bucks though I suppose.
I'd love to know what you decide on in the end....keep us posted.
Clodagh
PRO
Croydon Window Company Ltd
7 years ago
Hi, I think for an open view space bi-folding doors will look great, they have been a lot more popular in our projects to sliding doors.
Harry Day
3 years ago
Hi Clodagh,

Just came across this forum as we are facing a similar dilemma. Wondering which you chose to go with and if you have any advice please? Thanks.
Ellie
3 years ago
I faced this dilemma too. I choose sliding doors over bifolds. Less panes then less sight lines the better. To me, there's nothing worse than a 4+ pane bifolds. And bifolds when semi-open for air look worse. However when bifolds open fully it looks good, as all the lines are gone! If you're lucky enough to live somewhere warm where you're able to have them open fully most of the year then that's great!
PRO
R.H.Mawdsley LTD
3 years ago
How big is your opening? I would say that if you envisage the doors being open a lot then go with bifold, if you think you’ll only be opening them every now and then your better with sliding as you reduce the amount of frames that are impeding your view. We had to make the same decision and went with sliding. I’m sure you’ll be happy with the outcome which ever you go with.
HU-965106232
3 months ago
Hi there, I think a slide and fold doors serve all your needs with sliding and folding a door for your garden. here's the link slide and fold doors to check that out. I'm sure it is so good for the bad weather in the UK and you can open it anytime any weather.