Bifold or sliding aluminium doors - 2.6m opening
Hi all,
We're in the process of having our extension built and have to make the decision whether to have sliding or bi-fold aluminium patio doors. The opening is 2.6m wide.
Initially we were set on having bi-folds but we're no longer convinced they are the best solution for our space. I hadn't considered that they would protrude into our small patio space, or that the master door would have to be on the right (from inside the extension) which doesn't seem to be the natural flow. To resolve the 'folding' issue we have be told they could open inwards but I wonder if they will take up too much space based on the size of the room and the proposed layout? Also we have had to reduce the opening from 3m to 2.6 (to avoid clashing with existing French doors) I wonder if at this size there will be too much frame and not enough glass?
The other option is to have sliding doors which do not provide the inside/out feel we hoped for but would resolve the 'folding' issue and would have less frame.
Any advice?
The pictures below are of the current build stage, the proposed plans (although the opening has been reduced from 3m to 2.6m), plus an idea of the internal layout.
Comments (9)
irenne B
5 years agoYou can actually have both. Andrew Wright windows in Irvine Scotland have an unique product called Slide & Swing doors. Here is a picture of their brochure. Although I can't see from the pics where is the sun coming from most of the day and how is the garden oriented against the windows, I will generally advice to have the opening bigger if possible whole wall to create the inside out feeling even if the weather is bad. You still get lots of light and feeling you leave in the nature. That is particularly good if you have a nice view. So my advice is consider first the light source and the views before adding a window opening. More south oriented room and garden same direction more wider and taller window/door opening.
keswing thanked irenne BRelated Discussions
Bifolds, sliding doors or mixture?
Comments (2)Hi Ewan, We are working on a similar project and ran into this website that may be of your interest. Hope it helps. merry Christmas! http://origin-global.com...See MoreBungalow Extension - Aluminium Bi-folds or Steel framed windows/door?
Comments (9)Hi Jonathan, A nice big span like that will really open up the extension to the outdoor space and will look amazing. Crittall will provide the style and class, and with the wide span I would look at putting maybe three sets of double doors seperated by frames so on a nice day you can open all three sets of doors and get a real link to the outside. They'll be quick and easy to shut and you can adopt just the one double door as your frequent use door if the weather is unkind. See our website for more information on Crittall Doors and Windows and download the brochures. The example photo shows two sets of double doors in frames over a six meter span. Note: One more thing to consider is the lead time - Crittall has a lead time of 16-20 weeks, so if you do plan on installing Crittall, get the order in within plenty of time. Bifolding doors do not need to look so modern and (dare I say) a bit sterile - horizontal glazing bars can provide the contemporary look if you are after the Crittall style. The big advantage of bifolds is you can get a clear 95% width opening, so in good weather, you really are at one with the outdoors. You should either look to fit an odd number of doors all folding to one side so you can have one frequent use "traffic" door, or an even number of doors split in the middle so you can have two traffic doors in the middle that act like standard patio doors. (With big span like your plans show, I'd go for the latter.) To carry off the industrial look, you would need to get bifold doors with very fine sightlines, such as Sunflex SF55, with proper horizontal glazing bars (not superficial stick on bars). See the bifolding doors available on our website. If budget is a concern (big extension projects can quickly run away with costs) then you may wish to consider something like the "Heritage Aluminium" range, which matches the contemporary style of steel windows, but comes at an aluminium price. Perhaps not quite as prestige or exquisite as steel, but a very popular product with some good advantages. The YES Glazing Solutions staff will be happy advise and assist, and we can provide a no obligation quote after a few simple questions on the telephone. I wish you the very best with what will undoubtedly be a fabulous project Jonathan....See MorePatio, sliding, bifold or slide and pivot doors
Comments (1)Hi, I know this discussion has been a while now, but what option did you finally go with? We are also in a similar situation. We are considering a bifold or slide and turn option. Sunseekers reviews seem better than new wave. I look forward to hearing what option you went with....See MoreSliding or Bi-folder for the corner openning
Comments (8)Hello Shai, I agree with the consensus that sliding would be a better fit. Can I suggest that the as this will reduce the physical opening, the wall and window adjacent are changed into a solid window and the sliding door then passes in front to retain the opening. If needed a steel post could be installed next to the fixed glass frame to support the cantilever. Has the glazed area reached 25% of the floor area? It's very difficult to tell from the drawings provided. If it has I'm sure your architect has advised you how this will be mitigated. Best wishes Andrew...See More
Sonia
5 years agoI have good old sliding doors and I love them. Like you, we didn’t want anything to clutter up the patio, or the kitchen, so sliding doors seemed the best option. Mine are a pretty boring white upvc, but they frame a lovely view of the garden and are very cosy and draft free in the winter. Mine are about 6ft in old money. Sorry about the dark pictures but it’s so sunny this morning it’s the best I could do!
keswing thanked Soniakeswing
5 years ago
PROYES Glazing Solutions
5 years ago
Suzanne C