Three, Four or Five Pane Bifolds?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

We have a 3.6m opening for new BiFolds. Had originally planned on a 4 pane set up but an odd number allows us a traffic door.

I'm leaning towards 3 larger 1.2m panels, retaining a traffic door, all slide to one side and better uninterrupted view of the garden.

Is there any reason I should consider the 4 or 5 panel?

One of my sketchup designs ...

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Sonia
3 years ago
How about big sliders? My sister‘s had them at the back of her house and they are amazing. She has three but you could have two. They all slide to any configuration and I think they look a lot smarter than bifolds. The frames are slimmer too, I don’t have a picture of hers but this is almost identical.
Hark
Original Author
3 years ago
I've literally had this conversation with my wife today. We had discounted it as with two large panes it would always be 50% closed, but wondering if we should relook at it.
Related Discussions
Houzz Live Chat - Tips for dressing your windows, September 4th, 3pm
Q
Comments (81)
Hiya Jill, thanks for sending those images over. In response to your first question about your bedroom, I can think of a couple of solutions that may work. The first is the same solution as my previous French window answer to @montbray and fit something that moves with the window, either a Pleated or a Venetian which operate under tension and open with a thumb tab rather than a cord. Alternatively, it would look quite nice if a blind, particularly a Roman blind was fitted right to the top of the wall above the window, at the ceiling. This will allow the blind to be ‘dressed’ to form a valance effect above the window when the blind is open, giving full view from, and use of the window and when it is closed, it will give the illusion of the window being taller. In the case of your bathroom blind, you might like to try a waterproof Roller blind made from PVC fabric. Alternatively, Faux wood blinds are a really great idea, as they have all the look of traditional Wooden blinds, but won't warp in wet or steamy conditions. Admittedly, it is a difficult window to dress and there are not a lot of options, but hopefully, these will give you some ideas. Sarah
...See More
Two panes or four?
Q
Comments (13)
Hi Sam, If the doors opened outwards they would stack approximately 85cm out on to the patio at one end of the opening (they can be designed to open to whichever end suits you best). The width of this stack would only be just over 17cm if you opted for our award-winning SF55 system. With regards to the doors folding back completely against the brickwork, the required angle that the hinges would need to achieve and the weight of the door system mean this is not an option unfortunately, We can also supply French Doors, and at this size the doors would open in an arc of just under 1.3m - or you could opt for a 3 panel sliding door with 80cm panels that would not protrude out on to the patio and would have a bigger glass-to-frame ratio than bifold doors, but with the caveat that only two-thirds of the space would be open as the doors always stack behind one panel. We would be more than happy to supply further information and some visuals about how each option would work. If you send us an email to marketing@idsystems.co.uk we'll get the details across to you.
...See More
Which window style would you choose
Q
Comments (24)
Hi LTS, are you changing the top windows in the existing house to match the windows in the extension? Personally, I don't like the small fan windows as the thickness of the frames blocks out the view too much. Your 1st picture with the symmetrical larger panes looks the best in my eyes (time stamped 22:23). As you've said, the larger frames still have both trickle vents and locking positions so the windows can be locked with a small air gap for circulation. We nearly went with these windows on our house, but decided to go for a single full opening window instead. we are very pleased with ours. I can upload a picture if you're interested. For the integrated blinds, do you mean the blinds that are inside the window/door glass? I looked at the too but didn't like them for the following reasons: The blinds take up a large amount of the window when they are stacked open. When the are lowered down but still open, the amount of light blocked was still quite high. The speed of movement of the blinds in the glass was quite slow. We will be using electric roller binds in the window reveal instead. It is possible to get blinds integrated into the folding door frames too. These are really neat but can be quite expensive as they are part of the folding door. www.centor.com I hope that all helps, Peter
...See More
Garage conversion and plan layout
Q
Comments (3)
here are the mesaurements and detail Entrance Lobby - Quarry tiling to the floor and obscure glazed window to the rear elevation. Coved cornice to ceiling, obscure glazed multi pane door opens to:- Entrance Hall - This is a pleasant entrance into this property drawing light from a large double glazed window fitted to the side elevation. Painted spindle balustrade staircase rises to the first floor level and below that is a cloaks cupboard. Spotlights and coved cornice to ceiling, double banked radiator. Attractive wood effect flooring runs throughout. Dado rail. Door to the integral garage. Through an archway a door opens to the:- Ground Floor Shower Room - This room has been fitted with a tiled shower enclosure, low level wc and a pedestal wash hand basin. Tiling to the floor and tiling to full ceiling height with decorative border. Radiator. Obscure double glazed window fitted to the side elevation. Spotlights and coved cornice to ceiling. Lounge - 20'5" x 12' - This is a lovely bright and spacious reception room fitted with a wide double glazed window to the front elevation affording pretty views of Park Avenue. Large radiator, coved cornice to ceiling and dado rail. A key focal point is a gas coal effect fire with a feature stone surround and hearth. Large double banked radiator. An arch opens to the:- Dining Room - 13'5" x 10' - This is a very pleasant second reception room fitted with a wide double glazed window overlooking the private and well tended rear garden. Radiator, coved cornice to ceiling, dado rail. The door leads from this room into the:- Study - 10' x 10' - This room is also accessed from the entrance hall. The study has been fitted with a large double glazed window overlooking the garden sun terrace with double banked radiator fitted below. Coved cornice to ceiling and dado rail. A door opens to a most practical and useful storage cupboard fitted with shelving. Kitchen/Breakfast Room - 16' x 13'3" - This is a very bright and spacious kitchen/breakfast room drawing maximum light from windows fitted to three elevations which afford delightful views of the very well screened and tended surrounding garden. This kitchen/breakfast room has been fitted with a good quality range of oak fronted units along three walls which comprise a good many cupboards, drawers, matching wall cabinets with concealed down lighting. Inset one and a quarter bowl single drainer sink unit with mixer tap and tiled splashback above. Bosch four ring gas hob with concealed extractor unit fitted above and a Neff eye level split double oven to remain. There is space and plumbing for domestic appliances and integrated dishwasher to remain. Peninsular unit with storage cupboards with lentil canopy above. Tiling to the floor, coved cornice to ceiling. A wood panelled obscure glazed leaded light door leads to the rear garden. Integrated fridge freezer. A key focal point is an ornamental electric heater with concealed cupboard which houses the Potterton gas fired boiler fitted above. First Floor Landing - As previously mentioned there is a large window fitted above the stairwell which illuminates this area. A pair of painted wood panelled doors open to a wide airing cupboard. Insulated hot water cylinder and slatted shelving. Spotlights and coved cornice to ceiling, dado rail, access to loft storage space. Doors open to:- Bedroom One - 17' x 12' - This room is situated above the lounge and has also been fitted with a very wide double glazed window fitted to the front elevation. Radiator, coved cornice to ceiling and dado rail. Built-in wardrobe fitted with a wood panelled bi-folding door which provides hanging and storage space. Bedroom Two - 10' x 10' - This room has been fitted with a double glazed window to the rear elevation. Radiator, coved cornice to ceiling. Bedroom Three - 10'6" x 7' > 5'8" - Double glazed window to the rear elevation. Radiator, coved cornice to ceiling. Bedroom Four - 12'10 x 6'5" - This is a very bright bedroom. Coved cornice to ceiling, double glazed window to front elevation, radiator, built-in cupboards fitted with hanging and shelving space. Family Bathroom - This room contains a panelled enclosed bath with hand grips, mixer tap and hand held shower attachment, pedestal wash hand basin, close coupled wc. Part tiling to the walls, tiling to the floor, spot lights, coved cornice to ceiling. Obscure double glazed window fitted to the rear elevation, double banked radiator. Rear Garden - 67' max > 50' x 43' - Running across the rear of the property is a paved terrace which extends down the side of the house and provides access to the front garden through a gate. Attractive arbour makes a delightful feature.. The remainder of the garden is laid to lawn with flower and shrub borders. Along the southern border is full laurel hedging which provides good screening. Outside tap. There is an additional circular paved terrace which provides another seating area to the far end of the garden and space for two garden sheds. Front Garden - The front garden is principally laid to lawn and a large brick paviour driveway provides off street parking off several vehicles with ease and provides access to the Garage. A pathway leads to the rear garden. The situation of this family home is magnificent. Park Avenue is a delightful tree lined road and perhaps one of the most desirable locations within the Hutton area. Garage - 16'8" x 9' > 8'5" - This garage has been fitted with an up and over door. Obscure window to the side elevation. It contains power and light meters.
...See More
Ellie
3 years ago
I've a 3.4m opening and have 2 pane slider.
Hark
Original Author
3 years ago
Ellie, have you got any pictures?
Ellie
3 years ago
Sorry, didn't finish!

Definitely not anything more than 3 pane. Each door will be 1.2m which is fine. A door smaller than 2m just doesn't look great to me.

I've saw 4 and 5 panes in around your opening and they don't look good, first thing you notice is all the vertical lines....rather than the view.

Make sure you see the actual door sizes, not on a website, in person. You need to do that to see what you prefer.

I'm in Scotland, we've had ours opened less than 5 times this year!
Ellie
3 years ago
3.4 m opening 2 pane slider
Ellie
3 years ago
Quickly transformed to make it look like 3.4 m opening 4 pane bifolds!
Hark
Original Author
3 years ago
Hah that’s a good idea. Really gives us an idea. Kitchen looks lovely. Thanks for your help.
Chartwell 19
3 years ago
Definitely 3 if going for the bi-folds, we have 5 and have 3 open most days of the summer but never 5 !?

Three, Four or Five Pane Bifolds?

Comments (9)

Sonia

Hark
Original Author

Related Discussions

Ellie

Hark
Original Author

Ellie

Ellie

Ellie

Hark
Original Author

Chartwell 19

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Three, Four or Five Pane Bifolds?

Comments (9)

Sonia

HarkOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Ellie

HarkOriginal Author

Ellie

Ellie

Ellie

HarkOriginal Author

Chartwell 19

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Hark
Original Author

Hark
Original Author

Hark
Original Author