Bi-Fold or Sliding Glass Doors?

Recently, I posted a poll on my LinkedIn asking which glass door design is preferred: bi-fold or sliding. After over 100 votes, the poll was split almost 50/50, with a near enough equal number of votes for each option, and it got me thinking about the differences between these styles - when they might be used, and why they are appealing for different reasons.

So, what differentiates the two designs, and what makes one preferable to the other? For many people, it simply comes down to personal preference and budget. Both sets of doors, however, will provide a connection between inside and outside, provide lots of natural light and create a contemporary aesthetic, so either option is undeniably a fantastic addition to any property.

Is there a difference between bi-fold and sliding doors?

There are a few key differences when considering bi-fold vs sliding doors for your project, both from a practical and stylistic perspective. To make sure you make the right decision when choosing the best glazed door design for you, here are a few things to note:

Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors consist of (at least) two door ‘leaves’ which, when opened up, fold back against themselves in a concertina style. The design works via a series of connected hinges, which allow the panel to slide along a top and bottom track using a carriage system.

This style of glass door can fold inwards or outwards, and most people choose the latter option to maximise space inside. Another benefit of having a door that folds outwards is that you needn’t worry about any furniture inside which might otherwise get in the way, if the door was to fold inwards.

In this way, bi-fold doors can work well for smaller installations where a big slider might require too much space, bi-folds also usually represent a more affordable option. The beauty of this style of glazed door is that it can help to connect the inside of a property with the outdoors, and create a beautiful, open plan space without the need to have a cavity (or pocket) in the wall for a sliding door to slide into.

With this design, it is worth thinking about a ‘traffic door’, which will allow access between the garden and the house, without needing to slide back all of the doors. This just makes the option of bi-fold doors a little more efficient and practical.

Bi-fold doors are popular for many reasons; primarily:

• They can be fully opened to connect indoor and outdoor spaces without the need for a pocket
• Traffic door option available
• Wide range of options and configurations
• Can fold inwards or outwards 

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors tend to comprise two or more large panes of glass which move across one another, so that one pane fits behind the other. This luxurious glazing solution provides almost completely uninterrupted views whether open or closed, and is the perfect solution for anyone looking to enjoy as much natural light and expansive views as possible.

Sliding doors can also be a good option for those with limited space, as they do not need as much space as bi-fold doors require for opening. This is one of the main differences between the two options: a sliding door does not project outwards, whereas a bi-fold door requires the space for the panels to be stacked to one side. In this way, sliding glass doors are considered more elegant in the way in which they open, compared to bi-fold.

Rather than requiring a separate traffic door, sliding doors offer more control. They can be opened just an inch for a breeze to come through, a couple of feet to allow ease of access, or all the way open to really let the outside in.

The main advantage of sliding doors is fewer panels and larger expanses of glass. Whilst bi-fold doors can be pulled back completely to create a wider opening, there’s significantly more vertical frame visible than with sliding doors.

Take Sky-Frame sliding doors as a case in point - almost completely frameless, these glazed doors are inspired by the idea of ‘free-flowing space’ and combine precision Swiss engineering and minimalist beauty to open up the world beyond with an entirely uninterrupted view - unifying interiors and exteriors alike.

The pros of sliding doors include:

• Take up less space to open than bi-fold doors 
• Minimal framework
• Offer a more elegant, luxury aesthetic
• Can be absolutely enormous
• Large glass panels which provide an uninterrupted view outside

Making the Decision

When it comes to deciding which glass door design is right for your project, there are many different considerations to weigh up. Of course, there are different scenarios when each installation will be more appropriate - whether you’re in the market for truly high-end sliding doors or a more affordable bi-fold option, then get in touch with Cantifix today.

Whether you’re a homeowner or an architect, we can work with you at any stage of the design process, from conceptual design to installation.