Over the past years, bifold and sliding doors have become two of the most popular door styles. Both are excellent aesthetic choices, provide great flexibility, and offer certain advantages and disadvantages. Seeing that these two fixtures come in different shapes and sizes, you might find it difficult to pick the perfect one.

In this article, we will be discussing the pros and cons of both choices to help you decide which door is right for your needs:

 

 What’s the difference between bifold and sliding doors?

Bifold doors, also known as folding doors, open by folding back in multiple panels. Despite the name, bifold doors have more than two panels and are usually made of composite materials, such as wood, aluminium, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These entrances are often used as internal and external wall dividers since their wide opening allows you to connect two adjoining rooms together. 

Meanwhile, sliding doors are usually made up of two panels which slide sideways to either end of the frame. They usually incorporate lots of glass, allowing you an unobstructed view of your garden all year-round. The entryway is typically the size of about one panel (about 65%). 

 

Cost 

The cost of manufacturing and installation of bifold and sliding doors are roughly the same with respect to measurements. However, the wider the panels, the more the latter gets expensive on account of larger glass panels being expensive to handle. The best way to compare costs is to contact your preferred supplier and company to give you comprehensive cost estimates. 

 

Ease of Access 

Sliding doors require a frame to slide over on all sides, which can cause slip and fall accidents. Additionally, if you have family members on wheelchairs, they may find it difficult to cross the frame that is at the lower portion. Meanwhile, bifold options do not need lower frames to slide over, which can make the crossing over easier for both your younger and older family members. 

The major advantage of bifold doors is its wide opening, making it an excellent choice for dividing a room or joining two adjacent ones. The wild opening can be a major feature of your home, giving it a free-flowing space that can be used for entertaining guests and hosting celebrations. 

Meanwhile, glass sliding openings give you an excellent view of the outdoors and are ideal if you have a beautifully manicured garden or pristine aerial views on your property. 

 

Thermals 

When it comes to thermals, glass is typically better when compared to aluminium or wood because it is non-porous. Sliding doors also have fewer frames and tend to have thicker profiles than bifold doors. 

This is why the glass panels of your sliding doors do a better job of keeping your indoor temperatures stable. Nevertheless, bifold options can still be customised according to a customer’s specifications, which can make it as thermally effective as well. 

 

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between both door types is down to preferences. If you have the needs and space, there’s nothing stopping you from using both types in different parts of your house. If you’re still on the fence about choosing either one, it’s best to get expert advice from your local supplier.

Bespoke Bifold Doors is the authority in bifold patio doors in Bedford. We have over 30 years of experience in door and windows installation, and our experts will ensure that you have a product that will satisfy your needs. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!