⸻ Wolf Line Blog
Sliding vs. Bi-Fold Doors: Which is the Best Option for Your Project?
When planning a new build, renovation, or extension, the question often arises: “Which door is the best option, a sliding door or a bi-fold door?” Here, we explore the advantages of each to help you decide.
⸻ Bi-Fold Doors
Modern and Sleek Doors
Bi-fold doors, also known as folding doors, consist of multiple panels that fold together to create a large opening. Unlike traditional doors, which usually have a maximum of two opening panels, bi-fold doors can fold to the left, right, or a combination of both, allowing you to completely open up a side of your building.
Advantages of Bi-Fold Doors:
Bi-fold doors are unparalleled in their ability to completely open up a side of your building. Every panel can be folded and moved out of the way, providing a fully unobstructed space.
These doors offer great flexibility. You can have a single opening leaf at either end or in the centre for easy access. Panels can be folded to the left, right, or both, with equal or offset configurations to perfectly fit your space and lifestyle.
Individual panels can be made in various sizes and, when folded, can be neatly stacked inside or outside, depending on your configuration. When fully opened, the folded doors are relatively compact.
Compared to French doors, bi-fold doors can fill much larger openings with glass, allowing significantly more natural light to flow into your property.
⸻ Sliding Doors
Secure and Thermal Efficient Doors
Sliding doors consist of two or more large glass panels that slide along tracks. The more panels and tracks you have, the greater the flexibility in terms of opening. Sliding doors can also include fixed panels at either end or in the centre.
Advantages of Sliding Doors:
Sliding doors offer the most contemporary and modern design. With large glass expanses and minimal frame obstruction, you can have a wall almost entirely covered in glass while still being able to open the door.
Sliding doors slide along existing tracks and do not swing open into your indoor or outdoor space, making them ideal if you have lots of furniture or ornaments near the opening.
Advances in technology, such as the lift and glide mechanism, have made sliding doors easier to operate. Many can be opened with just a single finger, making them suitable for all ages.
Our sliding door ranges offer numerous configurations with larger panels, extra tracks, and dual sliding options.
Modern sliding doors are popular for their large glass panels and extremely thin frames. Advances in glass technology have enhanced structural integrity, allowing for smaller frames and creating the illusion of a large picture window that can be opened.
⸻ Choosing the Right Option
What should you choose?
The decision between bi-fold and sliding doors boils down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your home or project. For properties with a fantastic view, sliding doors are often recommended due to their minimal frame obstruction. If you frequently host gatherings and need to fully open up the side of your building, bi-fold doors are an excellent choice.
Ultimately, both bi-fold and sliding doors offer unique benefits, and your selection should align with your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and functional needs.
