Technically, patio doors can be bifolding doors. Patio doors enable access from any room in your property to the garden or outside on the same level. These doors can open outwards, inwards, slide or fold. So, the bifolding option is an opening method or functionality. However, generally, when people refer to patio doors, they mean two doors that either slide or open outwards. Bifolding doors are better suited to larger window spaces, often with more than 2 doorway frames.
Once spring or summer arrives, many of us look for guidance on what type of door to select for outdoor access during their renovation or finishing touches. The frequent query is whether to go for bifolding, French, or patio doors. The ultimate objective is to enhance one’s garden experience, but which choice is better is still up for discussion. Keep reading and discover more about this topic with the help of our window and door specialists.
Both bifolding and patio doors (better known as French doors) let a great deal of natural light flood into a room, as well as create a sense of extending your living space into your beautiful garden. It is important to ensure that you balance the needs of your lifestyle and your property. For instance, French doors are great for period characters and an outside space with a feature opening. Meanwhile, bifolds deliver a modern and more integrated look.
If you would like to explore which will add more value to your property, take a look at our previous blog: Will bifolds or French doors add more value to my property?
Read MoreFrench doors or French windows are a classic choice in older and historic homes with a full-length frame, usually with two frames side by side. They bring a touch of elegance and charm to patios and conservatories that might otherwise seem ordinary. Typically consisting of two separate doors that open outward, they are a popular option for accessing your garden. Great for ventilation, you can open just one door instead to enable airflow or access the outdoors. When people refer to patio doors, this is often the style they have in mind.
Patio doorsBi-folding doors are a modern design door system for bringing the outside in, and they literally fold or slide to open your door or window space. Offering a combination of configurations, they can be designed with as many panels (or leaves) as needed. The concertina opening mechanism and the tracks lying flush with the floor create a great open space once opened. Bifolding doors seamlessly transition from inside the home to the garden or decking area. Perfect for creating that wow factor when entertaining all year around. See more about bifold benefits in our bifold FAQ, or tap below to explore our bifold door designs.
Bi-Fold DoorsFrench doors are more suited to smaller structural openings and, when measured and installed by a professional, will maximise light flow and energy efficiency. As experienced joiners, we recommend timber frames, handcrafted using sustainable and durable wood like Accoya® or Sapele hardwood. Accoya®, for example, comes in various finishes to complement your home and has a 60-year guarantee, making it a much more ecological and economical alternative to uPVC.
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“In the summer, opening both doors not only lets in some fresh air but also extends your room into the garden, giving you that sense of light and airy space which is what many of our clients seek to create.”
- Sharon, David H Wright
Concertina doors are bifolding doors. 21st-century living seems to prefer the modern name of bifolds, bi-folding or -bi-fold doors and suit newly styled “concertina doors”, AKA Bifolds.
Bifold BenefitsWhen it comes to security, French doors can be equipped with multipoint locking systems that pass up-to-date door security tests, including PAS024. This advice comes from our skilled craftsman, David Wright of David H Wright Joinery. This level of security is the most reliable option available, providing peace of mind.
Door SecurityYou can upgrade your home with bi-folding doors that fit within the same space as your patio or French doors. These doors can also be used to expand the area and create entire glass walls. Depending on your preferences and how you plan to enjoy the space, you can choose whether they all open in one direction or split open in the middle.
More Door Options“We’d always recommend timber frames to retain and complement the character of your home. They all come with toughened or laminated glass and installed with multi-point locks. If the bi-folding doors are your only access to your garden, you can always install a single swinging leaf on one side to use day-to-day or when welcoming guests at the back of your home”. – David Wright, DHW
Whichever type of door you select ultimately needs to be your choice based on your property style, age and personal lifestyle preference. At David H Wright Joinery, we aim to help you achieve your dream home, so we’d be delighted to take you through the options available and help you plan the perfect doors to complement the character of your home even if your property is in a conservation area or has a heritage listing attached to it. Download our brochure today, and then contact us for a no-obligation informal chat about the best options for your home.
Download BrochureAt David H Wright Joinery, we will always work in your best interests to find the right solution for your home and budget. If you are only replacing the doors to your garden, we will work to match your style with the rest of your windows and doors where possible. Look at our replacement doors for inspiration and ideas on what you could do.
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