The Pros and Cons of Bi-Folding Doors

Pros and Cons of Bi-Folding Doors

Bi-folding doors are now a firmly established favourite. A great solution for larger areas of glazing that allow you open up a space in a way that you can’t with sliding doors. But are they right for your renovation or extension project? Let’s look at the pros and cons…

Pros – as mentioned above a bi-folding door can be used for spaces ranging from around 2 metres, up to 6 metres and more, and will allow you to open up that space almost entirely. Great if you want to combine a large internal space with a patio or decking when the weather allows.

Most bi-folding doors are aluminium, and can be colour coated to the shade and finish of your choice. They’re durable, low-maintenance and secure, and can also incorporate internal blinds if needed.

Cons – it’s not possible to incorporate opening windows into or above bi-folding doors, and this can be an issue if there are no other windows in the space, therefore limiting your ventilation choice to opening a door.

Also, if you’re weighing up, for example, a 3-4 metre space, either a 3 or 4 section bifold will have a larger amount of frame than the equivalent 2-section sliding door. If your priority is maximising glass area for optimum light and a view out onto the garden, then bi-folding doors might not be the best solution.