Folding doors, which opens up the house from the outside in, have seen a huge resurgence in recent years. But how do they differ from French doors and sliding doors? And which option is best for you?
What’s the difference?
French doors open like interior doors. Folding doors fold against each other like accordions. Typically, two to seven panels are connected by hinges and run on a concealed track on the floor or ceiling or both.
Sliding doors, on the other hand, usually consist of two or more large glass panels that slide sideways in a frame. A key difference is that a sliding door does not protrude outward, while a double door requires space so that the panes can be stacked on one side.
Expansion
The big advantage of double doors over French and sliding doors is that they can be folded back, opening up a wall almost completely to your patio and garden. This can add a “wow factor” to your home by creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Traditional sliding doors, on the other hand, generally only open to the left or right – about 65 percent of the time. Pocket doors can help. These are glass doors that slide into hidden pockets in exterior walls to open up a larger area. The downside is that you may need a second stud wall in your masonry to accommodate the glazed/framed units.
Flexibility
Sliding doors offer greater control than French and bi-fold doors, as they can be opened an inch for a slight breeze, a few feet to get outside, or all the way to let the air in. Bi-fold doors usually have a “traffic door” or access panel, an option to consider if you choose a bi-fold system, especially if it is the only door to the garden.
This is a leaf that opens and closes like a normal door, so you can go outside without having to fold the whole set of leaves back to hang the washing, for example. Depending on the design, it can be mounted as an independent panel on the wall side or be part of the folding door stack.
Aesthetics – frame or glass?
The big advantage of sliding doors over French or bi-fold doors is that there are fewer panels and larger glass areas for natural light to enter and brighten your home. While folding doors can be pulled back to create a larger opening, when closed there is significantly more vertical framing visible than with sliding doors. Simply put, sliding doors have a better glass-to-frame ratio.
If there here is a little obstruction to the view of your garden or the fields beyond, sliding doors may be a better choice if you value maximum natural light or a wider, year-round view of your garden.
Thresholds
Sliding and patio doors often have a frame that you have to step over to get from inside to outside. Folding doors, on the other hand, can be installed with a flush threshold that allows access to your patio or garden.
With sliding patio doors, it is possible to choose a low threshold, usually an aluminum threshold that is around 12mm high.
The options are more limited due to the sliding roller mechanism in the frame, but it can be done. There are many reasons why a flush or low threshold is a good idea, such as access for wheelchair users and ease for young and old alike. And of course, most people would prefer not to have an obstacle to trip over. Please note that a flat threshold can cost more as drainage is required outside to prevent water ingress.
Cost comparison
French doors are cheaper compared to sliding and bi-fold doors. The cost of sliding and bi-fold doors are about the same unless the doors are large and very wide. Sliding doors with larger glass panels will be more expensive, as large single glass units are very costly. The best way to compare sliding and bi-fold door prices are to ask the ShapeHouse team to provide you with options within your budget.
Energy Rating
Thermally, the glass is the strength of any door and the aluminum frame is the weak point. Therefore, sliding doors tend to be more thermally efficient than bi-fold doors as they have fewer frames. Suppliers often quote a ‘U-value’ – which indicates how well a material insulates – and both sliding and folding doors can be cut to meet building regulations.
Choice and ease of use
Thanks to modern materials and innovative technology, French doors, folding doors, and sliding doors are lightweight and easy to use. They are available in a variety of materials including aluminum, timber, and UPVC. Aluminum folding doors are popular with homeowners as the frames are sturdier than those made from UPVC, especially in larger sizes.
Patio door cost guide
In the table below we have compiled average prices based on standard patio door sizes for projects completed by ShapeHouse in 2021.
We have also applied an average labour cost of £300/day for a tradesman to replace existing doors with new ones. Creating a larger opening from an existing door or window typically costs between:
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is down to your personal choice which is the best option. Weigh up the pros and cons and ask the ShapeHouse team for advice.
ShapeHouse team of experts can advise the best patio door options to suit your requirement and budget.
Contact ShapeHouse today on 01306735487 or email info@shapehouse.co.uk