If you are a nature lover and would love to see natural light in your room, a Bifold sliding door, sliding door, and French door are your best options. But obviously, you only need one as your patio door and choosing the right one from them is a daunting task.

Now, you might be thinking, what is the difference between them?

  • BIFOLD SLIDING DOOR are folding sliding doors. They are just like sliding doors, but they fold instead of sliding.
  • SLIDING DOOR is simple sliding doors. They have two or more panels that slide behind each other when opened.
  • FRENCH DOORS have two panels or doors which both open out when pushed.

Now that you know what Bifold, sliding, and French doors are, here is a guide to help you decide which type of door is best for you.

1.  AFFORDABILITY

  • Bifold doors are the most expensive among the three, and the price mainly depends upon the size of the aperture and the number of panels used in the door.
  • The sliding door is cheaper than the Bifold sliding door.
  • French doors are the cheapest option. But if you choose timber wood, the price would be high.

2. THRESHOLD

  • A bifold door is the only option that provides a level threshold. But you would need to install a drainage system to avoid water pooling on the door.
  • The sliding door comes with a weathered threshold, and there is a protruding lip on one edge. However, they are perfect for protecting against rainy and windy weather and avoids water seepage and draughts.
  • French door comes with a low threshold, and there is a small lip between inside and outside which must be stepped over.

3. VIEW

  • The bifold door, when opened, will provide you an uninterrupted view, but it would not be as expansive as the sliding door.
  • The sliding door gives the best comprehensive view, even when closed, but the only drawback is the slight interruption in the central frame’s view.
  • French doors provide a more limited view. They don’t cover up an entire wall or completely open up, so the view is narrow.

4. PROPERTY SUITABILITY

  • A bifold door is a popular option among both traditional and modern designs. However, a powder-coated finish enables to match it with any property style.
  • The sliding door is a modern design and would suit best for contemporary design.
  • A French door is famous in the traditional style of properties, but a range of available finishes makes it perfect for modern design.

5. SIZE

  • A bifold door is suitable for big openings but not for bigger openings. As the increased number of panels would make it costly.
  • The sliding door is perfect for bigger openings, and it can even replace a wall.
  • French doors or swing door are usually considered best for small openings.

6. HOW MUCH SPACE IS NEEDED?

  • The bifold door can take the most space among the three because the more the number of panels is used, the more area would be required to assemble them.
  • The sliding door is best for space-saving. They don’t need space to swing open or don’t need hinges on the wall.
  • French door swings open outside and hence takes some space to open depending upon your opening size.