Choosing between bi-fold doors and sliding doors can be a tricky decision. For many people, it ultimately boils down to personal preference, home layout or budget. Both sets of doors create a seamless connection between the inside and out, provide lots of natural light and bring an elegant look to any home. However, Origin Bi-fold Doors and Origin Sliding Doors operate differently and offer different advantages.
As the UK’s leading specialist manufacturer of bespoke aluminium bi-folds and sliding doors, we’ve provided created this impartial comparison which highlights the pros and cons of both sets of doors.
In this guide:
Compare the features, pros and cons of concertina doors and sliding panels.
Explore possible decisions like space-saving, outdoor views, garden access and more.
We answer common queries on bifold doors and sliding doors.
What is the difference between bi-fold and sliding doors?
To make the decision between having a bi-folding door or a sliding door installed in your home, it’s important to understand the differences, as well as the key benefits and disadvantages of each door system.
Bi-fold doors and sliding doors both offer a huge range of benefits, but the doors you choose will mainly be based on your needs and the space you have available.
What are bifold doors?
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Bi-fold doors are made up of a minimum of two door leaves which, when opened, fold back against themselves in a concertina style. The panels are connected by hinges and run back and forth along a top and bottom track using a carriage system.
Learn about the types of bifold doors here.
By their very nature, bi-fold doors fold and stack away to one side. This ensures your entire opening is unhindered by aluminium profile and helps connect the inside of your home seamlessly with your outdoor space which maximises your view. Bi-fold doors can also include an access or traffic door to allow easy movement between your home and the outdoors without having to slide back all of the door leaves.
Enhance the elegance and functionality of your home with luxury aluminium bifold doors
Origin aluminium Bifold Doors are available as both bi-fold or corner bi-fold door options and offer a wide range of configurations that can be tailored to meet your home’s layout.
Our aluminium bi-fold doors are made from premium grade aluminium which allows us to offer impressive panel sizes and slim sightlines, whilst maintaining security, thermal and operational performance. You can choose sightline widths of either 36mm (OB-36+), 49mm (OB-49) or 72mm (OB-72).
The Origin Bifold (OB-36+) is available as part of the sleek Contemporary Collection or the striking Soho Collection.
Get inspired by our case studies
“We fell in love with Origin's new OB-36+ Doors from the Contemporary Collection”
Unlike any other door, our aluminium bifolds provide a completely uninterrupted view when open, and give you the flexibility to enjoy your indoor and outdoor spaces as one. Our doors are also available in over 150 RAL colours, as well as textured finishes, allowing you to find the perfect option for your home.
Explore this stunning application of bifold doors to maximise balcony space
What are Sliding Doors?
Sliding doors are made up of two or more large panes of glass that move and glide across a track and the panes end up sitting behind one another.
When closed, patio sliders provide almost completely uninterrupted views and are ideal for large openings where you want to enjoy the natural light and surrounding landscape as much as possible. However, they don’t open as far as a bi-folding door, as the doors must slide back against each other, so a minimum of one pane is always visible. This can reduce the seamlessness of your indoor-to-outdoor transition.
A sliding door system can also be a popular choice for homeowners with limited space as they do not require as much space to open as bi-fold doors, as the opening takes place along one track.
Explore sliding door panel options
Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Sliding vs Bifold Doors
| Aluminium Sliding Doors | Aluminium Bifold Doors | |
|---|---|---|
Pros |
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Cons |
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Origin Sliding Doors
Origin Sliding Doors are manufactured with an aluminium frame which means we’re able to offer the slimmest possible sightlines without compromising on the strength, durability or sliding door security.
Origin Patio Sliders are available with sightline options as low as 29mm (OS-29+), 44mm (OS-44) and 77mm (OS-77).
Looking to maximise views of the outdoors while saving on space? Choose the Origin Sliding Door
Looking to enhance space functionality while achieving seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors when open? Select Origin Bifold Doors
Factors to consider: bi-fold vs sliding doors
This table offers a quick comparison of the factors to consider when choosing between bi-fold or sliding doors and how the two types of doors measure up against each other:
| Bi-fold Doors | Sliding Doors | |
|---|---|---|
View when closed | Good | Excellent |
View when open | Excellent | Good |
Thermal efficiency | Excellent | Excellent |
Ease of access | Excellent | Good |
Configuration variety | Excellent | Good |
Space saving | Good | Excellent |
Visual appearance | Excellent | Excellent |
Security | Excellent | Excellent |
Affordability* | More Affordable | Less Affordable |
*depending on the system chosen
Final verdict: choosing the right patio door for you
Outdoor views when doors are closed
Winner: Sliding doors
Sliding doors tend to offer the best views of your outdoor area when they are closed as the individual panel sizes are often much bigger and the sightlines can be slimmer (as little as 29mm). They are typically made up of more glass and less frame than bi-fold doors. With that said, high strength aluminium bi-folds can be up to 1.2m wide per door, with sightlines as slim as 36mm.
Panoramic coastal views are the most desirable according to an Origin Global survey. do you agree?
Outdoor views when doors are open
Winner: Bi-fold doors
There is very little that competes with bi-fold doors when it comes to the panoramic views they can provide when open, as they allow you to completely remove any obstruction from inside to outside.
However, depending on the sliding doors you choose, you may still be able to benefit from a widescreen view into your world when the doors are closed. Origin Sliding Doors feature impressively large panels of glass that can be configured to work with your space.
Thermal efficiency
Winner: DRAW
High-quality bi-fold and sliding doors feature a polyamide break in the door profile, which has been engineered to ensure the doors exceed thermal efficiency regulations. In addition, whether you choose double glazing or triple glazing will also have an impact on the thermal performance of your home. Origin external bi-fold doors and sliding doors can achieve a U-Value of as low as 0.78.
Are you throwing money out the window?
Ease of access
Winner: Bi-fold doors
Bi-fold doors can completely open up by folding back on itself, so they offer a greater ease of access between the indoors and outdoors. Bi-fold doors are available with a lead door, which can be easily opened and closed like a regular single door. Sliding doors slide open, so for quick access, you can open one door and open it as much or as little as you want.
Moreover, bifold doors have low threshold options which create a seamless transition into the outdoors. Sliding door tracks can be recessed into the floor to minimise the step.
Configuration variety
Winner: Bi-fold doors
Sliding doors come in 2, 4 or 6 door configurations, whereas bi-fold doors can be configured in any number of panels, with some door sets having over 12 leaves. The options are endless: the opening and traffic door can be wherever is most convenient and the doors can fold inwards or out, and can be stacked all the way left, right or broken up in the middle of the space. Corner bifold doors also offer a panoramic garden view.
Space saving
Winner: Sliding doors
If your home is a more modest size, then sliding doors can be beneficial because they won’t take up any additional room like bi-fold doors do; they simply slide across the track. Because bi-fold doors require space to fold onto itself, you will need the required space either internally or externally to accommodate this.
Read about creating the illusion of space in a small home
Visual appearance
Winner: DRAW
This is really down to personal preference. Some people may prefer the completely unobstructed view that bi-fold doors can create when folded back, whereas others prefer the view sliding doors offer when closed.
Security
Winner: DRAW
Both Origin Bi-fold and Sliding Doors have been curated with safety and security in mind. They both exceed PAS 24 regulations and have been fitted with security features such as multi-point locks, tamper proof barrels and high grade cylinders.
Both systems also facilitate different glass types, whether it be double or triple glazing, toughened or security glass.
Affordability
Winner: Bi-fold doors
Depending on the configuration and size, bi-fold doors can be more affordable than sliding doors. To find out more about installing Origin’s Bi-fold Doors or Sliding doors in your home, please contact your local installer today.
Alternatively, explore the factors that affect the cost of sliding doors
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when buying a sliding patio door?
The main priority should be selecting a durable material that will be the most resistant to wear. Always check that the sliding doors are fitted with ultra-secure locks and offer a good thermal performance. You will also want to keep cost in mind, too. The price of sliding patio doors will depend on size, quality, material, glass specifications, number of sliding panes and customisations.
Read our full guide to choosing sliding doors here.
Are sliding doors secure?
Aluminium is a very strong material; so it can be engineered to balance a slim frame, accommodate large panes of glass whilst still being seamless to operate and look beautiful at the same time. Origin Sliding Doors are incredibly secure with their multi-point locking systems and anti-lift bars.
What are high-quality bifold doors?
High quality bifold doors prioritise weather resistance, durability, thermal performance and operational excellence. Aesthetic appeal is also a must when choosing luxury patio doors.
What are the benefits of aluminium bifold doors?
Aluminium has an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio which makes it ideal for supporting large glazing panels with slim, elegant sightlines. Moreover, it’s more thermally resistant than steel. Aluminium bifold doors offer both outstanding visual appeal and performance.
