Bifold doors, French doors, and sliding doors all offer exceptional views and are great options for bringing the outside in. When choosing a new patio door for your home, it’s useful to know more about the options available to you and the pros and cons of each.
Read our expert guide to help you decide which patio door style is best for your home.
In this guide:
Find out the benefits of choosing each type of patio door.
Read how each patio door compares in terms of cost, view, threshold options, and more.
Find out more about the different options of patio door materials and their benefits.
We answer common queries on the different types of patio doors.
What are the pros and cons of different patio door options?
Bifold doors
An aluminium bifolding door features multiple leaves and each door leaf concertinas back, fully opening the aperture.
Pros of aluminium bifold doors
Slim sightlines
Highly durable
Adds value to a property
Wide range of configuration options
Lightweight
Can be opened completely for an unrestricted view of your garden
Provides full access to your outside space
Cons of bifold doors
Easy access to outside can be difficult unless a lead traffic door is installed
More expensive option than French doors
Views can be interrupted by large numbers of door leaves
Space needs to be accounted for the stacking of doors when open
Read the difference between our Soho and Contemporary bifold doors here.
Explore the OB-36+ Contemporary External Door
Our OB-36+ Contemporary External Door is a modern take on a well-loved design, offering impressive sightlines of just 36mm. Already 2025 Future Homes Standard Compliant, it is a great option for futureproofing your home. Offering exceptional thermal performance, our Contemporary External Door is available in U-Values as low as 0.78 W/m²K.
Find out more about our Contemporary External Door here or contact your local installer today.
Sliding doors
A sliding patio door tends to be made up of two or more large panes of glass, one of which slides behind the other.
Pros of sliding doors
Extremely slim sightlines
Uninterrupted views
Takes up less space when opened than bifold doors or French doors
Easy to operate
Does not require as much floor space as bifold doors
Cons of sliding glass doors
One panel will always remain closed, so the space cannot be fully opened
Can be more expensive depending on the system
French doors
A French door is a traditional door often found in older properties. These types of doors usually comprise of two doors which both open out.
Pros of French doors
Allows in natural light to your home
Lowest cost option
Provides easy access in and out of home
Durable option
Opens 180° (or to however far the brickwork will allow)
Suitable for smaller gardens
Cons of French doors
Open and close like a conventional door, so requires space to swing open
Maximum sizes are smaller, so don’t tend to be used across a big aperture
Read our case studies to find out more about how we can transform your home.
External bifold doors vs sliding doors and French doors | A summary
Comparing by view
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Comparing by cost
Bi-fold doors | Sliding doors | French doors |
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Comparing by property suitability
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Comparing by configuration
Bi-fold doors | Sliding doors | French doors |
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Comparing by threshold
Bi-fold doors | Sliding doors | French doors |
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Which material option should you choose for your patio door?
The material you choose for your patio door can have a huge impact on the look, functionality, weight, and longevity of your doors. Some of the most popular materials for patio doors are uPVC, aluminium, and wood. The ideal choice for you depends on your budget, style preferences, and more.
uPVC
Pros: Versatile material, effective insulator, easy to clean, minimal maintenance required
Cons: Can expand and contract in certain weather conditions, deteriorates faster than other materials
Aluminium
Pros: Lightweight, Low maintenance. Strength means thinner frames, slim sightlines and better views
Cons: Can be more expensive than other materials. Can expand or contract in certain weather conditions
Read more about the benefits of choosing aluminium patio doors here.
Wood
Pros: Suitable for traditional properties. Can be repaired more easily than other materials
Cons: Requires more maintenance than other materials, and may warp over time
At Origin, we supply aluminium bifold doors, aluminium sliding doors, and aluminium French windows. All our patio doors are made using premium grade aluminium, so we’re confident of the longevity and high quality of all our doors.
All Origin aluminium doors are extensively tested and designed to continue to meet customer needs and provide the most secure, long-lasting option for your home.
Are you looking for a Soho-style bifold door? Explore our Origin Soho External Door
Our all-new Soho Collection epitomises the pinnacle of luxury and style. With sightlines of just 36mm, the Soho External Door provides extensive glass panels for maximum light and eye-catching aesthetics for any property development. The sought after steel-look seamlessly merges cutting-edge design and ultra-slim sightlines with unparalleled functionality.
Contact your local installer today to bring your vison to life.
Frequently asked questions
Are aluminium patio doors energy efficient?
Modern aluminium patio doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Features like double glazing or triple-pane glass, low-E coatings, and weather-stripping help reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Choosing energy efficient patio doors can lead to significant savings on heating and cooling costs. Read our guide to double vs triple glazing here.
Can patio doors improve home security?
Yes, modern patio doors often incorporate various security features such as multi-point locking systems, toughened or laminated glass panels, security hinges, and reinforced frames. Upgrading to a patio door with these security features can enhance the overall safety of your home. Choosing a high-quality supplier, such as Origin, can also ensure your door is strong and secure.
How do you choose the right patio door for your home?
Choosing the right patio door depends on several factors:
Space and layout: Consider the amount of space available and how the door operation might impact your room's layout
Style of your home: The door should complement the architectural style of your home
Energy efficiency: Look for doors with good insulation properties and energy-efficient glazing
Security: Consider doors with strong locks, reinforced glass, and other security features
Budget: Determine your budget as prices vary widely based on material, size, and design
Can patio doors be customised?
Patio doors can be customised in various ways, including size, colour, material, configurations and types of glass (such as tinted or frosted). Origin aluminium doors are bespoke, allowing you to find the perfect choice for your home and needs.
Can bifold patio doors be used in all climates?
Yes, bifold patio doors can be used in various climates, but the choice of material and glazing is crucial. In colder climates, energy-efficient glazing and materials with good thermal properties are essential. In hotter climates, UV-resistant coatings and materials that resist warping from heat are important.
What are some design options for bifold patio doors?
Design options for bifold patio doors include:
Number of panels: Customisable based on the width of the opening
Colour and finish: Wide range of colours and finishes to match the home’s decor
Glazing Options: Clear, frosted, tinted, or decorative glass options
Hardware: Various handle styles and colours, locking mechanisms, and hinge designs
