To connect your indoor and outdoor spaces, both bifold and sliding doors are popular choices for modern home and business renovations. The style you choose will be based on your budget, aesthetic choices, and the amount of space available on your property.
This article will cover the differences between bifold and sliding doors, as well as the benefits and downsides of each.
If you are looking to modernize your residential or commercial space, you need a company that specializes in creating unique doors, windows, and facades. Vetrina Windows and Doors manufactures custom aluminum window and door systems for homes and businesses, including precision bifold doors.
To learn more about what Vetrina can do for your property, request a quote today.
Differences Between Bifold & Sliding Doors
There are a few key differences in the designs of bi-fold doors and sliding doors. They open differently, let in varying amounts of natural light, and each has a unique look that can make them the focal point of your living or commercial space.
Opening
The main difference between bifold doors and sliding doors is the way that they open. Sliding doors use two or more large panes of glass that are placed on a track or frame. When opening the door, one of the glass panels slides and fits behind the other.
Bi-fold doors use multiple glass panes that fold against each other like an accordion. The door panels are connected by hinges and move along a track to open. You can choose to have them open to the inside or the outside, and the panes will stack against one another.
Bifold doors, when fully opened, create a sense of connectedness between your indoor and outdoor space. If you have a large outdoor patio that you want to be integrated into your indoor space for entertaining guests or serving customers, bifold doors offer a larger opening for you to move freely between the two spaces.
Thermal Efficiency
In terms of thermal efficiency, bi-fold and sliding doors are both effective at keeping heat trapped inside your home or business during the winter. In some cases, the additional frames in bi-fold doors can lead to more heat escaping, making sliding glass doors better at keeping your home at a consistent temperature.
However, if your bifold door is built by a manufacturing company that specializes in bifold doors, you should have no issue with losing heat, no matter which style you choose.
Aesthetic
When considering aesthetic choices, there are a few factors that may lead you to choose one style over another. As we stated, bifold doors are often preferred by property owners who wish to frequently open up their doors to connect their indoor and outdoor spaces. Fully opening your bi-folding doors gives you a completely unobstructed view and access to the outside.
If you intend on keeping your doors closed the majority of the time, you may prefer sliding glass doors. Sliding doors have fewer frames than bi-fold doors, giving you more natural light and a clearer view of the outside when the door is shut. However, it’s important to remember that at least half of your opening will always be obstructed in some way by sliding panels.
Access
Bifold doors offer easier access than sliding doors. They allow you to open up the entire wall, while conventional sliding doors only allow for around half of the space to be unobstructed.
Bi-fold doors also have an option for you to open up one panel for everyday access rather than opening up the entire door. They are also more wheelchair accessible and less of a tripping hazard, as they don’t have a high track the way that a sliding door might.
Cost
The cost of your door will depend on the size of your space. If you are trying to cover an entire wall, sliding doors can be more expensive, as it can be costly to purchase large panes of glass.
Bi-fold doors can be more cost-effective as they require less glass, but the intricacies of custom framework can drive the price up. On average, residential sliding doors can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500, while bifold doors can range from $100 to over $2,000 per linear square foot, depending on the number of panels.
For commercial properties, both sliding doors and bifold doors will typically be more expensive than in homes. Request a quote to learn more about the specific cost of doors for your property.
Pros & Cons of Bifold Doors
The pros of bifold doors include:
Uninterrupted views when opened
Ideal for residential and commercial properties built for indoor and outdoor flow
Increases property value
Completely customizable in color, hardware, and operation
Multiple locking points allow for more security
Aesthetically pleasing
The cons of bifold doors include:
When closed, the frames can obstruct views and natural light
Must be installed by experienced professionals
Can potentially have thermal and drainage issues
Take up space when opened
Can be more expensive than sliding doors depending on the size
Pros & Cons of Sliding Doors
The pros of sliding doors include:
Excellent views when closed
Thin frames can allow for unobstructed views and more natural light
Available in a range of sizes, prices, and customizations
More thermally efficient
The cons of sliding doors include:
Less accessible than bifold doors
Window panes are always visible and obstruct the flow of space
Can become expensive in larger spaces
Bifold or Sliding Doors for Commercial Spaces
When choosing glass doors for your commercial property, you should consider the pros and cons of each and how they relate to your unique business. However, Vetrina often recommends bi-folding glass doors over sliding patio doors for a few reasons.
We commonly work with restaurants that want to open their space to include an outdoor dining area. With bifold doors, you will have the benefit of fully opening up your space to allow customers and employees to move freely between your indoor and outdoor space.
Bifold doors fold in on each other, allowing for easier access overall. In a commercial space, you want your property to be easily accessible to your customers. Bifold doors don’t need a large lip or track, making them more wheelchair accessible and less of a tripping hazard compared to sliding doors. Additionally, sliding doors run the risk of causing accidents due to the obstruction of the glass panes.
Bifold vs. Sliding Door FAQ
Are Bifold Doors More Secure Than Sliding Doors?
Bi-fold doors are often more secure than sliding doors. While sliding doors offer only one locking point, bifold doors have multiple locking points at each hinge or frame. This can make it more difficult to break into spaces with bifold doors, which can prevent burglaries.
Do Bifold or Sliding Doors Increase Home Value?
Whether you choose bi-fold or sliding doors, updating and modernizing your home with a new door will increase the property value. However, you can boost your home’s value by choosing a door that makes sense for your space based on both functionality and aesthetics.
For a home with less space, you may be better off choosing a sliding door that doesn't take up additional space when opened the way a bifold door might. However, bifold doors can create a focal point or “wow factor” in your home if you find a design that successfully transforms your space.
Summary of Bifold Doors vs. Sliding Doors
Ultimately, the decision to choose bifold doors or sliding doors will stem from which factors you value most in your home or business. If you plan on keeping your door closed and need a door that won’t take up additional space, a sliding door may be better.
However, If you believe that accessibility, security, and openness are important, you should consider a bifold door. Bifold doors can increase the value of your home or create a flow of space that attracts more customers to your business.
At Vetrina Windows and Doors, we create customized doors, windows, facades, and hardware for homes and businesses. Since 2007, we have been manufacturing beautifully-crafted contemporary systems right in the USA.
If you are interested in a complete bifold door system for your business or home, request a quote or call Vetrina today at (888) 342-9097.
