Updating the doors throughout your home is an overwhelming decision to make. From door type and materials to colours, finishes and hardware, the options are simply endless. If you are a homeowner looking to enhance your living space, bi-folding doors and sliding doors are two highly popular options. But how do you choose which is best for you? Here at Essex Window & Door Centre, we have the experience and knowledge to provide trusted recommendations. We want to help you choose the door that’s right for you, your lifestyle and your home.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore bi-fold doors vs. sliding doors. By explaining what they are, their key differences and their benefits, we hope that we can help you choose the right option for your home. So, if you’re looking for a stylish and affordable way to elevate your space, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts at Essex Window and Door Centre today.
Understanding Bifold Doors… Sleek | Stylish| Affordable
As we spend more time in our homes, many of us are looking for ways to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. As well as creating a natural bridge between the interior of your home and the outside world, bifold doors are a great space-saving option.
What are bifolding doors?
Bifold doors, or sliding doors, are a popular choice for those who are limited in space or are looking for space-saving alternatives. They are set on runners in the floor and the upper beams of a doorway and are designed to fold up against internal or external walls like a concertina. Bifolding doors are available in a variety of configurations, materials, colours, styles and finishes for complete customisation. If you’re looking for a seamless way to save space or bring the outdoors in, bifolding doors are the contemporary and affordable solution for you.
What are the different types of bifold doors?
From internal bifold doors to bifold doors for external use, here are some of the different types of high-profile products that we have available…
Smart Bifold Doors
Smart bifold doors are the most popular bifolding doors to date and the Visofold 1000 has been installed in many homes. Designed by the UK’s biggest aluminium systems company, these bi-fold doors are aluminium and benefit from a slim profile, a fully weather-rated threshold and can be manufactured up to 2300mm high and 1100mm wide. Additionally, they can fold internally or externally and are available in a variety of colours to perfectly complement your home.
What are the benefits of Smart bifold doors?
- Smart bifold doors are aluminium and boast a low carbon footprint.
- Variety of opening configurations to suit your needs.
- Can be applied in residential and commercial environments.
- Wide selection of colours and customisation options.
- Enhanced security with a multi-point locking system.
- Fully weather-rated threshold.
Origin Bifold Doors
Origin is one of the UK’s leading specialist manufacturers of bifold aluminium doors and their doors boast impressive security mechanisms. As well as being incredibly high quality, Origin bifold doors come with an eight-point locking system and high-security hinges for your complete peace of mind. Furthermore, they are available in single doors to eight-door configurations and come with a variety of customisation options including colours, finishes and fixtures.
What are the benefits of Origin bifold doors?
- High-profile eight-point locking system.
- Wide selection of colours and customisation options.
- Colour-matched gaskets and hinges.
- Available in single, French door, bifold and corner bifold configurations.
- Ultra-strong aluminium profile boosting security and appearance.
- Up to a 20-year guarantee.
Schüco Bifold Doors
Schüco bifold doors boast lightness and ease of use to create desirable openings. These doors can combine up to six glazed frames which run soundlessly on corrosion-free stainless-steel tracks for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living and come with specialist thermal insulation properties. Schüco bifold doors are available in panes sizes up to 2300mm high and 1200mm wide and can be applied in residential or commercial settings.
- Variety of opening configurations to suit your needs.
- Enhanced thermal efficiency properties.
- Easy to use sliding system.
- Choice of threshold options providing ease of access.
- Fingersafe gaskets.
- Wide selection of colours and customisation options.
Built-in Venetian Blinds
We also offer the option of built-in Venetian blinds. These high-performance, quality blinds allow you to have full control of light and shade whilst providing a sleek and contemporary finish. Our built-in Venetian blinds are sealed within the double-glazed unit, meaning they will remain clean, functional, and uniform well into the future. They are also available in a variety of colours. Speak to one of our specialists for more information.
What are the benefits of bifold doors?
- Space Saving
Bifolding doors provide you with the ability to use as much as 90% of a doorway area. With The concertina-like configuration, they can unobtrusively fold away to expand your space.
- Sleek, Contemporary Appearance
We mostly work with bifold doors that are aluminium and there is an extensive range of styles, colours, finishes and fixtures on offer!
- Easy to Maintain
Bifolding doors are incredibly easy to maintain and aside from an occasional wipe-down and clean with a cloth, require little maintenance.
- Enhanced Security
Bifolding doors, particularly within the Origin range, boast enhanced security profiles with multi-locking systems – great for those wanting to boost their home safety systems.
- Thermally Efficient
As many of our bifold doors are made from aluminium and feature double-glazing and thermal break technology, they are proven to be more thermally efficient.
Understanding Sliding Doors… Space-Saving | Contemporary | Attractive
Sliding doors have become a popular choice for homeowners in the UK. Not least for the way they can seamlessly support indoor/outdoor living, but also for the fantastic space-saving solutions they offer. If you want to bring the outdoors in with sliding patio doors, we have the solutions for you.
What are sliding doors?
Sliding doors are a popular choice for those who are looking for space-saving alternatives or want to blend indoor and outdoor living. Sliding doors function by sliding on a track to stack behind each other. Sliding doors are available in a variety of configurations, materials, colours, styles and finishes for complete customisation. If you’re looking for a seamless way to save space or bring the outdoors in, sliding doors are the stylish and affordable solution for you.
What are the different types of sliding doors?
- Smart Sliding Doors
Smart sliding doors combine the benefits of a large, picturesque view, with easy accessibility and functionality. These doors come on double or triple tracks with panes that move to the side and stack behind one another. Sliding Smart doors are a great option for those looking for a versatile system that offers easy function combined with a contemporary appearance. They also feature thermal break technology for enhanced thermal performance and include multi-point locking mechanisms for improved security levels.
What are the benefits of Smart sliding doors?
- Smart doors are aluminium and boast a low carbon footprint.
- Variety of configurations and customisation options.
- Easy operation and enhanced accessibility.
- Maximise light and give the most unobstructed views when closed.
- Enhanced security with a multi-point locking system.
Origin Sliding Doors
Origin is one of the UK’s leading specialist manufacturers of aluminium doors and their sliding doors boast impressive security mechanisms. As well as being incredibly high quality, Origin doors come with an eight-point locking system for your complete peace of mind. Furthermore, they are available in two to six-panel configurations and come with a variety of customisation options including colours, finishes and fixtures.
What are the benefits of Origin sliding doors?
- High-profile eight-point locking system.
- Wide selection of colours and customisation options.
- Ultra-strong aluminium profile boosting security and appearance.
- Up to a 20-year guarantee.
What are the benefits of sliding doors?
- Sleek, Contemporary Appearance
We offer aluminium sliding doors in a range of configurations, colours, finishes and fixtures, with slimline interlock profiles for a maximum viewing experience.
- Easy to Maintain
Sliding doors are incredibly easy to maintain and aside from an occasional wipe-down and clean with a cloth, require little maintenance.
- Enhanced Security
Sliding doors boast enhanced security profiles with multi-locking systems – great for those wanting to boost their home safety systems.
- Thermally Efficient
Many of our sliding doors are made from aluminium and feature the option of toughened or laminated double-glazing and thermal break technology – proven to be more thermally efficient.
Choosing the Right Doors for You: Bi-Fold Doors vs. Sliding Doors
- Available Space
When choosing between bi-folding and sliding doors, you should consider the amount of space you have available. If you don’t have much space, sliding doors may be preferable as they take up less space than bi-folding doors. That said, both doors are space-saving options.
- Your Style
Consider your style preferences when picking your new doors. Bifolding doors deliver a modern, sleek and stylish finish whilst sliding doors deliver seamless contemporary results. Both door types boast a range of customisation options though, so the choice is yours!
- Function
How do you want your doors to function for you? Bifolding doors are masters of bringing the outdoors in and boast wide, open spaces. Sliding doors however can function better where space is more limited.
- Budget
Whether we admit it or not, your budget will likely impact your decision somewhere down the line. Bi-folding doors are typically more expensive than sliding doors due to their many advantages and high-spec inclusions.
Need more info? Check out our most frequently asked questions.
Ready to work with us?
Armed with this knowledge, you should be able to decide whether bi-folding doors or sliding doors are right for you and your home. Once you’ve decided which door is right for you, the journey to your new door installation couldn’t be easier. Here’s how we do it in 6 simple steps…
| Contact & Quotation
Contact us for a quote over |
Ordering
Once you have confirmed the |
Site Survey
We will undertake a full site |
| Manufacture & Installation
We will tailor-make your |
Completion
After installation and payment |
Aftercare
We will be on hand from the |
We operate throughout Chelmsford, Brentwood, Upminster, Basildon, Romford, Essex and all surrounding areas. So, if you’re looking for space-saving, stylish and affordable bi-folding or sliding doors to elevate your space, contact us today!
