Aluminium Bi-Folds or Sliding Patio Doors Choosing the Right Option for Your Space

To Summarise

• Both aluminium bifold doors and sliding doors connect your living space with your outdoor space, letting in lots of natural light and providing unobstructed views of your garden.
• Bifold doors open in a concertina effect, stacking neatly to one side and opening an entire wall to your patio area.
• Sliding patio doors glide effortlessly along a bottom track, saving space and offering ease of use without needing extra room for clearance.
• The right choice depends on your space, lifestyle and budget – bifold door costs are usually higher than slide doors, but both offer a number of benefits.
• We’ll help you make an informed decision by considering heat transfer, minimal maintenance, easy operation and the style of your home.

Deciding between aluminium bifolds and sliding doors

Choosing the perfect door sets can feel overwhelming. Both types of doors create a striking focal point, maximise natural light and connect your living space with your outdoor space. But they work differently, and what’s ideal for one home might not suit yours.

Whether you dream of throwing open an entire wall for summer barbecues or need a space-saving solution, this guide covers everything worth bearing in mind.

An introduction to bifold doors

External bifold doors fold back in a concertina effect, with multiple door panels connected by hinges and sliding along a track to form a neat stacked system.

They can open a full wall of your home, with large glass panels giving uninterrupted views of your garden. Modern aluminium bifold doors feature slim sightlines, letting in lots of natural light while offering strength and minimal maintenance.

Many include a traffic door (a single door leaf) for normal usage, allowing a seamless transition between your living space and outdoor space without folding the entire system.

Why our clients love them:

• Dramatic opening for your outside space
• Ideal for wide openings
• Modern aluminium frames with slim sightlines
• Available in a range of colours, including popular options like anthracite grey, black and white

An introduction to sliding doors

Sliding doors glide along a bottom track, with large panes of glass that maximise light and provide uninterrupted views.

Unlike bifolds, sliding systems don’t require clearance for folding, making them perfect for smaller patio areas. Their simplicity and ease of use make them an excellent choice for households of all ages, and the weight of the panes is easier to manage than multiple folding door panels.

Modern patio doors have slim sightlines and glass panes with uPVC or aluminium frames that combine durability with style, offering a minimalist look with large panes of glass for a clear view of your outdoor space. High performance glazing options also help with heat transfer, keeping your living space comfortable year-round.

Choose bifold doors if…

You want maximum impact

Bifold doors, sometimes referred to as ‘fold doors,’ provide a real ‘wow’ factor. Fully open, they remove an entire wall to create a seamless transition from your living space to your outdoor space, ideal for entertaining and creating that indoor-outdoor flow.

You have a larger opening

Bifolds suit openings from 2m to 7.5m+, with panels neatly stacking in a stacked system. This creates a smooth flow from your living space to your patio area.

You love the concertina aesthetic

The concertina effect of folding panels adds architectural interest. With our range of colours and popular options, you can match the style of your home perfectly.

Choose sliding doors if…

Space saving is key

External patio doors stay within the frame, so they’re perfect for smaller patio areas.

You prefer an easier operation

Sliding doors are simple, just move one door panel along the bottom track. This easy operation makes them ideal for anyone.

Bifold vs sliding doors: key differences

Feature	Aluminium Bifold Doors	Sliding Patio Doors
Opening mechanism	Fold back in concertina effect, stacked system	Sliding doors along bottom track
Space required	Needs clearance for stacked system	No extra clearance or floor space needed
Best for opening size	Larger openings (2m–7.5m+)	Standard openings (up to 2–10m)
Number of panels	Typically 2–7 door panels	2–4 larger panels
Visual style	Dramatic, creates lots of light through larger glass panels	Clean, minimalist
Ease of operation	Door leaf for normal usage	Easy operation, push-and-slide
Cost	Bifold doors are cost effective	More affordable if uPVC, but large aluminium sliding doors are more costly

Frequently asked questions

Aluminium bifolds vs sliding patio doors: Which offers better thermal efficiency?

Both are excellent when it comes to energy efficiency, with advanced glazing and modern heat transfer technology. Regardless of whether you choose aluminium bifold or patio doors, aluminium materials keep your living space comfortable while lowering energy bills. uPVC is also a great choice if thermal efficiency is a priority.

Can I have a normal opening door?

Yes, bifolds can include a traffic door for everyday access. Sliding doors already allow easy access with one door panel.

How much maintenance is needed?

Very little. Thanks to our uPVC and aluminium materials, just wipe the panes of glass, clear the bottom sill and check drainage. Both require minimal maintenance and provide peace of mind.

Who are Advanced Glazing Systems?

We’re a family-run business since 2004, providing premium aluminium bifold doors, external patio doors and triple glazing options across Essex and London, including Upminster, Chelmsford and Braintree. We also offer various windows, including popular casements, flush sash, and sliding sash, as well as an entire door range, including entrance doors and the timeless French doors.

We’re accredited by Trustmark, Trading Standards, FENSA, Glass & Glazing Federation, Secured by Design and Which? Trusted Trader. Every installation comes with a 10-year guarantee and InstallSure insurance for peace of mind.

Ready to choose your door type?

Whether you’re drawn to the bold drama of external bifold doors or the sleek minimalism of sliding doors, we’ll help you pick the perfect set of doors for your living space and outdoor space.

📞 Call: 01277 230101 📧 Email: sales@advancedglazingsystems.co.uk