Bifold vs French doors: Which is best for your home?
When it comes to connecting your home to the garden, there are many different types of patio doors, but two options often come to the fore: bifold and French doors. Both have their supporters, and both can look great and work well. But they do different things, and which one suits you best depends on what you need from your space.
At Amazing Glazing, we install both types regularly across Kent, and we’re often asked which is better. Some homes work better with French doors, others with bifolding options. Your budget, the size of the opening, how you use the space, and what your property looks like all play a part.
French doors have been around for centuries. They’re a classic look that works in both traditional properties and more modern builds. They’re straightforward, reliable, and give you a clear view into the garden without taking up too much room when they’re open.
Bifolding doors are newer to the scene but have become incredibly popular over the last couple of decades. They fold back on themselves, which means you can open up an entire wall if you want to. That makes them brilliant if you’re after that indoor-outdoor living feel, especially during the summer months.
Both door styles have their strengths, and both have situations where they really shine. In this guide, we’ll walk through what makes each one worth considering, so you can work out which is the best option for your home.
Why choose French doors?
French doors are what most people picture when they think of traditional doors leading to the garden. One of the main benefits of French doors is their simplicity. There are no complicated folding systems or tracks to worry about. They’re hinged like a standard door, which makes them easy to use and reliable over time. If you’re someone who values straightforward, no-fuss access to the garden and a traditional look, French doors are hard to beat.
They’re an excellent fit for smaller spaces. Because they don’t need room for panels to stack or fold, they work well in properties where you don’t have a huge amount of wall space to play with. And when they’re closed, they still give you great garden views.
Our uPVC French doors at Amazing Glazing are built to last. They don’t warp, rot, or need repainting like older timber versions. They’re low maintenance, and because of the multi-chambered frames and quality glass units, they offer excellent thermal efficiency too. That means they help keep the heat in during winter and the warmth out during summer, which is better for your comfort and your energy bills.
In terms of looks, French doors suit pretty much any type of property. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace or a new build, you can find a style and colour that fits. We offer a wide range of finishes, so you can go for classic white, something more authentic like wood-effect, or a bold modern colour if that’s more your style.
Why choose bifold doors?
Bifold doors are made up of multiple panels that fold back against one another, creating a wide opening that can span several metres if needed.
The main appeal of bifold patio doors is the seamless transition they create between inside and outside. When you open them fully, you get full access to your garden without a big door swinging out into the way. It’s perfect if you like to entertain, have kids running in and out, or like to make the most of good weather.
We offer bifold doors in both uPVC and aluminium at Amazing Glazing. The uPVC versions are great if you want something that’s thermally efficient and low maintenance, much like our French doors. The aluminium ones are slimmer, which means you get even more glass and less frame. That gives you better views and more natural light, and they have a more contemporary feel that suits modern homes well.
One of the benefits of bifold doors is flexibility. You can open just one panel if you want easy access to pop outside, or you can fold the whole thing back when you’re having people over, or it’s a sunny day. That makes them a versatile choice, and it’s one of the reasons they’ve become such a popular choice for extensions and new builds.
Because they fold rather than swing, bifold doors are great for homes where space is tight. You don’t need to leave room for a door to open outwards, which can be a real advantage in smaller gardens or courtyards.
Which one is right for you?
So, bifold vs French doors – how do you choose? It really comes down to a few practical questions.
Do you want to open up an entire wall, or is a standard double-door opening enough? If you’re after that full-width access and indoor-outdoor living feel, bifold doors are probably the way to go. If you just need a nice way to step out into the garden and let some light in, French doors will do the job perfectly well.
What’s your budget? French doors are usually the more affordable option, and that doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality. But if you’ve got more to spend and want something that makes more of a statement, bifold doors could be worth the extra investment.
What does your home look like? Both types of doors can work in different ways depending on the style of your property. French doors tend to suit traditional homes really well, but they work in modern settings too. Bifold doors are often associated with contemporary extensions, but they can look great in older properties if you choose the right finish.
How much space do you have? French doors need room to swing open, so you’ll need to think about whether that works with your garden layout. Bifold doors fold back neatly, so they’re better if you’re tight on space.
Make the right choice for your home
Choosing between bifold and French doors is about what works for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget. Both are fantastic options, and both will give you better access to your garden, more light, and a real uplift to your living space.
At Amazing Glazing, we’ve been installing doors across Kent for over 15 years, and we’ve learned that the best choice is always the one that suits the homeowner. That’s why we take the time to listen and give honest advice about what will work for you.
All of our doors come with a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee, so you can have confidence that your investment is protected, and we’re FENSA approved, which means our installations meet all the latest building regulations.
For more information, you can:
· Call us on 0800 062 2103
· Email us at info@amazingglazingkent.co.uk
· Use our online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bifold doors more expensive than French doors?
Yes, generally speaking, bifold doors do cost more than French doors. However, the exact price depends on the size of the opening, the material you choose (uPVC or aluminium), and any additional features like triple glazing.
Do bifold doors let in more light than French doors?
Bifold doors usually have more glass overall because they’re made up of several large glass panels, which means they can let in more light, especially with slim aluminium. If maximising light is your priority and you have the space, bifold doors might have the edge.
What’s the difference between uPVC and aluminium?
UPVC is generally more affordable. It offers excellent thermal efficiency on a budget and is durable and reliable. Aluminium can offer similar energy efficiency and, due to its natural strength, provides slimmer sightlines with uninterrupted views.
