Are bifold doors right for your home
There’s been a lot of hype about bifold doors in the last couple of years. They’ve become a favourite feature on DIY programmes on TV, and there are few episodes of Grand Designs where a bifold doesn’t appear. Homeowners are understandably keen to get the same contemporary look in their homes.
But despite the versatility and visual appeal of the bifold, there are some situations where we don’t recommend it. In a new extension, bifolds can work very well. But sometimes, it’s best to keep your options open.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the situations where we may recommend an alternative style of door.
Assessing Space
Bifold doors are usually fitted in very wide openings. They can also work well at the back of the house, if the space is limited. But we have maximum and minimum sizes for bifolds, and it’s best not to go to extremes.
A bifold door that has two panes can actually be quite impractical. If you consider the fact that it only folds once, then you can imagine how much space that fold takes up, comparative to the space around it. This can make it difficult to place furniture close the doors.
If the bifold is your only access to the garden, a sliding door may be a better solution, because you can come in and out very quickly. Opening and closing a bifold can be tiresome if you have to do it continually through the day.
Patio and French Doors
The humble French door has been partly usurped by its modern cousin, the bifold. But there are certainly situations where patio doors and French doors look more appropriate, and offer more convenience.
The French door has the benefit of offering classic style, as well as a versatile access point. Open one door for ventilation, or open both on a sunny day. If you have a fairly small kitchen, the French door can offer that country cottage look which is more fitting for a small space.
There’s a similar argument for sliding doors, in that you can have wider glass panels, which means a potentially more sensible an visually appealing arrangement in a space that could only accommodate a very small bifold.
There’s also the cost issue. If you already have patio doors or French doors, a like for like replacement is more affordable than potentially widening the space for bifolds.
Pros and Cons
Bifold doors represent a huge investment. Don’t make a costly mistake. Hamilton Windows has been working with glazing for the last four decades. We understand the nuances of different property styles, and we’ve got working examples to prove the quality of our work.
If you’re considering bifold doors, we’ll give you honest advice about whether they’ll work in your home. If there’s a cheaper option, or a door that will be better logistically, we’ll be happy to make that suggestion.
Contact our friendly sales team today, and find out why so many of our customers recommend us.
