Bi-fold Doors vs Sliding Doors vs French Doors

• When open, bi-folds offer uninterrupted panoramic views by fully opening up an entire wall of your home
• Although the frames are slim, when shut they still break up the view

• Offer widescreen views by replacing an entire wall of your home with glass
• Even when closed, these doors offer excellent views as they normally only have a frame around two panes of glass 
• As one door slides behind the other, the central frame always interrupts the view, even when open

• Usually comprised of two doors in a traditional size and shape frame, so the expanse of glass is relatively small and a whole wall can't be replaced with these doors
• Offer a better view than windows or a single door but the view is nowhere near as expansive as sliding or bi-fold doors

View is similar to sliding doors when closed, but are the only doors to offer a completely uninterrupted view when open.

Offer a similar view whether the doors are closed or open. Sliding doors don’t offer an uninterrupted view as one door slides behind the other, so the central frame can't be moved.

French doors offer a more restricted view as they don’t open as wide as the other doors.

• Often chosen for modern properties or new builds as they offer a contemporary look and are ideal for properties built for indoor-outdoor living. However, bi-folds are increasingly being used in traditional properties
• Wide range of powder–coated finishes available– including wood grains– means they can be finished to suit different property styles

• Modern design means they are best suited to contemporary properties
• Can look out of place in older properties, especially if uPVC is used

• Best suited to more traditional style properties such as Cape Cod, Colonial or Craftsman styles
• Multiple options for frames and glass styles available

A great option for both modern and more traditional properties.

Generally not suitable for more traditional properties due to modern design.

Suitable for older-style properties but range of finishes available means they can also work with modern homes.

• Multiple configuration options available, typically from one to eight or more doors
• Door leaves can be configured to buyer’s specification, including opening in one direction, inward or outward, or opening in the middle
• Can be installed into bays and corner openings

• Options are more limited than bi-folds; one door can slide over the other, or both doors can open in the center and slide out over fixed panels
• Can't be installed into bays

• Same configuration as a standard front or back door–the two doors are side hung to open outwards or inwards
• Can be installed into bays

Multiple configuration options available.

Just two options: one door slides over the other, or both doors slide out from the middle.

Limited configuration options as they work like traditional doors.

• Available with a level threshold, meaning the inside and outside are on the same level, creating a seamless transition between inside and out
• Level threshold recommended for internal or covered areas
• Weathered threshold creates a very small step but offers complete protection against the elements
• Drainage solutions prevent water from pooling in front of doors

• Only offers a weathered threshold option for total weather protection
• Not available with a level threshold so the bottom of the door frame creates a small lip that must be stepped over

• The traditional door frame means the bottom of the frame creates a lip between inside and outside that must be stepped over

Only doors that can offer a level threshold, creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.

No level threshold available.

Normal door frame which separates outside from inside.