Choosing the best external doors for your home: Bifold doors vs French doors

Both bifold doors and French doors offer a range of benefits, helping to connect the inside and outside of your home seamlessly.

When choosing between the two door types, it can be hard to weigh up the options and to know whether you are making the best choice for your home and needs. Here, we explore the pros and cons of each door and provide a round-up of the key factors to consider such as cost, thermal efficiency and style.

What is a bifold door?

Bifold doors are made up of multiple leaves which fold back on themselves to open up a space. The doors are fitted to runners which allow the doors to be completely folded back and out of the way to provide an uninterrupted view from inside your home. Some designs also feature a traffic door which can be operated independently of the bifold mechanism to allow easy access in and out of the property. Find out more about the different options of bifold door designs here.

Large bifold doors can be used to open up a whole wall or several walls of your home, which is perfect for creating a seamless flow between your home and garden. Internal bifolds can also be used to create an open plan living space within your home.

Vufold’s range of external bifolds is available in different materials, each with a range of benefits. These include:

• Engineered timber

• Aluminium.

What are the benefits of bifold doors?

As leading suppliers of bifold doors, Vufold has perfected the art of combining bifold doors with an attractive appearance and smooth operation. There are a huge number of benefits of installing a bifold door in your home including:

Outstanding thermal efficiency

When specified and installed using the correct materials, bifold doors offer excellent thermal efficiency for your home.

Bifold doors are available in both double glazing and triple glazing options, which will both offer huge savings on your energy bills. Read our full guide to bifold door thermal efficiency.

Uninterrupted views

One of the key reasons many homeowners choose to install bifold doors is for the natural light and uninterrupted views provided by thin thresholds and sightlines. If you want to enjoy as much of the view as possible and create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor space, Aluminium bifold doors are the perfect option!

Easy to install

High-quality bifold doors are supplied ready to install with everything you or your installer will need to get your doors in place as quickly as possible.

Vufold supply ready-to-assemble bifold doors which means your doors are pre-machined and are delivered with all of the elements you’ll need for installation including:

• Tracks

• Hinges

• Hardware

• Glazing

• Fixings

You will require a few standard tools to install the doors. If you’re competent at DIY, you should have no problem installing these doors yourself. If you’re not, the doors are simple and easy for tradespeople to install.

Easy to maintain

Precision engineering on quality bifold doors means you will experience little trouble from rickety tracks or clogging. Composite doors are especially easy to maintain.

Sleek and stylish

Bifold doors are something of a must-have for modern homes and renovations. Their sleek look and light maximising qualities make them a favourite choice for anyone looking to add a touch of modern style to their property.

Are you looking for the perfect bifold door for your home? Read how to choose the best bifold door here.

What are the cons of bifold doors?

Alongside the many benefits that bifold doors can provide, there are also a few other factors to consider before choosing them for your home:

• Bifold doors work a little differently to standard doors so they can take a bit of practice to get used to.

• Good quality bifold doors can be more expensive but they offer other cost-saving benefits such as increased thermal efficiency.

What is a French door?

French doors are a more traditional type of external door and patio door. They usually consist of a double door configuration with two identical glass doors that sit side-by-side and operate on hinges.

The doors are glazed to allow in huge amounts of natural light and are the perfect choice if you are looking to replace an old door and add a touch of modern style to your home.

Read our guide to the location options for French doors here.

What are the benefits of French doors?

French doors offer similar benefits to bifold doors but there are also others that should be taken into account when choosing between the two options for your home.

Lots of natural light

Although nothing can rival the abundance of light provided by bifold doors, French doors offer a good alternative and can help to maximise light in your home.

Easy to use

The simple turn-handle operation makes French doors easy to open and close with minimum fuss. The doors can be opened for quick access to the outside, whereas bifold doors must be folded back, unless you opt for a traffic door.

Stylish option

If you’re looking to upgrade your home and modernise both the inside and outside, French doors are a great option. Just like bifold doors, French doors are available in wooden and aluminium options to help you match your new doors to the style of your home or to offer a modern-looking solution.

Space efficient

French doors require less room to operate than bifold doors, so they are ideal for courtyard style gardens or smaller rooms.

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Cons of French doors

• The traditional and static design of French doors means that the flexibility of configuration options is limited in comparison to bifold doors.

• French doors take up more interior or exterior space when open. Since they swing inward or outward on hinges, they require a clear area for the doors to operate, which can be limiting in smaller rooms or patios.

Bifold doors vs French doors

So, which is better? Bifold doors or French doors? The answer is, there is no ‘better’ option when it comes to choosing between the two. Each door style has its own benefits and the options you choose should fit with your lifestyle, the style of your home and your personal preferences.

If you’re looking for a door that will maximise the view from your home, bifold doors are the best option. There is a wide range of materials available so it’s easy to find a door that meets your needs and preferences. Bifold doors are also an excellent space-saving option.

However, if you’re looking for a more traditional style and an easy operating system, French doors are the best option. This simplicity also carries lower costs too so, if you’re on a lower budget, French doors are an attractive option.

Here is a clear summary of how each door option performs when it comes to different features:

If you want to know more about the benefits of both bifold and French doors, take a look at the beautiful ranges available at Vufold. Our friendly team of staff are on-hand to help you make the right decision for your home and needs. Get in touch for more ideas and inspiration or for help finding your own superbly engineered and attractive bifold or French door.

Frequently asked questions

Which external bifold doors are best for you?

The best external bifold doors for you will depend on your specific needs, including thermal efficiency, door style, and budget. If you're looking for superior energy efficiency, composite bifold doors or those with triple glazing are ideal. For modern homes, aluminium bifold doors offer a sleek look, while timber bifolds may suit traditional homes. The configuration options and size of the opening you want to achieve will also influence your choice.

What materials can bifold or French doors be made of?

Both bifold and French doors can be made from a range of materials, including

• Aluminium: Lightweight, strong, and low-maintenance. Ideal for modern designs.

• Timber: Provides a classic, natural look, great for traditional homes.

• Composite: Combines materials for enhanced durability, thermal performance, and low maintenance.

Why choose aluminium bifold doors?

Aluminium bifold doors are a popular choice due to their durability, high quality, and modern aesthetic. They offer slim frames, allowing for larger panes of glass and maximising natural light. Aluminium is also resistant to rust and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for long-term use. Additionally, aluminium bifold doors offer excellent thermal efficiency and can be custom-made in a range of colours to suit the style of your home.

What are the key benefits of both French and bifold doors?

• French Doors: Easier to operate with a simple turn-handle mechanism, making them convenient for quick access. Their design is also perfect for traditional homes.

• Bifold Doors: Offer an uninterrupted view, a wider opening, and are ideal for creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space. Bifolds are more versatile with various configuration options and suit both modern and traditional properties.

What are the disadvantages of bifold doors?

While bifold doors are highly functional and come with exceptional sightlines, there are a few disadvantages to consider:

• Cost: High-quality bifolds, especially with triple glazing or composite materials, can be more expensive.

• Track System Maintenance: The track system may require occasional maintenance to ensure smooth operation.

• Trip Hazard: Without a level or low threshold, bifold doors can create a small trip hazard where the door meets the floor.

What is the difference between French doors and bifold doors?

• Bifold doors: Consist of multiple folding panels that slide along a track system, offering a larger, more open transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Bifolds tend to suit more modern, open-plan designs, providing a wider opening and uninterrupted views.

• French doors: Typically consist of two separate doors that open outward or inward on hinges. They provide quick access and are more suited to traditional properties.

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