Cost comparison: Bifolds vs Sliding doors

When you are making home improvements or looking for the perfect patio door, choosing the right door type for your home and needs is extremely important. Any patio door, whether bifold or sliding, forms a focal point for your home, as well as protecting you from the elements and maximising security. Making the right choice is essential but, with the wide range of choices available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Two of the most popular options for external patio doors are bifold and sliding doors. Our guide will help you to compare the costs and benefits of each type of door to help you decide which door system is the right option for you.

What is a bifold door?

Bifold doors consist of a set of large glass panels that fold back on themselves in a concertina effect. This characteristic means they can open up an entire wall, so they are perfect for homeowners who are looking to create a seamless transition between rooms or between your home and patio or garden area.

Bifold doors are fitted to runners, which they slide along when opened. Each door leaf then concertinas, or stacks, together. Most door sets have top and bottom runner for optimum rigidity. External bifold doors always operate using a top and bottom track; however, internal bifold doors can be built to function without the bottom runner, to remove the need for a bottom track. Find out more about choosing an internal bifold door here.

Some sets of bifold doors have a traffic door, so you do not have to open the entire set of doors every time you require access. This function is great for anyone with pets or children.

A oak bifold door will provide a traditional look while maximising space. On the other hand, you may want to create a more modern feel and bifolds make this easy with an aluminium bifold door or composite bifold door option that offer exceptionally slim sightlines and an up-to-date look.

Looking for an energy efficient, aluminium bifold door?

Our pick:

Supreme Range

From £1809

In addition to the rapid delivery times our Supreme Express range of aluminium bi-fold doors are packed full of features:

• Thermally broken aluminium sections with a super slim sightline of 120mm.
• One-piece track and sill combination for seamless transitions between inside and out.
• Thermally efficient with an overall energy rating of ‘C’.
• Maximum security using a 3-star security cylinder and intermediate twin point lock.

Shop our Supreme aluminium bifold doors now.

The benefits of bifold doors

Read our complete guide to the different external bifold door locations here.

What are sliding doors?

As the name implies, sliding doors work by sliding along a track. There are two types available:

Unlike the traditional sliding door that simply slides along a track, Lift and Slide doors work by using a handle that you simply turn to lift the door onto its rollers. This means you can be sure the door is always in the optimum position and has allowed for the development of sliding doors with larger panels.

Sliding patio doors are popular with homeowners seeking a contemporary edge to their home design and look great in any modern home extension, making the transition between the home, garden, patio area or any outdoor space seamless.

Benefits of sliding doors

View our complete range of sliding doors here.

Sliding doors vs bifold doors cost comparison

To help you make an informed decision, we have provided an overview of the dimensions and prices of our Supreme ranges of bifold and sliding doors to give you a guideline on how price can vary depending on the size of your door.

For more information on bifold door costs, please see our guide.

Which type of patio door is the cheapest option?

Bifold doors often have a reputation for being the most expensive option when buying patio doors. But, due to an increase in costs in material, sliding doors are now more in line with prices of bifold doors; however, Vufold are able to mass produce and carry lots of stock when it comes to bifold doors. This has allowed us to keep the pricing down. Due to the larger and heavier glass and door panels used on sliding doors, it is more difficult to mass produce and store sliding doors. Bear in mind that the price of your patio door also depends on the material and size. For example, you can expect a uPVC sliding door to be cheaper than an aluminium bifold door.

Looking for a modern aluminium sliding door?

Our pick:

Supreme Sliding Doors

FROM £2,199

Elevate your project with more natural light. Slim 47mm sightlines allow these inline aluminium patio doors to bring the outside in. With excellent energy performance, they add style, flexibility and security to any home. All backed up by our 15 year guarantee.

Shop our aluminium sliding patio doors here.

What other factors should you consider when choosing between a sliding door and a bifold door?

In addition to considering price, key considerations such as the style of your home, how you will be using your doors throughout the year, as well as practical aspects including ease of use, security and thermal efficiency, should all work alongside price to inform your decision. Sliding doors often utilise larger leaves (panes of glass) which offer wide views. The stacked system saves space. However, the doors cannot be ‘fully opened’ as one leaf has to be sitting on top of the other. With bifold doors, however, you have the option of opening the entire door for maximum impact, or simply using the traffic door for normal usage.

Before making your purchase, it is also worth bearing in mind that Vufold bifold doors are also ready-to-assemble. This means that the doors are pre-machined and come with almost everything you need for installation, including:

Only a few standard tools will need to be sourced for installation. Find out more about Vufold’s ready-to-assemble bifold doors here

You should also bear in mind the space you have available for each option, and which opening mechanism you prefer. For example, if the outside space doesn’t have much room (like a small balcony etc.) for bifold doors, you may need to ensure there is space inside the home so the doors can open inwards. Consider that in sliding doors, because of the weight of the panes, sliding doors roll along the bottom sill. Generally, top-hung doors are considered superior due to easier operation and less maintenance.

Do you still need help with choosing the right type of door for your home? Contact Vufold today.

Find your perfect bifold door with Vufold

Designed in the UK and manufactured in our state-of-the-art factories, our doors offer outstanding quality and design. All of our patio doors are designed for UK weather conditions to keep you warm and snug when the weather does its worst. We offer a warranty of 15 years for our sliding patio doors and a 10-15 years guarantee for our French and external bifold doors.

Our team is more than happy to talk about your options so you can move one step closer to making your dream doors a reality. Contact us today.

Frequently asked questions

What are high-quality bifold doors?

High-quality bifold doors are defined by several key factors, including materials, design, functionality, and durability. They often feature premium materials like aluminium, which offers strength and corrosion resistance, or timber for a more traditional aesthetic. These doors should have smooth-running tracks and mechanisms that allow effortless opening and closing. High-quality bifold doors also come with excellent insulation properties, helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce noise pollution. A robust locking system is another hallmark of quality, ensuring both security and peace of mind.

What are the pros and cons of sliding doors?

Why should I opt for sliding doors?

Sliding doors are an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a sleek, modern solution that maximises space and enhances natural light. If you have limited room for door clearance, sliding doors are a practical option as they don’t protrude into the living area. Additionally, their large glass panels allow for uninterrupted views of the outdoors and help create a sense of openness. The easy operation and minimal maintenance make them a convenient option, especially for high-traffic areas like patios or balconies.

What are the benefits of aluminium bifold doors?

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