French Doors vs Patio (Sliding) Doors vs Bi-Folds

Three popular ways to open your home to the garden — each with a different character.

French doors

A classic pair of hinged doors that open outwards or inwards. Affordable, elegant and perfect for smaller openings, balconies and traditional homes.

Sliding patio doors

Large panes glide on a track for an uninterrupted view and slim sightlines, taking up no swing space — superb for maximising light and vistas.

Bi-fold doors

Bi-folds fold right back to open almost the entire wall — the most dramatic “bring the outside in” option, ideal for extensions and entertaining.

Which to choose?

• Maximum opening: bi-folds.
• Best uninterrupted view / slim frames: sliding.
• Smaller opening / traditional look / budget: French doors.

All should meet the 1.4 W/m²K (WER Band B) door target. Get free quotes and compare options for your opening.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheapest?

French doors are typically the most affordable; bi-folds the most premium; sliding doors in between (rising with very large panes).

Which is most energy efficient?

All can be well-specified; look at the whole-door U-value and thermal-break/seals rather than the type alone.