Bi-Fold Doors vs French Doors

Bi-Fold Doors Vs French Doors

When it comes down to the big decisions, everything isn't always as black and white as you would like it to be. Choosing between Bi-Fold doors and French doors can be a lot more complicated than what you might have first assumed. To have full faith in your decision you must be happy with all aspects of the door you are looking to have installed. Design, Colour, Maintenance and Pros & Cons of each door must all be considered before making the commitment. The aim of this blog is to aid you in making that decision and bring all the information to you.

What are French Doors:

French doors, also known as French windows, are doors of a custom size that are comprised of door profile and a larger glass panel each size. French doors can be selected to open in or open out and the possibilities of hinges, handles, glass designs and door colour is as limitless as they sound. French doors are commonly used to link the outer part of the home to the internal area of the home or even to bring two internal rooms together.

French Doors/ Bi Fold Doors

What are Bi-Fold Doors:

Unlike French doors and Sliding doors, Bi-Fold doors consist of three or more doors that fold back on themselves and sit flat against one or both walls, depending if they open in the middle or at the side. Similar to French doors, Bi Fold doors are a fantastic way to connect the exterior of your home with the interior.

Pros and Cons of Both Products

French Doors

Pros:

• Usually less expensive than Bi-Fold doors.
• Come in a variety of colours and glass designs.
• Allows more natural light into your home and provides a great view when closed. 
• Minimal maintenance required.
• Working parts generally last longer than Bi-Fold doors working parts

Cons:

• A sizable amount of space is taken up if you wish for open in doors rather than open out. 
• If you choose a clear glass design, privacy may be a concern.
• Although the doors are maintenance free, the windows will still need to be cleaned from time to time.
• Not Suitable for large openings.

Bi Fold Doors

Pros

• Can open up 90% of the area it's placed in.
• Can incorporate a single door for easy access if you don't wish for the full length of the door to be open. 

Cons:

• When the door is closed, the joints of the door panels can obstruct your view.
• You'll need to leave a free space either side of the doors as when folding they fold to 90°.
• With the cool temperate oceanic climate Ireland has, it's very likely that you'll be looking through your Bi-Fold doors rather than have them open. 
• When open, the Bi-Fold door can leave you feeling encroached from the space it takes up. 

Evaluation:

So when you're exploring the possibilities of buying a French door or Bi-Fold door, keep these things in mind. 

Space and opening: If you plan on installing your new doors into a large area with plenty of excess room available, the bi fold doors may be to your taste, however, if the room in question isn't as big as you'd like it to be, a sense of claustrophobia and suffocation may develop from the fold on the door encroaching into your home. 

Price: Don't be afraid to shop around. Be prepared to see 9/10 Bi-Fold doors are more expensive than French Doors.
Design, Style and Colour: Both products should have a range of colours and designs to choose form. This selection is completely up to your own preference so make sure you're happy with what you pick before you commit to your choice. 


When deciding on your supplier, make sure to shop around for the best product and best value for money. 

If you want to know what 10 questions to ask your installer, click here

If you want to know more about Harvest Energy, click here 


To get a free consultation or quotation you can contact us at (01) 8021800 or email us at info@harvestenergy.ie