If you’re undergoing a home renovation, or you’re gearing up for one, you might be at the stage where you need to think about what glazing to install. The doors you choose not only has an impact on the style of your finished renovation, but the practicality of it too.

Both bifold doors and patio doors are great choices for your home renovation. They both have their advantages – so which one should you choose?

Here at RB Windows, we’ve worked with thousands of homeowners over the years, helping them transform their home with our trusted home improvement services, and that includes helping decide which doors to install! As a family run window company, we know just how important it is to get every detail of your home renovation right, so keep reading to hear our tips on deciding which door is best for you.

Bifold doors are a great choice as they open up your wall entirely. The panels fold back and stack to the side, giving you a completely open space between your interior and exterior space. It’s a fantastic way to create a seamless open-plan, alfresco lifestyle – especially during these lovely summer months!

Patio doors (also referred to as sliding doors), however, glide along a track. You’ll typically get one fixed panel of glass, and one that then slides behind it. The opening isn’t quite as wide as bifold doors, but you are still treated to uninterrupted views thanks to their thin frames, and sleek modern fabrication.

Both door styles are designed to allow for different living spaces, so deciding which one is for you all depends on a number of things. Here’s a few things you should consider:

1. How do you use your garden, and what role do you want it to play in your home after your renovation?

If you love to host family celebrations, or simply enjoy blending your indoor and outdoor spaces, bifold doors give you that uninterrupted access. Folding back the panels effortlessly creates one seamless area, and the illusion that your garden is just another room in the house!

If you prefer to set boundaries between your indoor and outdoor spaces, patio doors may be the ideal choice. Their wide glass panels still offer ample natural light and easy access to your garden, and they don’t take up much room either.

2. How much space do you have to play with?

Bifold doors do require a bit of space for the panels to stack when it is open, so if space is a bit tight, patio doors may be the better options. Because patio door panels slide behind one another, they don’t require any additional space – making them the perfect choice for smaller spaces, like compact dining spaces, apartments or just smaller living spaces. If you’ve got the space though, and you don’t want any frames in your view, go for bifold!

3. What kind of style are you going for?

This might be a hard question to answer, because both doors ooze style and appeal. However, we’re seeing a lot more bifold doors in modern homes and extensions, offering dramatic wide openings and a clean, architectural feel. Patio doors also offer a sleek and subtle addition to the home, and are utilised more in smaller living spaces looking to achieve a minimalistic and contemporary feel.

Every home – and every homeowner – is different. That’s why we always take the time to understand your space, your style, and how you want it to function.

As a family-run window company, we believe in giving you honest advice, quality products, and expert installation, so you can enjoy your new doors year after year. Whether you’re leaning towards aluminium patio doors or thinking that bifold doors aluminium may be your go-to choice, we’re here to help and offer some advice along the way.

Plus, as a FENSA registered installer, you can trust us to deliver and install doors that meets all the latest building standards and compliance, giving you full peace of mind.

Pop into our showroom in Cannock, and take a look at our full range of bifold doors and aluminium patio doors. Only free on a Saturday? Book an initial consultation here.