23 September 2025
In recent years, bifold door popularity has grown exponentially in both residential and commercial projects. But how do they differ from a traditional sliding door system? What benefits do they offer that a sliding door cannot and vice versa?
These modern glazing solutions are a popular way to bring a contemporary and spacious feel, but it’s worth understanding all the positives and negative before you make any decisions.
Bifold Doors
Bifold doors are folding doors with multiple panels. They can be as small as 2 parts but could be as large as 7 or even 8 parts depending on the opening size. All the door parts connect with hinges, while rollers at the bottom guide the doors along a track.
The door parts can fold outside or inside and can fold either left or right. Depending on the configuration, bifold doors usually have a traffic door. This is a section that opens independently from the rest of the system.
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are glass doors that usually feature two large glass panes, though they can also be designed with three or four. Each pane glides sideways along a track until it reaches the edge of the frame, stacking neatly behind the others.
Slimline alumninium sliding doors are particularly popular in modern properties that for are looking for large uninterrupted views.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing the type of door is the views it will provide to your outdoor space. While both bifold door and sliding door provide spectacular garden views that can blend home and garden - there are some key differences.
People may argue that both types of door provide the ultimate views. Sliding doors typically have large expansive panes of glass with minimal or slim frames. Providing uninterrupted sightlines.
Bifold doors on the other hand will typically have more visible frames due to increased number is parts. However, because they completely fold out the way when open, this opens up 100% of the aperture. Letting you enjoy a frame free view. Unlike the sliding door that will always have one part closed not fully openable.
Both bifold doors and sliding doors are incredibly thermally efficient. This is thanks to advanced manufacturing methods used called thermal break technology.
A thermal break (or thermal barrier) is a layer of material that doesn’t conduct heat well. When placed between conductive materials it will slow down heat transfer.
In aluminium doors, a thermal break is a strip of low-conductivity material built into the metal frame. This prevents heat from easily passing through the metal to the outside, keeping warmth inside during winter and blocking heat from entering during summer. The result is a more comfortable living space, lower energy bills, and better overall performance from your aluminium sliding or bifold doors.
In terms of the cost, both bifold door and sliding door options are similar in price. The total cost of each will depend on varying factors such as size, style and configuration. At Supaglazing Online, we offer both standard trade sizes and bespoke door solutions ensuring flexibility for every project.
With both types of doors, there is a wide variety of colour and hardware options to choose from. You can also select a dual-colour finish, allowing one shade on the exterior and another on the interior. In addition, the hardware is available in a range of stylish finishes including gold, chrome, black, white, and more giving you plenty of flexibility to achieve the exact look you want.
Before making your final door decision it’s important to consider all the factors, all the pros and cons to determine the best solution for your space. By making the right decision you’ll be able to enjoy your space for years to come!
At Supaglazing Online our bifold doors and sliding doors are designed for excellence, combining sleek aesthetics with superior performance. With ultra-slim sightlines, smooth operation, and a bespoke range of colours and configurations. We supply aluminium bifold and sliding doors to builders, developers, and architects across the UK, with trade pricing and bespoke options available. Call us today 03330041100 or drop us an email sales@supaglazingonline.com for more information.