Aluminium sliding doors vs. bifold doors – what’s right for your build? 

Choosing the right door style can impact the look, feel and functionality of your space. Among the most popular options are aluminium sliding doors and bifold doors – sleek, modern and perfect for creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living. But with distinct features and benefits, how do you know which one is right for your build?

From configurations to performance, let’s dive into the details to find out which door style will enhance your space’s beauty, efficiency and versatility.

What to consider when choosing sliding or bifold doors

Simple considerations, such as how much space you have inside and outside your door frame, might shape your decision between sliding or bifold doors. But there are some added considerations you can make when deciding.

Space utilisation

How much space you have in your home, both internally and externally, is usually the most important thing that impacts the decision to go with either sliding or bifold doors.

Because bifold doors stack onto themselves when open, they require space either externally or internally. Since sliding doors don’t swing in or out, they are ideal for areas with limited space, like balconies or small patios, where bifold doors might take up too much room when stacked.

But this might not be your only priority when it comes to how you use your space. With a range of configurations including up to eight panels, bifold doors do offer the ability to create an unobstructed view out to your outdoor space. Sliding doors, however, always leave at least one fixed panel in place.

Ease of access

Sliding doors operate on a simple track system, making them easy to open and close. A bifold door system includes multiple folding stacks. These are also engineered and built for easy use, but those with accessibility restraints might prefer to opt for a sliding door configuration.

It’s also helpful to consider how often you might want to open and close your doors. For frequent access, a sliding door allows easy movement without having to fold and stack multiple panels. This makes them more practical for spaces where people often come and go often, while bifold doors can only be used with retractable screens.

Alternatively, a bifold door system can allow you to blur the lines between the outside and inside of your space and have unimpeded views and access.

At A&L, we also provide our own range of accessible sliding door handles and sills, meeting a demand for tactile, considered design that caters to a wider range of mobility needs.

Look and feel

This one simply comes down to taste, as both sliding and bifold doors look great in a range of different spaces.

Since bifold doors open fully, they create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces—ideal for entertaining or extending living areas, which might suit those with al fresco dining areas or larger external spaces with decking.

Many people opt for the contemporary, sleek look of bifold doors, especially for architectural designs emphasising openness and flexibility. With full opening capability, bifold doors allow for excellent airflow.

Sliding doors, however, can have larger glass panels and with fewer frames, offering a seamless view outside – especially when closed.

Energy efficiency

Both A&L’s aluminium sliding doors and bifold doors lead the way in providing Australians with the technology and design to better control the climate of their homes and save on energy costs.

Our ComfortSmart Optimal range of frame and glass technologies empower you to shape the energy efficiency of your home and meet national NCC standards.

Our Good, Better, Best offering allows for different configurations of our Inline Reveal System, Thermally Broken Sash and Panel, Low-E glass and Double Glazing technologies to match your energy saving requirements.

Which one is right for your space?

If you’re not sure if a sliding door or bifold door is right for you, we can help answer any of your questions.  

It’s easy to get in touch with our team and find support with choosing, customising and specifying window and door systems for your space. Our experts can provide guidance based on factors like your room size, purpose and preferences. We can also highlight any climate considerations that can impact your choice and what you might need to know to make your home energy efficient.  

Regardless of whether you select a sliding or bifold door, A&L’s advanced range and commitment to superior product quality as well as service means you’re receiving the best possible solution for your project.