Sliding doors

FANCY UNINTERRUPTED GARDEN VIEWS AND EASY ACCESS TO THE OUTDOORS? INSTALLING SLIDING DOORS COULD BE THE ANSWER

-  GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Whether you're planning a kitchen extension or just want to upgrade existing patio doors, you might be wondering whether sliding doors are worth the hype - and the investment. We asked the experts for their advice.

SLIDING VS BIFOLD DOORS

‘Sliding doors are made up of two to six panels of glass, which slide sideways along a track, as opposed to bifold doors, which fold concertina-style,’ explains Ryan Schofield, managing director, Thames Valley Window Company (tvwindows.com). ‘They can be designed in a choice of configurations, or even lift-and-slide variations for ease of operation with heavier panels.’

Sliding doors naturally require less space than traditional doors, which swing forwards when they open. Bifold doors subdivide the glass multiple times and need stacking space when opening. ‘Sliding doors offer greater control than bifold doors as they can be opened to add just an inch of fresh air, if desired, or a couple of feet to pop outside,’ says Ryan. However, it’s worth noting that sliding doors won’t open up as much as bifold doors.

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?