The main types of glazed doors
Now we're going to take you through the main types of glazed door. We'll cover their strengths and weaknesses and which rooms and homes they suit best. We'll also go through what we offer and how you can customise our glazed doors.
Sliding patio doors: A practical, space-saving option
Sliding patio doors have been really popular over the years, so they're a timeless choice for a back door. Easy to use, they feature either one or two glass door panels that slide horizontally along tracks, neatly fitting behind static full-length windows. You can also cover the whole wall with extra full-length windows for even more natural light.
Key benefits:
- Space-saving, sliding design, taking up less space than French and Bifolds
- Full-length glass panes for maximum natural light
- One or two sliding door options
- Easy to open and close
- Indoor-outdoor flow
- Large range of configuration options
- Multipoint locking with 3-star rated cylinder locks
- Most affordable option (2-part)
Weaknesses:
- Opening can feel smaller with only one moving panel
- Less customisation options than French doors
- uPVC versions can be seen by some as less fashionable than Bifold or French doors
Where they work best:
The perfect place for a sliding patio door is rooms where you've got less space inside or outside. Because the doors slide behind fixed panels, you don't need much space for them to open. So if you want to update the back door on your mid-terrace home, these could be the best option for you.
Bifold doors: creating wide, open living spaces
Bifold doors are the probably the most modern and stylish option on the market today. They open from one side to another on a track, folding in a concertina, stacking at the end of the track on one wall. This basically makes it feel you've removed one wall, truly bringing the outdoors in.
Key benefits:
- The ability to open up most or all of a wall, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
- Stylish, designer look popular on many modern homes and renovations.
- Lots of natural light
- 3-star rated cylinder locks with multipoint locking
- Adds value to your home
- Add a main door that opens conventionally
Weaknesses;
- Most expensive option
- If you don't get much sun or good weather you don't get as much benefit
- Take up more internal room than French or Patio doors
Where they work best;
If you're renovating or adding an extension, Bifold doors are probably top of everyone's list. Ideally, you want to put them on a room with a long wall with easy access to the garden or patio. This maximises the amount of light you get, the views you enjoy and makes it easy to connect your home with your garden.
French doors: a classic and versatile option
French doors are a popular, classic double door that opens outwards onto a patio or garden. You can use one or both doors, but when they're both open your home feels more open and airier. A staple in homes across Europe for centuries, they suit both modern and period homes.
Key benefits:
- A timeless, luxury look
- Can also be used as a porch door
- 3-star rated cylinder locks and multipoint locking
- Glazing bar design options
- Gives your room a light, airy feel without feeling too open
Weaknesses;
- Requires space outdoors to open fully
- Less customisation options than Patio
- Higher uPVC thresholds can put people off
- Some might not see them as 'modern' enough
Were they work best;
French doors work best when you have space to open them fully for the best effect, so enough outdoor space is essential. They're a great choice to link your living room or dining room with the garden. They are also a fantastic choice for a back door if you're looking to create a sightline to the garden through the house from the front door.
How to choose the best glazed doors for your home
When choosing glazed doors, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Available space: This will play a large role in deciding what type of door you choose.
- How you will use the doors: Think about whether you want to open the space up completely or simply need occasional access to your garden.
- Property style: Consider whether a more modern or traditional look suits your home.
- Budget expectations: Different glazed door styles come with varying price points, so it’s important to balance your design preferences, functionality, and long-term value with your available budget.
Ultimately, prioritise practicality over trends and consider how you’ll use the doors in the years to come. Safestyle offers all three door types to suit different needs and budgets.
Types of glazed doors FAQs
The three most common types of glazed doors are sliding patio doors, bifold doors, and French doors. There are other types but these are the most common on the market, and the most popular. We offer all three types with plenty of options for customisation. These doors are great ways to connect your home and garden, whether you're updating an existing door or thinking of adding a new one. Bifold are probably the most poular modern option, while French are the best for classic design and 2-part sliding Patio doors are best value for money.
Sliding patio doors are ideal for small spaces as they don’t require extra room to swing or fold open like the other options. Like other options though, you can have multiple configurations that cover the whole wall in glass. This makes them ideal for larger spaces as well. When you have very little space though, they really do give you the best option for adding a glass back door.
The real answer to this is that it really depends what you're looking for in a glass back door. When open fully, bifolds create a large opening, with the glazed panels folding away to one side. This means you need to have the space for that. If you have less space, then sliding doors are definitely better than bifold doors. If you want a premium, luxury, modern look then Bifolds are definitely better than sliding doors. However, if your priority is to have a practical glazed door that leads to your garden but you have a lower budget, then sliding doors are better than bifold.
French doors usually open outwards, which is great when you don't have a lot of space inside. When they're fully open they fold out behind the wall, if you don't have side glazing, giving the illusion of a fully open space. This makes them a great way to bring the outside in and make your home feel much airier.