Three Popular Patio Door Options: What's the Difference

7 July 2025

The best choice is usually the one that fits your lifestyle and your home's character

A collage of three different doors, heritage french doors, sliding doors and bi-fold doors

Most homeowners face the same dilemma when updating their back doors: which style actually works best?


Here's a straightforward look at three popular choices.

Bi-folding Doors


These are the accordion-style doors that fold back on themselves.


When you open them up, you get a massive opening - sometimes the entire width of your back wall. It's quite dramatic, really.


They're fantastic if you love hosting barbecues or garden parties because guests can wander in and out freely. The downside?


They do need a fair bit of space to fold back properly, so they won't work everywhere.

Bi-folding doors installed by Aspen Home Improvements
sliding doors installed by Aspen Home Improvements

Sliding Doors


Much simpler concept - panels that slide past each other on tracks.


One side stays put while the other glides across. They're incredibly smooth to operate when installed properly.


The real advantage here is the view. If you've got a lovely garden or your house backs onto fields or water, sliding doors frame that view beautifully.


Plus, they don't swing out into your garden or take up indoor space when opening.

Heritage French Doors


These are your traditional hinged doors with the classic divided glass panels.


They swing open just like regular doors, usually outwards onto your patio.


French doors have been around forever because they simply work well. They suit older houses perfectly and give you that cottage-style charm.


The glazing bars create lovely shadows and light patterns inside your room too.

Heritage French doors installed by Aspen Home Improvements

Which One's Right?


It really depends on your house and how you use your space.


Got a small patio? Sliding doors make sense.


Love entertaining? Bi-folding might be worth considering.


Want something that'll never look dated? French doors are hard to beat.


The best choice is usually the one that fits your lifestyle and your home's character.

  • Heritage French doors by Aspen Home Improvements
  • Sliding Doors by Aspen Home Improvements
  • We do hope you found this article of interest, if you do have a query regarding this article or any of our other articles, then please get in touch with us.


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