Different Bifold Opening Choices - Pros & Cons
The direction in which bifold doors should open depends on various factors, such as the room's layout, the position of the furniture, the space available, and personal preferences.
Bifold doors are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes as an alternative to sliding or French doors, thanks to their space-saving and elegant design.
Bi-fold doors open up an entire wall and connect your indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
Build your door today!
Get a Quote
However, homeowners often face one issue: whether to have the bifold doors open in or out.
While there is no definitive answer, as it's up to you, several factors should be considered when deciding which option is best for your home.
If space is limited inside the room, exterior bi-folding doors that open outwards are generally preferred as they don't take up interior space when fully opened.
On the other hand, if there are obstacles or furniture outside the room, bifold door panels that open inwards might be a better option as they will not interfere with items in the exterior space.
You can fully design your bifold doors online now with Value Doors; why not try it?
Bifold Doors Standard Opening in Door
Usually, bifold doors standard opening in door tend to fold either inwards or outwards, as this is the most efficient use of space on a flat wall. There are other options depending on the type and size of bi-folding doors you get, but folding inwards and outwards is considered the standard.
Should bifold doors open in or out?
Bifold doors are an excellent way to enhance the look and functionality of your home with their flexible opening options, particularly in areas with limited space.
This may seem like a minor issue, but it is such an important consideration that can affect your space's overall design and usability, especially when considering how much bifold doors cost to install.
In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both options when installing bifold doors and other factors to consider when deciding whether multi-panel bifolding doors should open in or out.
Pros and Cons of Bifold Door Opening Inwards
Pros
- Inward-opening bifold doors are ideal for small spaces since they do not encroach on the external space when opened.
- They are easier to clean, as the external surfaces are more accessible when the doors are opened.
- Wind and rain are less likely to affect inward-opening bifold doors, making them ideal for areas with adverse weather conditions.
- They provide a sleek and modern appearance, as the hinges are concealed when the doors are closed.
Cons
- Inward-opening bifold doors take up space inside the room when open, which may be a problem in smaller rooms.
- A door opening inwards may be less secure since the hinges are on the outside and may be more accessible to intruders.
- Inward-opening bifold doors may be more challenging to install, as the hinges and fixings must be precisely positioned.
Pros and Cons of Outward Opening Bifold Doors
Pros
- Outward-opening bifold doors provide more space inside the room since they do not take up space when open.
- They are more secure, as the hinges are on the inside, which makes it more challenging for intruders to access them.
- Outward-opening bifold doors are easier to install since the hinges and fixings are visible and more accessible.
Cons
- Outward-opening bifold doors may not be suitable for areas with adverse weather conditions, as they may be affected by wind and rain.
- They may be more challenging to clean, as the external surfaces are less accessible when the doors are open.
- Outward-opening bifold doors may not provide a sleek and modern appearance, as the hinges are visible when the doors are closed.
Generally, bifolding doors that open outwards tend to provide a larger opening and better ventilation than those that open inwards.
But, if security is a concern, bifold doors opening inwards might be preferable as they are less vulnerable to forced entry.
Ultimately, deciding which way your bifold doors should open will depend on your circumstances and personal preferences.
Therefore, if you are unsure which route to take, it is recommended that you consult with a professional installer to determine the best configuration for your specific situation.
You may also need to adjust your bifold doors to change them.
Which ways can bifold doors open?
Bifold doors offer different opening options depending on the number of panels and the configuration of the tracks.
The configuration of the bifold doors and opening direction allows you to decide where the lead door that locks will go and open. Here are some common bifold door opening options:
Single Opening
A bifold door with a single opening consists of two panels up to 10 panels that are hinged together in the middle. All the panels fold in half and slide to one side of the opening.
Double Opening
An example of a double-opening bifold door consists of four panels, with two on each side of the opening. The panels fold in half and slide to both sides of the opening, creating a wide opening.
Triple Opening
A triple-opening bifold door consists of six panels, three on each side of the opening. The panels fold in half and slide to both sides of the opening, creating an even wider opening than the double-opening option.
Corner Opening
A corner-opening bifold door is designed for openings that form a corner. It consists of two bifolding doors that meet at a 90-degree angle, each folding in half and sliding to its respective side.
Custom Opening
Bifold doors can be customised to fit non-standard openings, such as those with an uneven number of panels or a curved track. This could be where you have seven panels, 5 open in one direction and 2 panels in the other.
Overall, the best opening option for your space will depend on factors such as the size of the bifold doors and layout of the opening, the amount of clearance available, and your personal preferences.
Factors that affect the bifold door opening options
When choosing a bifold door opening configuration, several factors must be considered. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Space
The available space where the bifold door will be installed is an important factor to consider.
The bifold door's opening configuration should fit well into the space available, especially when opened to the left or right.
For example, if a summer house is a small building, its bifold doors may need to open out.
Functionality
Consider the bifold door's purpose and how it will be used.
Will it be used as a main entrance, a room divider, or a closet door? The opening configuration should be chosen accordingly to suit its intended function, the way it will open, and any potential obstructions.
Traffic flow
Consider how people will move through the space where the bifold door will be installed. The opening configuration should allow for easy and convenient traffic flow.
A traffic door, such as a single door that opens on its own like a normal one, can also be fitted for easier access.
Aesthetics
The opening configuration of the bifolding door should complement the style of the room and enhance its overall appearance.
Aesthetic considerations include the material and colour of the door, as well as the hardware used, any glazing options, privacy or integral blinds.
Energy efficiency
Consider the bifold door's energy efficiency. The opening configuration should allow for proper insulation and minimise heat loss.
All our aluminium bifold doors are also very energy efficient when closed with extra low u-values.
Security
The bifold door should be secure and protect against unauthorised entry by unwanted guests such as burglars or thieves.
The opening configuration should be chosen to enhance security, such as having the hinges on the inside.
All our bifold doors come with multi-point locking systems and 3-star diamond standard Ultion locks.
Considering these factors, you can choose the bifold door opening configuration that best suits your needs and enhances the space's overall function and appearance.
Bi-fold Door Configuration
The way a bifold door is built and its structure can also have a big effect on how it opens.
For example, if the bi-fold door configuration you want is a corner bi-folding door, you have the correct space and shape for it, so you will have to replace an entire corner of a part of your house, as well as some parts of the wall.
Design your bifold doors opening direction online now
Here at Value Doors, you can fully design your bifold door-opening options online in minutes. All our multi-panel doors come with full installation included, with a survey before any doors are manufactured.
You can see how each configuration works and play around with door-opening options and traffic doors if required.
Choose from various colour options, including double glazing, integral blinds, and more panels.
FAQs
What is a bifold door?
A bifold door is a door with multiple panels, often made of aluminium or uPVC, that has a folding design to open and close the whole door. It can be made in several different configurations, such as 3-panel, 4-panel, 5-panel and more.
How to open bifold doors?
"How do bifold doors open?" can be a common question for homeowners who are new to folding doors. Bifold doors open by folding each panel on top of each other, which is a brilliant way of creating a large opening or more space where bifold doors are fitted.
When closing the doors, the panels fold out to be flat and make the iconic bifold door look.
Knowing how to open bifold doors properly is a good thing to learn and can help avoid any damage to the bifold door opening system, which can happen if done incorrectly.
How to open corner doors?
Opening corner bifold doors is slightly different to opening a normal, flat bifold. With a corner bi-fold, there should be a corner post built in place, with a set of bifold doors on either side of the post. This means to fully open all the doors, you will have to fold over both sides.
With open corner doors, you can create a whole different look to your home, as well as enjoy the airflow and energy efficiency they bring.
