Why bifolds suit wide openings
Much wider opening space
They can clear far more of the opening than simpler door layouts when the weather plays nice.
Glazed even when closed
You keep the broad glazed view even when the panels are shut for the evening.
Designed around your layout
Panel count, stack direction and access leaf are chosen around the opening and the room.
Open up more of the room to the garden
If the aim is to create a bigger connection between inside and outside, bifold doors earn their place very quickly. The connected panels fold back to clear a large part of the opening, making them useful for garden rooms, kitchen extensions and wider rear elevations where a standard pair of doors can feel a bit mean. With Smyth Window Systems, bifold, concertina and multi-folding layouts can be planned to suit the opening and the way you want to move through it. When closed, they still keep the glazed outlook, so the room does not lose light or openness.
The opening has to be planned properly
Bifolds reward good planning and punish guesswork. We work through panel numbers, stacking direction, access leaf, threshold, glazing and the wall space available for the folded panels to sit against. Through Smyth Window Systems, we also stress the importance of precise measuring, a prepared structural opening and enough clear space for the stack to work properly. This is what allows bifolds to create up to a 90% clear opening, compared with the smaller opening area you would expect from French or patio doors.
Frequently asked questions
How much can bifold doors actually open?
Bifold doors can create a stated 90% clear opening, which is much wider than the typical opening area from French or patio doors. The exact result depends on the configuration and the opening being used.
What needs planning before ordering bifolds?
The key points are panel numbers, stacking direction, access leaf, threshold choice, glazing and the available wall space for the folded panels. Precise measuring and a prepared structural opening also matter a great deal.
Are bifolds better than French doors for wide openings?
Often, yes. If you want to clear as much of a wide opening as possible, bifolds usually give more open space. French doors are simpler and can suit smaller openings well, so the best answer depends on width and how the doors will be used daily.