Alternatives To Bifold Patio Doors For A Stunning Outdoor Space

A beautiful backyard or patio is something we all can appreciate. And, we can also appreciate enjoying an unobstructed view to the outdoors while relaxing inside the comfort of our home. Bifold, or folding glass, doors are one option that can offer a great portal to your patio, but they might not be the right fit for you. 

While we love the largely open view that glass bifolds present, there are factors that make this style unworkable for some spaces. Bifolds, a hinged set of two or more panels that fold against each other when open, like an accordion, require a good deal of space for the folded panels, which can infringe on both your interior and exterior spaces, depending on your layout. They have more complicated mechanisms than other styles, can be harder to install, can carry a hefty price tag, and might not fit your decor style.

Fortunately, there are choices to consider so you can enjoy your gorgeous backyard space even more. The classic French patio door might not have been on your radar but is a solid choice. Glass sliding doors are another style that, with today's range of customization choices, matches well with modern decor. Less well-known in the U.S., but beginning to become available, are choices like the slide-and-stack and tilt-and-turn doors.

A classic alternative that can take on a modern spin is the French door. If you're familiar with the old-world charm of the traditional, multi-paned doors, you know the French form is one home feature that will never go out of style. But, this type of doorway can be anything but traditional. French doors easily pair with modern decor, like selections with larger, steel mullions and darker colors to fit with an industrial style. While some are made up of small panes of glass separated by grids, others are made of a single, large pane of glass. These allow more light to flow into your space with little obstruction. French doors give you a wide opening to free up movement between your interior and exterior spaces and are configurable to open either inside or outside, depending on your needs.

Glass sliding doors, though prevalent for many years, also have taken on a more modern feel with today's new constructions. With options like frameless or minimalist frames, choosing a sliding patio entryway offers almost completely unblocked viewing. Maximum light influx means your home is bright, airy, and has that close-to-nature feeling you crave. Given the sliding nature of these, installing them minimizes the intrusion into your space, as one panel slides over top of the others. That makes them suitable for both large and small rooms and gives the same open feel of bifold doors without the extra bulk.

Less readily available in some areas but still great to consider are two fun alternatives: slide-and-stack and tilt-and-turn doors. More common in the United Kingdom and Europe, these entry options are beginning to spread to the U.S. The slide-and-stack glass door has similar benefits to bifolds, offering a large viewing area, but these have considerably less intrusion on your space by stacking slim panels tightly off to one side, freeing up your walking areas inside and out. You have the option, too, of staggering the panels of glass at intervals with space in between to allow air to flow freely into your home. And, per Glass Expanse, these also have "no complicated install hoops to jump through."

Similar to bifold glass doors, tilt-and-slides offer broad outdoor views. They have a unique advantage, though — the tilt. The hardware allows you to either slide open the door as you would a traditional slider or switch positions to tilt the doorway open from the top. This lets you have excellent ventilation through your space while still giving you security and ensuring your fluffy friends don't run out a fully open door. It's the best of both worlds.

These alternatives to bifolds for your patio can fit well within your home and offer nearly unobstructed views, multiple configuration choices, and ease of operation. With so many stylish patio doors that can suit your home, you're sure to find one to love.