Bi-fold doors, or those with several panels that open like an accordion, can be a good choice for both inside the home and for the space attached to a patio or deck. The bi-fold design allows you to open a wall completely, for easier foot traffic through a space, and for when you want an unobstructed view between spaces. When you're ready to choose bi-fold doors for an outside area, note a few important tips to consider. This will ensure you're happy with those doors for years to come.

Size of door panels

You need to consider how much clearance is needed around the doorway, as bi-fold doors will jut out from the space when fully open. For an exterior patio, note if the doors would actually cut off a driveway or walkway. The smaller the door panels, the less clearance they'll need, so take measurements of the space around the doorframe. You may have initially wanted fewer but larger door panels for a cleaner look, but these could interfere with the flow of traffic around that space, as well as furniture pieces on the patio or deck, so opt for smaller panels that are more compact if needed.

Material

Aluminium is very durable, but it may not provide much sound insulation, so you may notice more noise coming through those doors when you're sitting inside. Aluminium may also conduct heat and cold, rather than insulating the space. Aluminium is also difficult to paint, so you would need to have the doors powder coated by a professional if you decide to change their colour.

Timber bifold doors, on the other hand, absorbs sound, so it may make the interior of your home quieter. You can also paint or stain wood on your own, allowing you to change the colour over the years. Timber that has been treated chemically can also be impervious to moisture and other damage. Wood is also good for the environment, as it "breathes" and helps to clean the air around it, even after it's  been cut and fabricated for doors.

Glass

Bifold doors usually have much larger glass panels than other doors, so it can be worth the investment to choose safety glass. This will reduce the risk of chips, cracks, and other damage. If you're worried about privacy in the home, opt for frosted glass; this will allow sunlight to pass through but cut off much of the view from the outside. Tinted glass can also cut off sunlight and UV rays, to keep the interior of the home cooler during summer months.

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