04 / 07 / 2025
As outdoor living continues to drive home upgrades, demand for aluminium bifold and sliding patio doors is climbing, especially in the summer months. With longer days, warmer weather and more homeowners opening up their living spaces, now’s the time to match them with the right product for their layout, lifestyle, and expectations.
Industry data from the WindowBASE & Tommy Trinder Window and Door Industry Insights 2024 report shows that bifolds are still leading the way, accounting for 52% of the market. However, sliding doors are close behind at 48% and closing the gap. That means both options are in high demand, and being able to confidently compare and recommend them gives you a competitive edge. Both styles have their strengths. The key is understanding how they compare, and what’s going to work best for each customer.
The case for aluminium bifold doors
If maximum opening space is the priority, aluminium bifold doors lead the way. With multiple panels folding to one or both sides, they create a wide, uninterrupted opening that’s ideal for entertaining spaces, terraces and garden-facing rooms – especially during summer.
The Framexpress aluminium bifold door system offers:
• 2 to 9 panel configurations
• Max panel width: 1300mm
• Max panel weight: 125kg
• 122mm slim sightlines
• U-values as low as 1.4 W/m²K
• PAS 24 security compliance
• Weather tested to BS 6375 Part 1
Flexible configurations (including traffic door options) make it easy to tailor to the property layout. Slim aluminium profiles give that clean, contemporary finish customers expect, and lead times from just 2–3 weeks help you capitalise on summer project demand.
It’s worth factoring in stacking space requirements, and the increased number of hinges and components means occasional maintenance may be needed over time. Bifolds typically sit at a higher price point, but the trade-off is in the wow-factor they bring, perfect for those big seasonal upgrades.
The appeal of aluminium sliding doors
Aluminium sliding patio doors are ideal where space is limited or layout makes bifold stacking impractical. With panels that glide smoothly along the track, they offer a space-saving, modern alternative and a great option when timelines are tight.
Framexpress aluminium patio doors feature:
• 2 to 9 panel configurations
• Max panel width: 1300mm
• Max panel weight: 125kg
• 122mm slim sightlines
• U-values as low as 1.4 W/m²K
• PAS 24 security compliance
• Weather tested to BS 6375 Part 1
Sliding doors are also ideal for fast summer installs. Fewer components and simpler mechanisms mean quicker fitting and less disruption, perfect when clients want work done before hosting a BBQ or garden party.
The trade-off is that the opening is usually limited to half the width of the aperture (unless using triple track), and while they’re sleek, they don’t offer quite the same open-wall effect. Track cleaning is also important to maintain smooth operation through the seasons.
Helping customers choose
Recommending the right product comes down to knowing what matters most to your customer.
If it’s a wide, open-plan layout with a focus on entertaining or connection to the outdoors, bifolds make a big statement and provide full access. If the space is more compact, or if budget or simplicity is a factor, sliding doors are often the more practical, efficient choice.
The choice between aluminium bifold doors and sliding doors will often come down to lifestyle, property layout and budget considerations. Whether it’s for hosting summer events, maximising natural light into a north-facing kitchen, or simply making the most of garden views while the weather’s good, understanding how each door functions helps you to steer your customer to the right product.
Both styles offer excellent thermal performance when specified correctly, and our CLUB of Framexpress bifold and sliding doors come with a wide range of powder-coated finishes, including matte, gloss, and bespoke colours to suit any style.
Practical tips for installers
✓ Assess the opening properly: bifold panels can go up to 1300mm wide, but you’ll need to allow for stacking space
✓ Check structural and access constraints: for traffic doors, triple-track layouts, or corner returns
✓ Discuss lifestyle with your client: do they want full garden access for summer, or just a simple daily-use opening?
✓ Highlight long-term care: bifolds may need more ongoing maintenance; sliding doors need clean tracks
✓ Use customisation as a close: offer inline handles, high-security locking, and bespoke finishes to help the customer visualise their ideal setup
Our Framexpress bifold and sliding systems integrate with our wider aluminium and uPVC ranges, helping streamline your ordering process. And when you choose Framexpress, you’re backed by our On Time, In Full delivery promise, with every product manufactured in the UK by our expert team. That means reliable lead times, consistent quality, and the confidence that your order will arrive exactly when you need it.
So, whether you’re quoting for a summer-ready garden room or replacing tired patio doors ahead of the next heatwave, having the right advice and the right product puts you ahead. Call us today on 01952 581100to speak to the team about your next project.