Bifold doors or French windows? Any advice?

[Growingboys]

We need to replace the French windows at the back of our house - the timber has swollen and warped and the wind whistles through.

Do I go for bifold doors or French windows? Cost is my number one factor. I don't want UPVC.

Also any tips on what to go for? I think I need to be able to open it in the middle as we have furniture left and right. Will that be a problem?

Any tips or recommendations very much appreciated.

[fastliving]

If price is your number one consideration then:

1. Measure up the space
   
2. start googling suppliers to get prices
   
   I don't think we can say which is cheaper without doing the above, so it probably makes sense for you to do that?

[Growingboys]

Well yes, @fastliving I had actually thought of that.

[Annasgirl]

I don't think you can replace French doors with Bifolds as a like for like swap. If your kitchen / living room was designed around French windows then you are probably better going for a replacement. Bifold only work where you have inside / outside connection with similar flooring so you can open up into a "room", they also only work where the layout of the kitchen means there is a large free area around the bifolds.

So if you have a traditional garden and an old fashioned paved patio I think bifolds will look wrong. However, if you already have a modern, polished concrete indoor and outdoor connection then the bifolds will work.

[Growingboys]

Really interesting @Annasgirl - I think you're right. Thanks v much.

[ZoeandChandon]

I have bifold and a step down to a traditional patio, they look fine and work fine. I think it’s more to do with the style of the house, which look better.
When I was getting quotes, patio doors that opened up from the middle we’re twice the price of bifolds.

[Growingboys]

Thanks @ZoeandChandon I need to open in the middle I have decided, so fear I shall end up paying more for French windows. Will see what they quote me. Interesting re big olds working even with a drop.

Thanks

[Bouledeneige]

I thought that bifolds are a bit out of fashion now and people are going for black Crittal style windows - they manage to work with older style architecture as well as bare brick/modern. They may be expensive though. If they are not the right style I'd go French windows if they are more in keeping with the style of the house.

[RestorationInsanity]

If your existing opening is of a standard size, we just bought some French doors, double glazed and ready for painting or staining, from Door Deals. Good price, and lots of styles to choose from. We paid 700 for the doors, with glazing, and the hardwood frame. Cost doesn't include fitting but as we're having them fitted as part of a massive project, the fitting was already included in that.

[RestorationInsanity]

www.doordeals.co.uk/products/external-doors/french-doors-and-folding/external-door-pairs.aspx

There's the link. Doors have already arrived, about 10 days after ordering a look really nice. We went for the Chiswick pair as they complement an existing door that will be on the same wall.

[Growingboys]

Thanks all - v much appreciated. Will look at that link too, thank you!

[Cottipus]

We have just had a new kitchen fitted in a reception room and knocked a hole in an external wall to accommodate new french doors, with steps to the garden.

We considered bifolds but felt that french doors were more sympathetic in a Victorian house. We opted for 6ft wide wooden french doors and we’re very happy with them.

Some of the wider doors had sidelights which might suit your needs of opening in the middle.

[beanaseireann]

Would sliding doors work ? Growingboys
I have them and it means the doors can be opened a liitle or a lot.
Personally I don't like the Crittal style of windows and doors. I don't like the lines across the windows and doors. They are very intrusive/busy iykwim.