Is a French door better than a sliding glass door for a balcony?

While you remain inside, your balcony provides a perfect place to unwind, relax, and enjoy the scenery while continuing to enjoy the indoors. Choosing the right balcony door is critical since it connects your balcony to your living space indoors.

In urban areas in particular, people are less likely to have access to private gardens, and so a balcony is their only access to outdoor space and fresh air.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current setup or starting from scratch with a new balcony, selecting the appropriate doors is crucial for functionality, aesthetics, and practicality. In this comprehensive guide, we explore three popular options—French doors, sliding doors, and bi-folding doors—and help you navigate through their features, benefits, and ideal use cases.

Choosing the Right Doors for Your Balcony

When deciding on the best doors for your balcony, consider these key factors:

• Space: Evaluate the available space on your balcony and indoors to determine which door type—French, sliding, or bi-folding—best suits your layout.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Choose a door design that complements the architectural style of your home and enhances its overall appearance.
• Functionality: Consider how you intend to use your balcony and select doors that facilitate easy access, ventilation, and natural light.
• Material and Durability: Opt for materials that offer durability, weather resistance, and energy efficiency based on your local climate and maintenance preferences.
• Budget: Set a budget that aligns with your expectations for quality and design, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

3 Best Doors For Balcony Designs

When it comes to enhancing your balcony space, choosing the right types of patio doors can make a significant difference. Here are our recommendations for choosing the perfect door for your balcony:

Definition and Features of French Doors

One of the most popular types of doors in the world, a french door is also known as a swinging patio door. There is something beautiful about french balcony doors, known for their unique sense of elegance.

French doors are renowned for their classic appeal and ability to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Typically consisting of two doors that open outwards or inwards, these doors provide a wide, unobstructed view and ample natural light. Made from various materials including UPVC, aluminium, and wood, French doors offer versatility to match different architectural styles and personal preferences.

One of the standout features of French doors is their ability to create a charming Juliet balcony effect, especially suitable for upper floors where space is limited but a touch of outdoor connection is desired. The design allows for easy access to fresh air and natural light, making them an excellent choice for modern homes looking to maximise their living space and enhance the overall ambiance.

French doors are known for the following reasons:

A french door also swings open, just like a traditional swinging door. Depending on how the door is attached to the frame, they have multiple door panels that open inward or outward. In other words, you have two options if you want to install a french door. You can, for example, choose a french door that opens outward if the bedroom is smaller.

Glass is the predominant material used in French doors. It offers a tremendous amount of light to your rooms and home as a result. Those who like well-lit houses should consider this option, as it is highly suitable for houses without much natural light.

Definition & Features of Sliding Doors

In the door industry, sliding doors have earned praises and admiration from new-age households and business houses alike. They offer unmatched beauty like no other door type, making them an appealing choice for any home.

Sliding doors are celebrated for their space-saving design and smooth operation. Ideal for balconies where space might be a concern, these doors slide horizontally rather than swinging open, conserving valuable floor space both indoors and outdoors. Available in materials such as aluminium and glass, sliding doors offer a contemporary aesthetic while ensuring durability and energy efficiency with options for double glazing.

These doors are perfect for those looking to create a seamless transition between their indoor and outdoor living areas. The expansive glass panels of sliding doors allow for unobstructed views and flood interiors with natural light, promoting a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the day. Their effortless glide mechanism and minimalist profile make them a practical choice for modern homes seeking both style and functionality.

Sliding doors come with the following advantages:

Sliding next to the wall enables a door to be opened horizontally. A track can mount them from underneath or a track can suspend them from above. In some cases, you can even find sliding doors that fade into the wall after they have been opened.

Slider doors come in three types: top-hung, bottom-hung, and lift-and-slide.

A top-hung sliding door is one that is supported by 2 trolly hangers at the top, making it easy to move.

The bottom rolling door is mounted by two rollers on a track that runs along the bottom.

Lift-and-slide doors are those that require lifting from the frame to open and close them.

By sliding sideways, these doors are very space-efficient. Consequently, if you have a modest-sized apartment, the sliding doors might make it appear bigger than it really is.

Bi-Folding Doors: Versatile and Stylish

Bi-folding doors are prized for their ability to completely open up an entire wall, transforming your balcony into an expansive living space. Composed of multiple panels that fold and stack neatly to the side, these doors offer unparalleled flexibility in how you utilise your indoor and outdoor areas. Typically crafted from materials like aluminium for strength and weather resistance, bi-folding doors are designed to withstand the elements while providing thermal efficiency.

The versatility of bi-folding doors makes them a standout choice for homeowners looking to create a dramatic impact with their balcony design. Whether you have a small balcony or a large terrace, these doors can be customised to fit various openings, offering easy access and enhancing the overall visual appeal of your home. Their ability to open wide allows for maximum ventilation and a seamless flow between spaces, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a breath of fresh air.

Which door is best for your balcony: French doors, sliding doors or bifold doors?

Choosing the best door for your balcony ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the layout of your home. Let’s recap the key considerations for each type of door to help you make an informed decision:

French Doors:

• Benefits: Timeless elegance, wide unobstructed views, ample natural light.
• Ideal For: Adding a touch of charm and sophistication, creating a Juliet balcony effect, enhancing indoor-outdoor connectivity.
• Considerations: Requires space to swing open, may not be suitable for small balconies.

Sliding Doors:

• Benefits: Space-saving design, sleek and modern aesthetics, smooth operation.
• Ideal For: Balconies where space is limited, creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.
• Considerations: Limited ventilation compared to fully open doors.

Bi-Folding Doors:

• Benefits: Maximum flexibility, completely open up a wall, dramatic visual impact.
• Ideal For: Large balconies or terraces, creating a wide-open space, versatile use.
• Considerations: Higher initial cost, more complex installation.

Read More: How To Install Patio Doors in 8 Steps

Looking for Contemporary External Door Options?

Selecting the new balcony door involves careful consideration of various factors including space, design preferences, functionality, and budget. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of French doors, the sleek functionality of sliding doors, or the versatile style of bi-folding doors, each option offers unique benefits that can enhance your living experience and add value to your home.

At DoorsDirect2U, we understand the importance of choosing the perfect balcony doors that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Explore our range of balcony doors including French doors, sliding doors, and bi-folding doors crafted from quality materials to elevate your home’s style and functionality.

We have over 40 years of experience providing internal door and external door solutions to suit all budgets and specifications. You can purchase with confidence safe in the knowledge all products are backed with a manufacturer’s guarantee.

Shop all Patio Doors and French Doors or contact us for expert advice!

Best Doors for Balcony FAQs