As you plan your home remodel and patio door replacement, you might be thinking about your design options. If you currently have a French door or sliding door but want a new, more modern design, there are other patio door styles to consider. You can choose a large patio door system to open your space to the outdoors and create an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. French door alternatives include Bi-Fold and Multi-Slide doors. Below is a breakdown of each patio door style which will help you pick the best door for your home.

Bi-Fold Patio Doors

Bi-Fold patio doors are a unique alternative to a standard French door system. They can create a wide-open space in your home and let in plenty of fresh air and natural light. Bi-Folds are easy to operate, and fold and slide smoothly to one or both sides of your opening. They are both secure and energy efficient, with excellent NFRC ratings to meet California energy requirements.

A standard 3-panel Bi-Fold is about 9-10 feet in width, so additional planning may be required to create the rough opening for your door system. Though a 3-panel system is most common, Bi-Folds are available as large as 16 panels. Bi-Folds are top hung to ensure smooth and easy operation, which means all the weight is placed on the header—for this reason, you may need to engineer and reinforce the header to meet building regulations.

Bi-Fold patio doors are 100% customizable. You choose your system size, number of panels, configuration, stile width, exterior clad color, wood species, interior paint or stain color, hardware style and finish, divided light configuration, and more! With unlimited design options, your bi-fold door will be unique to your home and match your design needs. To talk to a Bi-Fold door expert about your project, fill out this form or call 805-644-4494.

Multi-Slide Patio Doors

Multi-Slide patio doors are another great alternative to French doors. With a Multi-Slide, door panels slide open effortlessly and leave an open space behind. One advantage of choosing Multi-Slides over Bi-Folds is that Multi-Slide doors can be pocketed into the wall, making doors completely disappear. Multi-Slides are also energy efficient and California Title 24 compliant.

Like Bi-Folds, a standard 3-panel Multi-Slide needs about a 9 to 10-foot-wide opening. If you are planning to choose a pocketing Multi-Slide system, you will need to be sure your wall is wide enough to accommodate door panels inside. Multi-Slides offer a classic design element to your space and have narrower sightlines than Bi-Folds. Multi-Slides have bottom rollers, so they require less support from the header, which is why they might be a better option for your project. Whether you’re designing a traditional, contemporary, or farmhouse style space, the limitless design options will ensure your Multi-Slide complements your home. Talk to a Multi-Slide expert.

Whichever patio door system you choose to replace your French doors, they are guaranteed to enhance your space and fulfill your outdoor living dreams. You will expand your views and maximize your entertainment space, improving your quality of life. To find patio door inspiration, visit our photo gallery or case study pages.