External house doors: which to choose?

When it comes to choosing house doors that allow you to open your home up to the great outdoors, there's a lot to consider.

What are my options?

The most popular types of external door that can be opened up to the outside are: bi-fold doors, which fold in flat against themselves; stacker doors, which slide open so two panels open on to one fixed panel; and French doors, which open from the middle and are hinged.

What should I think about when selecting a door?

The right balance between lifestyle and practicality is the key. If you entertain a lot, then bi-folds work well. But with children and pets you may want to consider something more solid, such as a stacker door. French doors can look great but will require more space around them.

What about the door frames?

Door frames are usually made from aluminium or timber. The lighter aluminium frames let in more light and are better suited to modern homes. Timber frames can be painted or stained should you want to change their colour.

What about security?

Aluminium sliding doors are the most secure and, when fitted with a deadlock, tend to be stronger than the others. As French doors pull from the centre and both doors can be opened, you'll need a lock that holds them firmly in place.

Do prices vary much between types of door?

Prices can vary quite a bit. The style of door you choose, whether it has an aluminium or timber frame, what sort of lock and the type of glass will all affect price. For example, a bi-fold is cheaper with a timber frame, whereas a sliding door is cheaper with an aluminium frame.

Is it easy to hang your own doors?

You'd be smart to leave this to an expert. Unless you're experienced, getting the measurements right to ensure everything is level and square can be tricky. Doors that are hung, such as bi-folds, may also require extra support in the beam.

See ranges and prices for house doors by heading to a store near you: