Bi-Fold Shower Doors: Pros and Cons

Are you considering Bi-Fold shower doors for your bathroom? You’re not alone. Bi-Fold shower doors are one of the most popular types of shower doors in the UK, especially among homeowners who are looking to maximise space and style in their bathrooms.

To help you make the right choice, in this article, we’re going to go over:

• The pros and cons of Bi-Fold shower doors
• How Bi-Fold shower doors compare to other types of shower doors
• Ideal scenarios where Bi-Fold shower doors are most appropriate

But before we do any of the above, let’s first take a look at what Bi-Fold shower doors are all about.

What Are Bi-Fold Shower Doors?

A Bi-Fold shower door is a type of shower door that folds in half, allowing you to easily open and close your shower without taking up additional space. They’re especially popular among homeowners with bathrooms where space is limited and having a sliding or traditional hinged door would take up too much room.

Pros of Bi-Fold Shower Doors

Bi-Fold shower doors are popular for a reason. Some of the pros that they offer include:

Space-Saving Design

One of the biggest advantages of Bi-Fold doors is their space-saving design. Rather than open fully and take up additional space outside of the shower (as is the case with a traditional hinged door), Bi-Fold doors open in the middle and fold inwards to one side of the shower. This makes them ideal for bathrooms where space is limited.

Easy to Use

Bi-Fold doors are very easy to open and close. All you need to do is pull on the handle, and the door folds smoothly inwards, creating a wide opening for you to enter or exit the shower.

Aesthetic Appeal

Although Bi-Fold shower doors can vary in terms of design, most options on the market are very aesthetically pleasing and can help you enhance the overall look of your bathroom.

Better Accessibility

As shower doors open inward, they can provide easier access to the shower area, especially if the space is quite tight or the person using the shower has mobility issues.

Cons of Bi-Fold Shower Doors

As is the case with all types of shower doors, Bi-Fold shower doors also come with some disadvantages, including:

Limited Opening Width

Since Bi-Fold doors fold in half, they can restrict the width of the opening and make it harder to enter or exit the shower. This is especially true for larger shower spaces where the folding mechanism might not provide enough clearance, making it less convenient for multiple people or for people with mobility issues.

Maintenance and Cleaning

While Bi-Fold doors can be relatively easy to clean, the folding mechanism and tracks can accumulate a substantial amount of dirt and grime and require you to clean the doors more often. And if not properly maintained, these can become harder and harder to keep clean over time.

Durability Concerns

Since Bi-Fold doors rely on hinges and folding mechanisms, regular use can lead to significant wear and tear. If not properly maintained, the folding components can become more stiff, and even require you to repair or replace them.

Installation Complexity

Bi-Fold shower doors can be quite difficult to install as they require immense precision to ensure that they function properly. If not installed correctly, that can lead to issues with alignment or sealing, which would lead to a number of other problems that you wouldn’t want to deal with.

How Bi-Fold Shower Doors Compare to Other Types

If you’re split between going for a Bi-Fold shower and another type of shower door, here is how Bi-Fold shower doors compare to other options on the market:

Bi-Fold vs Sliding Shower Doors

Both Bi-Fold and sliding shower doors are a suitable choice for smaller bathrooms. With that being said, unlike Bi-Fold doors, sliding doors require a clear track space for the doors to move along, which might not necessarily be available.

On the flip side, sliding doors don’t rely on a folding mechanism, which can make them appear a lot more aesthetically pleasing and streamlined compared to Bi-Fold doors. Sliding doors also tend to offer a larger opening, making it easier to access the shower space. 

Bi-Fold vs Hinged Shower Doors

When you compare hinged shower doors with Bi-Folds shower doors, there is a big difference mainly in terms of functionality. Hinged shower doors typically open outwards and require a decent amount of space to function properly. This is unlike Bi-Fold shower doors, which open inwards and don’t take up any additional space.

Another difference is the installation process. Hinged doors often require a more complex installation because they need to be properly anchored and aligned within the shower frame. This can result in a longer installation time and potentially higher installation costs.

Best Situations for Installing Bi-Fold Shower Doors

There are certain scenarios where opting for Bi-Fold shower doors can be the smartest and most practical choice. Some such cases include:

Small or Narrow Bathrooms

Using traditional shower doors in small or narrow bathrooms is not only impractical but in cases, impossible. That’s where Bi-Fold shower doors come in very handy.

Modern Bathroom Designs

Many of the Bi-Fold shower doors that you’ll find on the Plumbworld website have been made to suit a variety of modern bathroom designs.

People with Limited Mobility

Accessing the shower with ease is crucial for people with mobility issues. And by opting for Bi-Fold shower doors, you can ensure that the shower remains easy to use and navigate while preventing any water from splashing outside and increasing the risk of water damage.

If you’re someone with mobility issues, we not only recommend Bi-Fold shower doors, but that you also find high quality 1200 x 900 shower trays and choose one that you like. They’ll give you more space inside the shower and make the whole experience more comfortable.

Final Thoughts / CTA

Bi-Fold shower doors can be incredibly convenient, especially in smaller bathrooms where space is limited. And hopefully, after reading this article, you now know whether a Bi-Fold shower door is the right choice for you or if you should keep looking.

If you’re yet to make a decision and need some more help, feel free to read our guide to choosing the right shower door. It’ll dive deeper into the different shower doors available and help you weigh all of your options.