Comparing Sliding, Bi-Fold, French, and OMNIA Doors for Style, Light & Living
Choosing a Patio Door Is More Than Just an Open and Shut Decision
When you’re upgrading your home or planning a renovation, few decisions are as satisfying—and as impactful—as choosing the right patio door. These doors aren’t just a functional connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. They affect how light enters your home, how rooms flow, and even how you entertain or relax.
At Fairco, we offer a complete range of premium-quality patio doors, designed not only to complement your home’s architecture, but to perform beautifully for years to come. Whether you prefer classic French doors, sleek sliding doors, space-saving bi-folds, or want a system that ties into your existing OMNIA windows, there’s a perfect patio solution for you.
All our patio doors come in high-performance uPVC or sleek aluminium finishes, with A-rated thermal performance, top-tier security, and designs that blend effortlessly into any home style.
Let’s take a closer look at your options—so you can choose the right one for how you live.
Understanding Patio Doors: What to Look For
When choosing a patio door, think beyond the glass. You’re also choosing:
- How your indoor and outdoor spaces connect
- How much light flows into your living space
- What type of operation works for your lifestyle (glide, swing, fold)
- Which materials and finishes complement the rest of your windows and doors
You’ll also want to consider:
- Security: multi-point locks, internal glazing, durable materials
- Energy efficiency: A-rated glazing, weather-sealed frames
- Ease of use: effortless operation and low-maintenance design
At Fairco, every door—regardless of style—is built to the same high standards: robust construction, PAS 24-certified hardware, and long-lasting beauty.
French Doors: Classic Charm & Timeless Design
Best for: Traditional homes, symmetrical designs, formal gardens
French doors are the epitome of elegance. They offer a double-door opening with doors that swing outward or inward, providing a beautifully framed view and excellent ventilation.
Perfect for period-style or redbrick homes, French doors are a natural fit for properties where maintaining a traditional architectural style is key. They’re also a favourite in smaller homes or extensions where bi-folding doors might not suit the space.
With Fairco’s French doors, you get:
- Slim sightlines to maximise light
- Optional Georgian bar or heritage detailing
- High-security multi-point locks and Yale hardware
- Available in uPVC or aluminium, and colour-matched to existing windows—including the OMNIA range
View our full French door selection here.
Sliding Patio Doors: Light, Views & Space Efficiency
Best for: Modern homes, tight spaces, uninterrupted views
Sliding patio doors are all about maximising light and space. With one or more large panels that glide horizontally, they allow for wide openings without encroaching on your floor space.
They’re ideal for open-plan kitchens, garden rooms, or rear extensions where you want to preserve the view, let in light, and maintain a clean, contemporary finish.
Fairco sliding doors offer:
- Ultra-slim aluminium or uPVC frames
- Smooth glide operation and minimal maintenance
- A++ energy-rated glazing for year-round comfort
- Multiple panel configurations, perfect for large openings
They pair beautifully with minimalist interiors and work seamlessly with OMNIA’s slimline window styling.
View our full sliding door selection here.
Bi-Fold Doors: The Ultimate Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Best for: Entertaining spaces, open-plan living, large garden access
Bi-fold doors bring a wow factor. Designed to fold and stack neatly to one or both sides, they open up your wall almost entirely—blurring the line between indoors and out.
Whether you’re hosting summer garden parties or simply want to enjoy unbroken views, bi-folding doors offer unmatched flexibility and drama.
Fairco bi-folds feature:
- Strong, lightweight aluminium frames
- Double or triple glazing for efficiency and noise reduction
- Weather-sealed tracks to guard against the elements
- Colour options to match the rest of your windows and doors
They’re particularly striking when paired with large kitchen-living extensions, and can even be specified to match your OMNIA windows for a unified look.
View our full bi-folding range here.
OMNIA by Fairco: Flush Style, Perfect Match
Best for: Cohesive design across all windows and doors
If you’ve already upgraded your home with OMNIA by Fairco, or you’re starting fresh with a full home improvement project, choosing OMNIA French or residential doors ensures everything ties together in one seamless design.
OMNIA doors feature:
- A flush sash appearance inside and out
- A wide selection of colours and textured finishes, including Feinstruktur foils
- A U-value as low as 0.79, exceeding 2025 energy efficiency standards
- Full compatibility with casement, tilt & turn, and sash windows from the same range
They’re perfect for homeowners who want style, performance, and consistency—all from one trusted system.
View our OMNIA doors here.
Still Not Sure? We Can Help.
Choosing the right patio door can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At Fairco, our expert team will guide you through the options, materials, glazing, and layouts that best suit your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
And no matter which patio door you choose, you can be confident it’s built with:
- Unmatched quality materials
- Advanced security features
- Energy-saving performance
- And the craftsmanship Fairco is known for
Contact us today to book a free design consultation or visit our Santry or Deansgrange showrooms to see our patio doors in person.
Learn more about our doors, windows, or explore the OMNIA range for total home transformation.
