How to Choose the Perfect Patio Doors: Sliding, Bi-Fold or Hinged?

In Australia, patio doors are not just a “door”.
They’re how you live. Alfresco dinners. Backyard BBQs. Big weekend catch-ups.

The right patio door should feel easy every day.
It should also handle wind, rain, dust, and heat.

As a leading windows and doors manufacturer,This guide breaks down the three most common options: sliding patio doors, bi-fold patio doors, and hinged (swing) patio doors.

1) Sliding patio doors: the space-saving favourite

Sliding doors are popular because they don’t need swing clearance.
They glide along a track. That’s it. Simple and tidy.

Best for

• Tight patios and walkways
• Bedrooms and living rooms where furniture sits near the opening
• Projects that need a clean, modern look

What to check before you buy

Rollers and track quality matter more than most people think. If the rollers are weak, the door will feel heavy and fail early. Jolong recommends asking for cycle and load testing, because we test our commercial rollers to 100,000 cycles, with up to 200kg weight bearing capacity and 800kg ultimate loads tested by Azuma in Australia. 2

Jolong options to consider

• 124 Series Thermal Break Lift & Sliding Door for a premium “glide” feel and tighter sealing when closed. It uses PA66 thermal break strips, EPDM sealing strips, and argon-filled double glazing options. 3
• 132 Series Thermal Break Lateral Compression Sliding Door if you want extra airtightness. The panel moves away from the frame when opening, then compresses seals when closing. 4
• Corner Stacker Door (100/150/200 Series) if you want “no corner post” and maximum alfresco opening. 5

2) Bi-fold patio doors: maximum opening, maximum “wow”

Bi-fold doors fold and stack to one or both sides.
They create the widest clear opening.

Best for

• Entertaining areas and open-plan living
• Big wall openings where you want the “glass wall disappears” effect
• Projects where airflow matters

What to check before you buy

• Panel configuration (2, 3, 4, 6+ panels)
• Hardware and hinges (smooth movement, stable folding)
• Safety details like anti-pinch design

Jolong option to consider

80 Series Bi-fold Door (including Corner Bi-fold Door). It uses a PA66 thermal break, argon-filled double-glazed units, stainless-steel track, concealed hinges, and anti-pinch design. 6

3) Hinged (swing) patio doors: classic look and direct access

Hinged patio doors swing open like a standard door.
They feel familiar. They suit many home styles.

Best for

• Standard-sized openings
• Homes that want a traditional entry feel
• Sites where a track is not ideal

What to check before you buy

• Do you have enough swing clearance inside or outside?
• Do you need single or double doors?
• Do you want better insulation (thermal break + glazing choices)?

Jolong supplies hinged door options as part of our wider door range in Australia. 7

Quick decision guide (simple and practical)

Why choose Jolong Australia?

When you choose a patio door, you’re also choosing the team behind it.

Jolong Australia is a member of WERS and AGWA. We supply a wide range of aluminium doors for Australian projects. 7

We back our products with clear warranty terms, including 7 years for aluminium frame, glass attachment, and surface paint (with conditions). 9

And on the manufacturing side, Jolong has a 60,000 sqm facility with European CNC machinery and an annual output capacity stated at 300,000 sqm of aluminium windows and doors.

Ready to choose the right patio door?

If you’re deciding between sliding, bi-fold, or hinged patio doors, we can help you match the right system to your opening size, wind exposure, and design goal.

Request a quote, or visit a Jolong showroom location listed on our site. 7