Which is Better for Balconies in Singapore: Sliding or Folding Doors?
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Take a little trip through any HDB neighbourhood or apartment in Singapore and you will see that there is something the same about all of them: balconies have the attitude of being the most valuable part of the house. They are the places from which people take a sip of their kopi in the morning, hang the laundry, or practice a little urban gardening. But there is a problem with balconies—they have to endure the rain and wind. So when it comes to protecting that space, the big question is always popping up: sliding doors or folding doors?
Sliding Doors – The Sleek, Space-Friendly Classic
Sliding doors are similar to quiet achievers. They neither open from the outside nor from the inside, instead, they just slide. Hence, you don’t have to be concerned with the door opening and taking up your space. That is really a blessing in a small flat where every square foot of space counts.
Another good point? Sliding glass doors let natural light charge in at full blast. Your balcony then is nothing but a part of your living room as far as the view goes. Just picturing being able to watch the rain without having the rain falling on you is nearly poetic, isn’t it? However, sliding doors are not flawless. If you are the one who likes your balcony to be completely open and without any frames blocking the view, then sliding doors will simply not satisfy you. Since usually, just one panel at a time is open, you are never getting an absolutely open space.
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Folding Doors – The Big Reveal
On the other hand, folding doors are show-offs, in the best sense. They do not just open wide, they open really wide. Fold the panels back and before you know it, your living room and balcony become one big airy space. Is the condo party of BBQ you? Then the balcony is turned into a natural extension of the party by folding doors.
Speaking of design, folding doors also consist of multiple panels that can be customised to fit wider openings. They are great if you want the possibility to adapt: for instance, close them all for privacy, open some for ventilation, or remove all for that full, open-air feel. On the other hand, folding doors are bulkier and when the doors are stacked, more space is required to be able to open them.
How About Weather and Noise?
Singapore weather can be unpredictable. From sudden and short thunderstorms to hot and long humidity, the doors you choose must be durable. For rain-exposed balconies, sliding doors are usually preferred as they are more tightly sealed, while extra attention to the proper installation of folding doors is necessary to avoid water seeping. The quality of the frame, rubber gaskets, and workmanship are important.
Which Suits You More?
Depending on how you want to use your balcony.
Choose Our Sliding Doors if:1. You have limited space inside your balcony
2. You want a fuss-free, minimalist look
3. You prefer low-maintenance designs
You can see our durable sliding doors in our sliding doors page.
Choose Our Folding Doors if:
1. You want the wide open concept of the balcony
2. You like having the flexibility of using the balcony for entertaining guests
3. You don’t mind giving them a little extra care
If you want the door to have slim frame with wider view, we will recommend our slim folding doors.
If the door will be frequently used or high usage, you can consider our heavy duty folding doors.
Final Thoughts
Balconies are a ‘little escape’. They are the small piece of sky that every Singaporean homeowner loves. No matter if you choose the stylish sliding doors or the eye-catching folding doors, the main thing is to select the one that matches your lifestyle and, of course, ensure that it is installed by a professional.
Moreover, here’s another idea: sometimes the easiest method to figure out the best option is just to be in your living room, look at the balcony, and think how you would use that area. Morning coffee, kids playing, weekend parties… your door should be there as a part of that scene.
So, sliding or folding? The decision is not only about doors but also about your lifestyle.