Sliding glass doors are a common sight inside Australian homes, particularly as the joining piece between indoors and the back deck or garden. While plain glass is great for views, it doesn’t offer much in the way of decoration or privacy–which is where plantation shutters come in.
Known for their breezy Cali looks, plantation shutters are also highly functional and easy to operate, allowing you to block out or let in as much light as you need. But if you want to install them over sliding glass doors, rather than a window, you’ll have some decisions to make regarding how they open.
This blog will delve into the sliding versus bi-fold shutter debate and how you can choose the best style to have over your sliding doors.
When you picture plantation shutters in Melbourne, they’re probably on a window and being opened from the middle outwards when in use–which is fine when they’re above ground, but less simple when they’re covering an entire sliding door.
When used over doors, you’ll want shutters that can be pushed to the side (or sides) to give you plenty of room to enter and exit, all while keeping the shutters out of the way of nearby people and pets. Whether you choose bi-fold or sliding shutters can depend on a variety of factors, which we’ll discuss further on in the blog.
Sliding shutters on a sliding door–what could be simpler? Just like the glass version, sliding window shutters (sometimes called bypass shutters) operate on a track and split into sections, passing each other in a parallel fashion until they are ‘stacked’ vertically next to each other.
Sliding plantation shutters over doors will usually consist of three or more panels (unlike the two you’d see over a window), all of which are on their own track and can be operated independently. This means you can slide them partially closed, or fully, either way. Combined with the ability to tilt the louvres, and you’ll have an amazing amount of control over light and privacy levels in your home.
When using the glass door underneath to move in and out of your home, it’s best to open your shutters entirely (meaning sliding them fully over to one side of their tracks) so you can enter or exit without brushing the louvre as you pass. This will prevent any chance of the panels being accidentally damaged.
This style of shutter also features multiple panels, but aside from the fact that they are also plantation shutters, this is where their similarities end.
Every pair of panels in bi-fold plantation shutters is connected by hinges, and all run on the same, single track. The tip corner of each panel is connected to this track, but the middle is left free, allowing the panels to ‘collapse’ inwards when they are opened, much like an accordion or fan.
When fully closed, the panels will all be stacked against each other. You can even have two sets of panels that close on either side of your sliding door, leaving a central opening for you to walk through. Of course, this may not be possible when you only have a smaller sliding door.
While the purpose of this blog is to detail sliding and bi-fold shutters, don’t forget you also have the classic ‘hinged’ option as well! These swing open and shut on hinges like a classic front door, and while they aren’t our first pick for use on sliding doors, they are certainly a viable choice if you like their look.
Do you love the elegance of bi-fold shutters, or will you go for the sleek, clean look of sliding shutters? No matter which you decide on, during installation, the panels will be placed onto the track above the sliding door opening. This allows the plantation shutters to open and close smoothly. For extra stability and functionality, you can also install them onto a bottom track.
If you aren’t sure what type to go with, here are some points to help you decide.
Because sliding shutters fold up parallel to the sliding door, you’ll find they seem much less intrusive when not in use, compared to bi-fold shutters, which stick out perpendicular to the wall when folded away.
If you don’t have a lot of space around your sliding door, or are simply concerned about the shutters being knocked about when folded away, then you’ll find sliding shutters are the smart choice for your home.
The same perpendicular folding style of bi-fold shutters that makes them take up a little more space in your home also means you get the best views through them. By stacking up at a right angle to your sliding door, you have plenty of space to see outdoors, and you’ll also have the most room to use the doorway itself.
In comparison, sliding shutters will always block one panel's worth of view, as they’ll always be stacked on the edge of your doorway. So, if clear views and easy door usage are important to you, then bi-fold shutters are your best bet!
Does the thought of little fingers getting caught in the corners of a bi-fold shutter make you shiver? Then it’s probably best to stick with sliding plantation shutters for your home. The multiple folding hinges of bi-fold shutters can wreak havoc on fingers and clothes, and may get hair and dirt trapped in them if you aren’t careful.
As they all move on their own track, you won’t have to worry about anything (or anyone) getting pinched between the panels of sliding shutters.
How will you choose the right shutters to cover your glass sliding door? Here are the final points you need to consider:
No matter which variation you end up choosing, make sure to engage with professional installers, like those from Alfresco Blinds, to correctly install the tracks and shutters themselves. This will ensure that they operate smoothly and are fitted to offer you the maximum amount of privacy when closed, and views when opened.
Source: Alfresco Blinds Plantation Shutters Melbourne
Whether you love the elegance of bi-fold shutters or the sleek minimalism of sliding shutters, Alfresco Blinds has a high-quality supply of door and window shutters ready to install in your home. Our plantation shutters are custom-made to your specifications, with material choices including basswood, Ultra20, poplar and PVC all on offer. 15 paint colours are available, including black and white shades, or choose from 17 stains for a more natural look.
To find out more or to order your plantation shutters in Melbourne, get in touch using our online form (we’ll give you a free quote, too!) or call us on 1300 735 077 to speak with a member of our team.
If you’d like to see our window shutters in person, you can also visit our store, located in Epping, during regular business hours. We would be happy to show you our range of shutters and answer any questions you may have!
