Bifold configuration help...

[trenyboy]

Hi,

I am currently in the design stage of my extenstion/renovation project and the last thing I need to finalise before I can move forward is what to do about doors and windows at the back of the extension. I do like bifolds, but I am debating over the configuration and placement of them.

Anyway, I've attached the rear of the proposed floor plan to give you more of an idea of what my concerns are:

Attachment 42291

1. Are the doors too big for the area (4900mm)? Would a smaller door be a better option, say 4000mm for instance?
2. Is this the best position for the doors? My reasoning behind this position is I didn't want them in the way of the meals area, and I thought the idea of opening the lounge area out onto the decking was most appropriate.
3. Opening In vs Opening Out? This is something which I am not sure which way I should go. I like the idea of them opening in, as when folded they can be hidden away in the back corner of the room, whereas Opening Out, because of the narrow decking area, I will need a fair bit of clearence to fold the doors up, if I have tables, chairs, etc... setup on the decking i dont want to be moving them every time I want to open and close the doors. However, i'm not sure how the weathering situation goes with doors opening inward, can they leak if the rain gets them???
4. Screening, is this worth while. I have seen some screen systems which look like a big pull screen which covers the opening, but does this defeat the purpose of bifolds??? Besides, I have a couple of dogs and young kids who I know will sooner or later end up coming through them at some stage, I would image the screen mesh would be costly to replace? Are there any other options to keep insects out???

If anyone has any comments or suggestions on my above post, or anyone with experience in bi-folds I would love to hear your thoughts.

Kindest Regards,
Trent

[BrissyBrew]

3. from what I have read manufacturers will only warrant the doors if the fold out to be water proof.
4. if you have a dog forget the screens.

[rat52]

Trent,
think about having one fixed hinge door at one end, and the rest bifold, to be a every day access door during winter then in summer you can open up the whole area.

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Don't force it, use a bigger hammer.