Slide and Stack vs. Bi-fold and Multi-slide Systems

Dare to Compare – What are slide and stack patio door systems?

Glass Expanse Logo

THE OTHER GUYS

BI-FOLD

THE OTHER GUYS

MULTI-SLIDE

How much frame do I see between the glass?2.25”5”-6”5”-6”
How wide is the lower track?1.75”5”-6”2”-3” Per Panel
On large openings, can be over 12”
Is the system top or bottom hung? Why does that matter?Top Supported

*Lower wheels float in bottom track and are not affected by dust, rocks, or debris.

Top Supported

*Lower wheels float in bottom track and are not affected by dust, rocks, or debris.

Bottom Supported

*Lower wheels are prone to wear and tear due to debris in the track which can lead to poor operation.

How wide is the stack of panels when the system is open?1.5” per panel
*For 20’ opening: approx. 9”
2”-3” per panel
*For 20’ opening: approx. 12”-18”
One full panel width
*for 20’ opening: approx. 60” (5 feet)
Is there any flexibility with the panel configuration?Yes
Open, closed, or “flexed.”

*Independent panels enable the user to space the panels apart or configure in any layout

No
Either open or closed
No
Either open or closed
How many steps to open?
  1. Open Daily Door
  2. Slide and stack each panel independently.

*Regardless of opening size, the user is only moving one panel at a time, keeping it light and easy to operate.

  1. Unlatch every second panel to allow folding.
  2. Push each hinge point towards the exterior.
  3. Slide and fold doors in stacked direction.

*on large openings the stack may be heavy and hard to push.

  1. Unlock and open first door
  2. Push first panel behind second panel.
  3. Continue pushing the stack until all doors stop at the far end.

*on large openings the stack may be heavy and hard to push

Glass Expanse Logo
How much frame do I see between the glass?

2.25”

How wide is the lower track?

1.75”

Is the system top or bottom hung? Why does that matter?

Top Supported

*Lower wheels float in bottom track and are not affected by dust, rocks, or debris.

How wide is the stack of panels when the system is open?

1.5” per panel
*For 20’ opening: approx. 9”

Is there any flexibility with the panel configuration?

Yes
Open, closed, or “flexed.”

*Independent panels enable the user to space the panels apart or configure in any layout

How many steps to open?

  1. Open Daily Door
  2. Slide and stack each panel independently.

*Regardless of opening size, the user is only moving one panel at a time, keeping it light and easy to operate.

THE OTHER GUYS

BI-FOLD

How much frame do I see between the glass?

5”-6”

How wide is the lower track?

5”-6”

Is the system top or bottom hung? Why does that matter?

Top Supported

*Lower wheels float in bottom track and are not affected by dust, rocks, or debris.

How wide is the stack of panels when the system is open?

2”-3” per panel
*For 20’ opening: approx. 12”-18”

Is there any flexibility with the panel configuration?

No
Either open or closed

How many steps to open?

  1. Unlatch every second panel to allow folding.
  2. Push each hinge point towards the exterior.
  3. Slide and fold doors in stacked direction.

*on large openings the stack may be heavy and hard to push.

THE OTHER GUYS

MULTI-SLIDE

How much frame do I see between the glass?

5”-6”

How wide is the lower track?

2”-3” Per Panel
On large openings, can be over 12”

Is the system top or bottom hung? Why does that matter?

Bottom Supported

*Lower wheels are prone to wear and tear due to debris in the track which can lead to poor operation.

How wide is the stack of panels when the system is open?

One full panel width
*for 20’ opening: approx. 60” (5 feet)

Is there any flexibility with the panel configuration?

No
Either open or closed

How many steps to open?

  1. Unlock and open first door
  2. Push first panel behind second panel.
  3. Continue pushing the stack until all doors stop at the far end.

*on large openings the stack may be heavy and hard to push

Glass Expanse is proud to create a new category of sliding glass door and window systems called the Slide and Stack System.

Our products are sleek, luxurious, and architecturally superior to our competitors. The slide and stack system is built differently in that each panel is hingeless. Our modern folding doors and windows create a clear indoor-outdoor living space creating a minimal look that will have your friends and family swooning!

When open or flexed, each moving glass panel frame is 1.5”, giving your home a modern, sleek look. When your sliding glass doors are closed, the amount of frame you see is only 2.25”! Compare that to bi-fold glass doors that can range from 5-6,” and Multi-Slide doors which have 3-4” of frame.

At Glass Expanse, we strive to provide the best view for our customers!

Steps to Open
  1. Simply open the daily door
  2. Slide and stack each panel independently, and you’re done! Regardless of opening size, the user is only moving one panel at a time, keeping it light and easy to operate.

How much frame do I see between the glass? With Bi-fold or accordion glass doors, you will see 5-6” of the frame between the glass.

Is the door system top or bottom hung? The slide and stack and bi-fold door systems are both top supported.

How wide is the stack of panels when the system is open? 2-3” per accordion panel

How wide is the lower track? The lower track on a bi-fold glass door ranges from 5-6.”

Is there any flexibility with the panel configuration? Bi-fold glass doors provide two options either open or closed.

Glass Expanse Door Example

As you can see with our sliding glass door system, each panel operates independently, giving you the freedom to open as few or as many panels as you like.

Because you are sliding one panel at a time, opening and closing the system is lighter and more effortless.

Glass Expanse Flex View

Shown above is what we call the “flexed” position.

Because our panels operate independently, you can place them in this position to allow airflow without the need to fully open the door system.

Curious about the cost or our slide-and-stack doors?

What is a bi-fold patio door?

Bi-Fold glass doors are also known as accordion glass doors or folding glass doors. These systems fold into themselves, and each panel is created with multiple hinges.

Steps to Open
  1. Unlatch every second panel to allow folding
  2. Push each hinge point towards the exterior
  3. Fold doors in a stacked direction. On large openings, the stack may be heavy and hard to open.

How much frame do I see between the glass? With Bi-fold or accordion glass doors, you will see 5-6” of frame between the glass.

Is the door system top or bottom hung? The slide and stack and bi-fold door systems are both top supported.

How wide is the stack of panels when the system is open? 2-3” per accordion panel

How wide is the lower track? The lower track on a bi-fold glass door ranges from 5-6”

Is there any flexibility with the panel configuration? Bi-fold glass doors provide two options, either open or closed.

Bifold Doors

What is a multi-slide patio door?

Multi-slide glass doors are also known as accordion glass doors or folding glass doors. These systems fold into themselves, and each panel is created with multiple hinges.

Steps to Open
  1. Unlock and open the first door
  2. Push the first panel behind the second panel
  3. Continue pushing the stack of panels until all doors stop at the far end. On large openings, the stack may be heavy and hard to open.

How much frame do I see between the glass? With Multi-Slide glass doors, you will see 3-4” of frame between the glass.

Is the door system top or bottom hung? Multi-Slide wall systems are bottom supported making the lower wheels prone to wear and tear due to debris in the track which can lead to poor operation.

How wide is the stack of panels when the system is open? One Full panel width for 20 openings approx. 60’“ (5 feet)

How wide is the lower track? The lower track on multi-slide doors are 2-3”.

Is there any flexibility with the panel configuration? Multi-Slide glass doors provide two options, either open or closed.

Multi-Slide Doors

Curious about the cost or our slide-and-stack doors?

Fill out your dimensions and get instant pricing at the click of a button – no sales reps or unwanted phone calls required!

For financing, we recommend GreenSky as our preferred partner.