Bifold doors guide

Bifold doors furnish an elegant transition that integrates indoor and outdoor living while maximising natural light. Combined with double-glazed windows, they enhance energy efficiency and comfort, making them a smart, stylish choice for any modern home.

Bifold doors work by folding panels in sections along a track, much like a concertina. This mechanism allows them to open completely without taking up too much space, creating a wide entrance. Typically, one of the panels acts as a master door that can be opened independently of the others for quick access or ventilation without having to fold the entire door system.

Top-hung bifold doors

Top-hung bifold doors are supported from the top, meaning the door’s weight is carried by a track installed above it. This setup allows for smoother operation and less track maintenance, as the ground track doesn’t bear any weight.

Bottom-rolling bifold doors

Bottom-rolling bifold doors rely on a track on the ground to support the door’s weight, while the top track acts as a guide to keep the door upright and in place.

The advantages of bifold doors make them a popular choice for homeowners looking to add functionality to their living spaces while preserving style and comfort.

• Maximised space: bifold doors are compact when folded, eliminating the barrier between indoor and outdoor areas. 
• Enhanced natural light: their large glass panes allow abundant natural light to flood a room, making spaces appear larger and more inviting.
• Improved aesthetics: bifolding doors offer a modern and stylish look that can enhance the kerb appeal of any home, adding elegance and contemporary design.
• Versatile design options: bifolding doors are available in a variety of materials, colours and finishes. They can be customised to fit the design and decor of any home.
• Energy efficiency: bifold doors are either double glazed or have appropriate weather seals that, when closed, can improve thermal efficiency and help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
• Low maintenance: unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) or aluminium bifold doors need very little care. Timber models, however, require more maintenance.
• Increased property value: bifolding doors can be an attractive feature for home buyers, potentially increasing property value due to their practical and style benefits.
• Better access: bifold doors reduce physical barriers and improve the flow between spaces when fully open, which is ideal for entertaining or enjoying an indoor–outdoor lifestyle.
• Security: modern bifold doors come with high-security locking mechanisms to give you peace of mind that your home is safe and secure.

Bifold doors can provide a connection with the garden through their wide opening capabilities. (Adobe)

While bifold doors offer numerous benefits, considering the negatives is crucial when deciding whether these doors are the right choice for your home. It’s a good idea to balance their aesthetic and functional appeal against cost, maintenance and practicality.

• Higher cost: bifolding doors are more expensive than traditional single doors due to their complex mechanism and the higher quality materials often used.
• Building regulations and planning permission: widening existing door or window openings to accommodate bifold doors might mean having to navigate building regulations or obtain planning permission, which can add to the time and cost of the project.
• Thermal efficiency: modern bifolding doors are designed to be energy efficient. However, their large glass panes can potentially lead to greater heat loss compared to a solid wall, especially if the doors are not well insulated or properly installed.
• Complex installation: bifold doors can be more complicated and time-consuming to install than other types and may require professional installation to ensure they operate smoothly and efficiently.
• No threshold: bifold doors typically lack a raised threshold, which reduces trip hazards. However, if not installed correctly, this may allow water to enter the home during heavy rain. Installing a drainage system or designing a slight slope away from the doors can prevent this issue.

Bifold door configurations

Choosing the right bifold door configuration for your home depends on the dimensions of your space, your lifestyle needs and your finish preferences. A typical configuration consists of three panels, with one acting as the master door. Consider these factors as well:

• Available space: your opening width will dictate how many panels your doorway can fit. Larger spaces will allow for more, though each panel will need space to stack when the door is open;
• Support: larger panels or more numerous sections may require additional structural support. Ensure your wall can accommodate this without compromising stability;
• Panel weight and operation: heavier panels might offer better insulation and security. Remember to consider ease of operation, too;
• Aesthetics and sightlines: more sections can maximise the opening, but too many frames can disrupt your view. Consider how vital uninterrupted sightlines are to you; and
• Access needs: bifold doors used as regular entrances and exits influence the importance of including a master door in your configuration. Think about how often you’ll want to use them.

Bifold doors can be made from various materials, each offering unique advantages in terms of finish, durability and maintenance requirements.

uPVC

• Affordability: uPVC bifold doors are typically more budget friendly than wood or aluminium options.
• Lightness: uPVC is lightweight, making installation easier and reducing strain on the door mechanisms.
• Low maintenance: uPVC is resistant to rot, corrosion and fading, requiring minimal maintenance over time.
• Insulation: uPVC provides good thermal insulation, but not as much as wood.
• A variety of finishes: uPVC doors come in various finishes and colours to suit different design preferences.

Aluminium

• Strength and durability: aluminium is lightweight yet strong, making it ideal for sizeable bifold door panels.
• Low maintenance: being resistant to rust and corrosion, aluminium requires minimal upkeep.
• Energy efficiency: aluminium bifold doors can incorporate thermal breaks to improve energy efficiency, though they may not be as effective as other materials in terms of insulation.
• Slim profiles: frames made from aluminium can be engineered to have slim profiles, maximising the glass area for better views and natural light.
• Modern appearance: aluminium offers a sleek and contemporary look suitable for modern architectural designs.

Wood

• Cost: wood bifold doors tend to be more expensive than other materials.
• Insulation: wood provides good insulation properties, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
• Maintenance: regular maintenance, such as sealing or painting, is required to protect the wood from moisture and prevent warping or rotting.
• Longevity: wood will outlast uPVC or aluminium if properly maintained.
• Natural aesthetic: wood bifold doors offer a timeless and warm charcter that complements various architectural styles.
• Customisation: wood can be easily customised with different stains or paints to match your interior or exterior decor.

Primary factors affecting the price of bifold doors are the chosen frame material, type of glass and number of panels, with uPVC offering the cheapest options.

Installation costs for bifold doors

For straightforward installations involving existing wall openings, labour costs typically range from £150 to £500 per day. However, more complex and time-consuming installations are likely to exceed £500.