Bi-fold doors are a popular choice for many commercial and private properties. For more information about bi-fold doors, find out more below!
Table of contents
- What are bi-fold doors?
- How much are bi-fold doors?
- Types of bi-folding doors
- Bifold door materials
- What bifold door sizes are there?
- Bifold door curtain ideas
- Final thoughts
What are bifold doors?
Bi-fold doors are popular space-saving doors. They typically consist of two panels or leaves of a door, though can have more depending on the design. These slide to one side and fold up against each other when opened. Find out more about bi-fold doors and space-saving solutions here.
How much are bifold doors?
Material and installation can both contribute to the cost of bi-fold doors. If you’re considering material-only, then this can be anything between £1000 and £8000. The average cost to install bifold doors is £2,400 However, there are higher-cost options available for those seeking a higher-cost door.
It’s important to note that other features can affect the overall cost of bi-fold doors. The number of panels, the size of the doors, where it is being installed, the glass and whether the locks need upgrading will have an impact. So consider options appropriately.
Types of bi-folding doors
Many argue about what the best bi-folding doors are, but your chosen bifold door will depend on key factors in your decision.
There are many different types of bi-fold doors. A notable difference in bifold doors is the number of panels you can choose. Below is a summary of the different types of doors.
| Door style | No. of panels | Opening style | Common uses |
| Concertina | ●Two panels | ●Folds in the centre, stacking on one side | ●As an internal door to separate living spaces or maximise space ●Built-in wardrobes ●Closets ●En-suite bathrooms |
| Room divider/Roomfold doors/Folding sliding doors | ●Two or more panels | ●Folds similar to concertina doors, with each panel stacking neatly against each other. ●Can open from one end or the centre, with the centre opening more commonly used on even number panelled doors. | |
| Bifold door with access door | ●Two or more panels | ●Folds similar to concertina doors, but attached to an access door placed on one or both ends of the system and designed to open in the desired direction for simpler access. |
Bifold door materials
Materials of bi-fold doors include aluminium, uPVC, timber and composite. Aluminium and uPVC are more commonly used for appearance and cost. Many of these materials can be covered with colour to suit your ideal theme.
| Materials | Pros | Cons |
| uPVC | ●Long-life ●Cost-effective - canbe cheaper than aluminium and timber ●Available in a wide range of colours | ●Risked to warping which can cause draughts and risk door function ●Lower durability ●Can risk looking cheap ●Shorter life than aluminium ●Can require more maintenance ●At risk of discolouration as years progress |
| Aluminium | ●Slimmer frame choices ●Long-life ●Lighter weight ●Low maintenance - no need for prime, sand or paint ●Reduced appearance of dirt on material ●Environmentally friendly (can be recycled) ●Thermally efficient ●Contemporary appearance - can have a wider appearance, meaning few doors needed in the frame. ●Available in a wide range of colours ●Heat resistant ●Resistant to light damage ●Resistant to material expansion ●Resistant to warping ●Typically comes with a powder-coated finish ●Coated frame reduces corrosion | |
| Timber (hardwood) | ●Natural insulation ●Durable ●Can be customised ●Soundproofing ●Environmentally friendly ●If treated, mould and fungi resistant ●Long-life ●Suitable for internal or external use | ●External use will require more maintenance |
| Timber (softwood) | ●Natural insulation ●Can be used internally in a property | ●Risked to warping and cracking which can cause draughts and door function ●Shorter lifespan than hardwood ●Not suitable for external use |
| Composite | ●Combined with aluminium and wood for improved strength and durability ●Can provide key thermal insulation with good U-value ●Low maintenance |
What bifold door sizes are there?
As part of their design, bi-fold doors come in a wide array of sizes to choose from. Some are even as large as 16ft! This will depend on the material, however. So take into consideration what style of door you want, discover what type of bifold doors you can have and the types of sizes available during your search.
Bifold door curtain ideas
If you have chosen to install an external bi-fold door, curtains or blinds can be a complementary feature. Not only for appearance but for privacy and reducing glare that could come into the room on those sunnier days; especially if you have opted for glazing.
Curtains
Bi-fold door curtains are a traditional go-to when it comes to this style of door. You can opt for the use of tracks or poles, as well as an array of designs. Benefits also include keeping out the rays of the sun on brighter days, as well as helping retain heat in the colder months.
As with any beneficial product, curtains do come with their drawbacks. They’re a heavy accessory and, because bi-fold doors are rather larger, can require larger amounts of curtain to cover. However, this can be combatted by using lighter fabric curtains.
Opting for a track is advised as this can make drawing the curtains easier. They can also be obtained in longer lengths for wider doors.
The weight of the curtains itself can also cause drooping and affect how the pattern (if any) on the curtain looks. So it’s worth investing in a strong pole or metal track to help maintain the appearance of curtains for a longer time.
It’s also worth noting that because of the size of the bi-fold doors if using a ceiling curtain pole, there might not be the amount of space needed between the top of the door and the pole.
Blinds
Using blinds is considered a modern solution if you’re seeking something more contemporary in style for your property. In fact, you can find bi-fold doors with blinds built into the system. This option reduces design choices.
The obvious benefits of blinds are that they are not as heavy or thick as curtains. So there is no need to worry about increased sagging or loss of pattern. Especially since blinds don’t typically come with a pattern, meaning it won’t be a cause of concern for appearance. However, not coming with a pattern can be a drawback if you are seeking something with a unique appearance for the room.
Another thing to consider when choosing blinds for your bi-fold doors is the type of blinds you want. Roman blinds, roller blinds or vertical blinds can be chosen.
Roman blinds fold upwards, so you will need to make sure space is available for them to stack when opening the blind. Roller blinds, however, require less space after being retracted. So choosing these might be appropriate for you if seeking something easier to work with, but still works as a charming accessory for your bifold doors.
Another style is vertical blinds. These can work similarly to curtains in terms of opening and closing or extending from a singular side of the door. Having said this, there is a risk that this style of blind can create an office-type environment. Depending on use, these could be a great solution if you seek something simple for your property.
Final thoughts
Bi-fold doors, regardless of use, can really make a difference to a property. See what’s on offer, decide your design and enjoy your newly installed bi-fold doors for years to come.
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