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Bifold Doors – How Much They Cost and Everything Else You Need to Know

Posted on December 29, 2017 by Bifold Doors UK

Do you mull over new ways to either improve your house or add value to it? Do you find yourself in the wintry months longing for the return of warm summer evenings and wondered of ways to bring the outside in?

If you have, you’re not alone.

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Most of us look forward to the times when we can open up our homes to the elements. But for our next home improvement is there a way of doing so that constitutes more than just the opening of a door or a window?

Cue: your introduction to bifold doors…

…An ingenious way to maximise a living space, to connect with nature and to admire your gardening handiwork.

And here, we’ll address the over-riding question: how much do bifold doors cost?

A significant and ever-increasing number of people are choosing to install bifold doors. And that’s NOT hyperbole: the last few years has seen bifold sales surpass those of even the conventional door! Especially when it comes to house-to-garden recesses.

They are, in addition, a popular enhancement within the home and are currently the most sought after means to divide a larger room in two.

That popularity is due largely to flexibility. A bifold door saves space like no other and, with its manner of opening to a concertina style it is barely noticeable when fully retracted; thus, the ideal answer to division without intrusion.

What’s more, if you think the amount of money needed for such an endeavour is beyond your means…

…Think again.

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There are ways to approach a redesign which can offer you a myriad of options to suit your budget.

So, read on to find out how choosing the right specification of bifold door (material, size and additional features) does make such an undertaking infinitely affordable.

And discover how a time-tested, flexible and brilliant design for a recess threshold can pay dividends in the future.

How much do bifold doors cost?

Let’s first lay our cards on the table. As a reputable designer and manufacturer of bifold doors, sliding doors, French doors and windows Bifold Doors UK firmly believes it is NOT worth trying to find a bifold supplier that is willing to sacrifice workmanship for a sale.

Bifold doors (just like conventional doors), MUST be secure, insulated and well-made.

Otherwise, to have something installed that may let in draughts or begin to decay within weeks will cost you dearly in the long run.

For an idea of the cost of our bifold doors take a moment to look at our Price List. Remember, these prices are not inclusive of fitting. We will design and manufacture doors and windows to your specifications, but we are not fitters. When it comes to the installation, we will put you in touch with recommended fitters in your region.

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When considering the cost of your new bifold adventure, it is worthwhile to know that the final cost of having a bifold door made and fitted varies according to certain factors, some of which are decided by you. We shall look at all of the other variables later but for now, these three are worth keeping in mind:

Door size (recess threshold)
Style of door, fittings and security
Material of manufacture

Especially, the ‘material of manufacture’ will control cost. Bifold Doors UK crafts doors from aluminium or hardwood, the former of which is marginally more expensive than the latter.

Both however have singular benefits and features to take into account…

Aluminium

As with the hardwood variety, bifold doors made from aluminium can extend as far as eight panels in either direction of the centre point of a threshold. That’s a maximum recess screen of 16 panels, or 15 metres in width and 3 metres in height.

Crucially, the aluminium used is of a premium quality, insulated and highly resistant to weathering.

When compared with hardwood, the profile of the aluminium doors is slightly slimmer and due to their lighter weight, each door ‘leaf’ can be made a little wider.

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One of the other big benefits arising from aluminium doors is their ease of maintenance. The frames are coated in a coloured paint to suit and rarely need to be retouched.

A recent review extolling the virtues of aluminium bifold doors can be found here:

‘Maintenance free, strong, light and long-term stability so whilst upvc and wood have disadvantages aluminium has none apart from cost. I believe I will recoup the cost in long life, no need for maintenance and my time or money doing so. These days you can have them with all kinds of colour combinations, different colour inside to outside, wood effect laminates on them etc.’

Hardwood

The hardwood bifold is chosen more often than not by those seeking a sense of synergy with a period house. Of course, hardwood installations are not confined to houses over a certain age, but the austere and natural appearance of the wood blends well with some houses more than others.

Bifold Doors UK manufactures wooden doors in various finishes and stained to match the prevailing décor. The doors are made from a solid hardwood (usually sapele) but are available in oak and other families of timber.

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Hardwood doesn’t have to be coated with paint; the natural grain of the wood certainly adds an organic essence to a place. But if you do decide to paint the timbers they will probably need to be recoated every few years. In addition, wood tends to grow and shrink in response to environmental conditions.

Cost comparison with other types of installation

For an honest comparison that may help you in your quest call us on 0843 886 8378 or contact us for a free quote.

The cause of bifold doors outscoring other types of patio door is primarily their concertina motion; the ability to be ‘hidden from view’ when fully opened is their gift. Such a design perfectly tempers the halt with the thoroughfare.

Bear in mind as well that, should you wish, a traffic door can be included in the concertina. When the element is closed a single door set among the panels at either end allows passage.

In contrast, French-style and sliding doors often make us feel confined, especially in the winter.

It is this level of versatility that has made bifolds a first choice of those considering home renovation, for when closed to the elements their unique glass panelling still allows light to flood into the home. Their manner of draught exclusion and insulation ensure unfettered views of the garden all year round.

And what of cost?

Well, the difference in cost between French doors, sliding doors and bifold doors is almost non-existent, although as each assembly grows in size (in response to its location) various elements do add to the cost (for instance, designing a wider-than-normal sliding door will see an intrinsic cost increase due to the width of the glass).

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Here is a quick summary of the cost comparisons for a basic element:

French doors (swinging patio doors): £1,500 to £2,000 for two uPVC French doors.
Sliding doors: £1,600 to £2,100 for uPVC doors.
Bifold doors (manufacture only): £1,300 for a hardwood two-panel set-up.

How do bifold doors stack up against conventional doors?

Today’s customer is fonder of glass than ever before. 21^st Century architectural designs often include a large percentage of glass covering and bifold doors are no exception to this rule. Thus, in comprising a series of framed glass panes they are often found within the home in the role of a room divider.

Comparison with window installation

Although cheaper to install, a window to the outside can only function in three ways: it is either open or shut, and you can look through it.

But it is worth asking the question when on the cusp of an improvement to the home about what function the window really serves and what better function a door may serve.

Look at this from the perspective of a home buyer: You are welcomed into a house which has bifold doors running across its rear wall. It is light, well-ventilated and feels fashionable. In comparison with the previous house visited, which was adequately fitted with a rear-facing window, which would pique your interest more? Which is the lighter of the two? Which is airier?

And therein is another benefit of the bifold: In terms of property enhancement, it is surely the more apt choice; the one that will create the “wow” for you, and others.

What else adds to the cost of bifold doors?

Like most property constructions, the higher level of workmanship or the bigger the installation the more money it will undoubtedly cost.

Yet as we have already seen, the increase in cost is matched for any type of door. For bifolds specifically, here are seven other factors that may add to the final bill:

Material used (aluminium is more expensive than hardwood)
Energy rating (the better the rating the more expensive)
Colour choice
Type of glazing (double, triple, tempered, etc)
Physical specification of the door
Fittings and ironwork
Modification of surrounding masonry/woodwork at installation

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So, where does all that leave you?

In terms of ‘how much do bifold doors cost?’ the answer in effect relies on YOU. After all, only you are in control of the modifications you make and your personal preference plays its part. Given the appropriate guidance from experts, you can make informed choices about which elements to include in the project and which to avoid.

The bottom-line is, bifold doors are no less affordable than any other type of installation

So, when thinking about the next step you will take, simply remember how many varieties there are, how customisable our designs are and how important it is to create something to last.

Then there are the wider benefits of bifolds – the light, the view, the air, the feel. In winter, modern manufacturing of the glass panels and frames presents homeowners with an energy-efficient obstacle both to heat loss and air ingress.

And as for summer, well… the bifold really comes into its own.

Remember: bifold doors are good for your health…

…And the health of your pocket and your house!

They are low-maintenance
They give ease of access to the garden, patio or larger outside world
They provide excellent security
They bring light into the house
They look great, fashionable, trendy, ‘with it’
They are infinitely customisable
They take up hardly any space when opened

Our bifold doors and all other products come in a wide variety of configurations and are often bespoke. For any other information or a free quote please contact us or call: 0843 886 8378

Bifold Doors for Beginners – Everything You Need to Know

Posted on November 30, 2017February 1, 2018 by Bifold Doors UK

Any time of the year is the right time to be thinking about home improvements. After all, what better way is there to spawn a sense of pride and achievement than by coming up with a new grand design?

The question is what feature will you choose?

An extension perhaps, or a ceiling lantern above the kitchen? How about a whole new kitchen? Oh, now this is getting exciting. But too soon the penny drops. There aren’t enough pennies. And your enthusiasm for a new project wanes, as do your ideas.

But don’t be disheartened. There is a happy solution. Namely, Bifold doors.

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What are bifold doors? For those of you who aren’t sure, they are a simple option of redesign that costs a lot less than you may imagine.

Imagine a glass gateway connecting both the outside and the in, one that lets warm summer air sweep through the house and lends an ideal space to garden parties and Al Fresco living…

That’s what is known as a bifold door.

In fact:

Bifold door design is buoying a whole new craze for home improvement. They are now more popular than ever… the short-sleeved trendy alternative to the run-of-the-mill French and sliding patio doors.

Bifolds are essentially a series of wide doors made up of panels that slide open in a concertina way. When they are opened fully you are met with an uncluttered view of whatever lies beyond.

Why are they so popular?

Because they are reasonably inexpensive to buy, space-saving, flexible and chic.

And depending on both the materials used and quality of their manufacture bifold doors are crime-secure and completely weatherproof. There are even bifold doors built for the indoors, allowing for an elegant divide of larger rooms.

Bi-fold Doors UK have put together an essential guide that aims to teach you a little more about bifolds. It may just help you when you launch your next exciting home improvement adventure.

1. What are bifold doors?

A bifold door is exactly what its name suggests: a door which folds in half. But by joining each of these doors together in a long “run” they can cover a recess of up to 15 metres wide.

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That’s not even the fun part:

The method of the door’s running allows it to be slid open and closed easily. And as it slides, the door panels (each fitted with a glass of your choice) pack together so that when the bifold door is fully open, the panels are compacted at either side of the recess.

That leaves an uninterrupted way to the outside (or from one room to another) and saves in excess of 85% of the space needed for a conventional door.

In fact, there arise many other benefits of bifold doors:

Security
Bifold Doors UK fit multi-point locking systems and Euro barrels as standard
Thermal Efficiency
Once shut, well-made bifold doors are insulated; they keep warmth in and cold out where it belongs
Weatherproofing
Most good bifold doors are fitted with tough weatherproof seals and ingenious designs to keep weather at bay
Chic Ironwork:
Fittings are added to match perfectly the décor of your home or a pre-existing bifold door

With their unique “stacking” way when open and attractive glass panelling when closed, bifold doors are a popular way to monopolise on the space, light and heat of the home.

When it comes to a means to divide rooms in vogue or lead visitors to the outdoors:

They are a must.

In terms of what materials are commonly used for bifolds, why not check out our materials guide. Bifold Doors UK manufactures door frames in two different materials:

Aluminium: age-proof, low-maintenance, thinner than hardwood and painted to choice
Hardwood: the most durable, with some maintenance and occasional repainting needed

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Some bifold door manufacturers also make their product in uPVC. uPVC is a highly durable invention and can be made in various colours and effects, but it has a tendency to warp in extremely hot weather and many people baulk at their less-than-traditional outward aspect.

1. How to choose a specific bifold for your house

Bifold doors are a great addition to both the exterior and interior of the home. When looking for an exterior make though it is worth thinking about how the style of the door will match the age of the house.

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Which bifold doors are best?

A period house may better suit a door with a hardwood frame, whereas a more modern build may benefit from a slick design perhaps made in aluminium.

For most of us, when it comes to the question of exterior doors, the answer is often simple. Let’s have something fashioned that is secure, looks great and matches the house.

But:

One or two other considerations should be taken into account:

Opening direction

Do you want the doors to open inwards or outwards? Obviously outwards is the most logical way even with the space-saving qualities of the bifold. It won’t snag on floor fittings nor will it drip rainwater inside.

An inward-opening door won’t prevent the drips when it is open and requires additional handles on the inside to help it close.

Weathering

The effect of the weather on our houses varies according to where we live. Bifold Doors UK supplies all parts of the UK and depending on how open your house is to the elements we may advise you on a preferred material.

As mentioned before, tough weather seals are incorporated into all our bifold products.

Colouring

Most manufacturers offer a wide selection of colours. But are these as extensive as ours?!

Take a look at our colour swatches to see what best suits. And take into account as you do, the following: we can paint a bifold frame with different tones of colour for the outside and the in.

1. Are bifold doors expensive?

Some manufacturers are more expensive than others, but a higher cost is no guarantee of better workmanship, especially when it comes to their fitting.

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Take a look at our price guide based on door panels and sizes. This should give you some idea of what to expect.

Like most products a bifold door’s cost varies with how wide a space it must fit across, the height of the ceilings, the type of fixtures, the material of the frame and the design.

Bifold Doors UK provides free quotations.

Call us: 0843 886 8378

When it comes to thinking about internal bifold doors, your concerns will be less about how weatherproof or secure they are and more about their style and quality.

After all:

You want to create a feature that is eye-catching.

Here are a few things to think about when it comes to your choice of internal bifold doors:

The Style: match the style to the house, or even the inner bifolds to the outer
The Material: again, in consideration of the age of the property, but also weathering
The Space: Bifold doors are space savers but find the best position for them
The Ironmongery: Match the handles and fittings of the new door to your decor

1. Are bifold doors secure?

A reputable supplier will want to meet you on several occasions before installing an external bifold. By doing so, they will be able to gauge the sort of security you need. They should take time to explain how to lock bifold doors.

The answer to whether bifold doors are secure is yes, they are.

And here’s why…

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Let’s take a look at the measures in place of doors manufactured by Bifold Doors UK:

All our doors are fitted with what’s called an espagnolette lock. An espagnolette consists of a locking rod attached to the vertical frame of the door. The metal rod’s rotation to a lock position is controlled by a handle at normal height.

For an added measure, most fitters will choose something like a Euro cylinder lock barrel: the same type of lock you find on French or normal patio doors.

In addition to the espagnolette and Euro lock, every odd numbered door will have a manually operated “shoot bolt” inside at the top and bottom of the frame, the latter also being lockable with a key.

1. Are bifold doors worth it?

In a word: YES! That’s because…

They’re energy efficient: new style bifolds don’t let in draughts, can be insulated, have weathertight seals and are double or triple glazed.
They provide flexible opening options: by their nature they can maximise the recesses of your home, allowing the best parts of the outdoors (sunlight, fresh air, summer breeze) in. They don’t have to be opened fully, and depending on our British weather, can be adjusted to suit.
They allow you to enjoy the outdoors more.

2. What size do bifold doors come in?

Broadly speaking, Bifold Doors UK makes sets of bifolds anywhere up to 3 metres high and 15 metres wide, with a maximum door leaf size 1 metre wide x 3 metres high.

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Bifold Doors UK manufacturers all widths and heights within this range,

according to your requirements.

The maximum number of doors either side of the slide is eight in both directions and they can be fitted in any configuration you wish. That includes tall bifold doors.

Please see the document showing door configuration types or contact us to find out more.

1. Where to buy bifold doors?

There are many bifold suppliers in the UK. Some good, some bad.

We say it is worth checking the website of each and, most importantly, the testimonials referencing work a company has already carried out. Not everyone will use high quality materials or employ great workmanship in their fitting and such laxities can lead to problems further down the line.

What kind of business provides them?

Companies like Bifold Doors UK, of course!

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We offer a supply only service, BUT we can recommend fitters and we deliver to anywhere in the UK.

Bifold Doors UK is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier, producing a wide range of custom-sized hardwood and aluminium doors, including French, patio and internal models.

An important point:

We don’t mass produce! Each item is created to order and made from responsibly sourced materials. It is also checked for defects and damage before leaving our premises.

We believe that rigorous inspection and attention to detail keeps us ahead of the game.

1. Are they manufacturer or trading companies?

Many bifold door traders and fitters do not make their own products, meaning they are less able to scrutinise quality control and produce an item that matches perfectly the specifications of the customer.

Bifold Doors UK only works with the best fitters: “individuals, home builders, property renovators, commercial businesses and architects”.

Why do we work so closely with these people?

To ensure that what we make ends up in the place it was intended and in perfect working order.

We’ll supply everything needed for your chosen fitter to get the job done, but sometimes the type of space into which the doors are being fitted will require some extras from your chosen fitting specialist.

2. How to choose a legit provider

Be savvy in your choice of manufacturer and fitter.

If you’re thinking of buying bifold doors shop around, visit suppliers and fitters, call and email them with a barrage of questions. Knowing your bifold fitter and manufacturer is the only way you can be certain of getting great results and ending up with an installation to last an age.

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And on a point of installation:

Obviously, the size of the doors and intricacy of the project will dictate the length of time an installation takes. But if you are using an approved manufacturer and fitter the installation should be the swiftest step in the process…

…because everything else will be in place.

On average, a panel of 6 doors will be completed within a day with the track going down first followed by the doors and then a trial of the running mechanism. You will then be shown how to use the doors, what safety measures you should look out for and what maintenance will need to be carried out on occasion…

Then you can sit back and enjoy.

For any other advice or information not covered here, contact us and let us help you. Or get an instant Bifold Door quote online.

7 Reasons Why Bifold Doors Are a Good Idea

Posted on November 22, 2017February 1, 2018 by Bifold Doors UK

Bi-fold doors are making some serious waves in the UK right now. Don’t believe us? Watch any episode of Grand Designs. But why are they so popular? Well, for starters, they let a lot of light in to a property whilst providing maximum privacy when you need it.

Thanks to being solidly constructed and effortless to use, bi-folding doors are wonderful for both businesses and homes that want to benefit from extra light in the room or that want to transform the outdoors into an additional functioning room.

The benefits of bi-fold doors don’t stop there. They boast a whole host of other advantages, too.

1. Ease of Use

Because these well-designed doors fold and stack smartly to one or both sides of an aperture when open, people can move easily from the inside out to the garden. Sliding patio and French doors, on the other hand, can be less practical in more restricted spaces, such as opening out onto a patio or balcony. In contrast, bi-fold patio doors fold away gracefully without impacting on access. What’s more, low threshold folding patio doors are a brilliant solution for wheelchair users and the disabled who require larger access with the least amount of step.

2. Slimly Built

With their slim profiles, folding doors are slimmer and less obvious than classic French or patio doors. Slender bi-folds enable the utmost visibility whilst being hard-wearing, strong and modern in style.

3. Easy to Maintain

The minimal amount of maintenance is required to keep bi-fold doors looking top-notch for many years, especially if they’re made from aluminium. All you’ll need to do is wash it down every so often and use a splash of oil occasionally.

4. Incredibly Secure

You can enjoy the view of your garden even when the door’s fully shut, thanks to its slim profile which means there’s more glass on show without compromising on security. The doors are totally weatherproof, providing outstanding thermal efficiency – and don’t be fooled by its ease of access, bifold doors are wonderfully secure and are thus used extensively in both commercial and domestic settings.

5. Ultra-Modern

Our bifolding doors feature the latest folding and sliding technology to give you countless years of fuss-free use. With their versatile styling, these doors look as good as they function, meaning they’re perfect for use in older period properties and contemporary buildings.

6. The Best of Both Worlds

Versatility is the keyword when it comes to bi-folds. During the summer months when fully open, they offer a seamless amalgamation between the outdoors and the indoors, providing free movement in and out of a domestic home.

7. Stand Out Profile

Not only do bi-folds bring in lots of light which, in turn, makes a room more aesthetically pleasing on the inside, they also make your property look contemporary and polished on the outside. We have a whole gamut of styles and designs to perfectly complement the rest of your home.

How to Dress Bifold Doors: Fitting Curtains and Blinds

Posted on October 12, 2017October 12, 2017 by Bifold Doors UK

Of course, one of the great things about bi-fold doors is the fact that they’re great for space-saving and allow in a vast amount of natural light in through their glass panels. Whilst this is great during the daytime when you would like to enhance the feeling of space and openness, it may not be ideal for later evening and night time, when you’d like a little more privacy.

What’s more, external bi-fold doors are often used to connect an outdoor patio with the interior of your home and therefore, if your garden or outdoor space is overlooked, you may again choose to dress your folding doors with curtains or blinds.

That’s why, many property owners with bi-fold doors in the home choose to have curtains or blinds fitted.

Dressing Your Bi-fold Doors

If you’ve decided to dress your bi-fold doors, you’ll first need to decide on whether you’d prefer curtains or blinds. There are advantages and disadvantages to both and, unlike standard doors, you’ll need to think about how your choice of dressing will affect the function of your doors.

Although it is possible to fit curtains and blinds to bi-fold doors, you’ll want to consider which will be the most effective choice for you.

Fitting Curtains to Your Bi-fold Doors

There is nothing more comforting and cosier than having a warming curtain fitted on the inside of an external door to block any drafts and enhance the feeling of homeliness to your interior. Lightweight and light-coloured curtains can also add to the privacy of your home, portraying a modern and airy feel.

If you want a homely, insulating curtain, you should bear in mind that when having curtains fitted to your bi-fold doors, they can become extremely heavy when made of thick fabric, therefore, you may want to consider a lighter fabric option, particularly when your bi-fold doors cover a large surface area.

Lighter fabrics include: Voile, Organza and Silk. Other options may be: Velvet, cotton, muslin or linen.

Choosing Blinds for Your Bi-fold Doors

If blinds are a preference for our home, perhaps you want to portray a modern aesthetic or feel that curtains would be an impractical choice, then investing in some blinds may be the right choice for you.

You can choose from a range of blinds, including roller blinds, roman blinds and vertical panel blinds. Roller blinds tend to take up less space, while roman blinds gather at the top of your door. Therefore, if you are looking for maximal light to come through roller blinds may be your best bet.

What to Remember when Dressing Your Bi-fold Doors

Don’t be afraid to buy curtains made from synthetic fabric.

Although it isn’t necessarily sensible to opt for the cheapest fabric available, many synthetic fabrics are both effective and aesthetically pleasing, and can save you a considerable amount of money.

Get specific measurements.

Measure up! Whether you are opting for curtains or blinds, it is essential that you get the specific measurements of your bi-fold doors. The last thing you want is to buy an expensive dressing for your bi-fold doors only to find that they’re not fit for use.

Do your research

Don’t just opt for the first set of curtains or blinds you come across, do your research into which curtains and blinds will suit your bi-fold doors and property interior.

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