When treated properly, wooden doors can be extremely durable and when a good quality door is bought, wooden doors can last up to 30 years.
Why We Love Wooden Doors!
There are a number of people who argue that wood doors are not as durable as fibreglass doors, and therefore fibreglass doors are a better purchase.
There are often claims that fibreglass doors last-longer and will not warp in extreme weather.
However, when treated properly, wooden doors can be extremely durable and when a good quality door is bought (like the doors from Bifold Doors UK!), wooden doors can last up to 30 years.
While there are, of course, a number of advantages to investing in fibreglass doors, there is often no comparison to the look of real wood.
Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of wood and fibreglass doors:
Advantages of Wood Doors
Advantages of Fibreglass Doors
Disadvantages of Wood Doors
Disadvantages of Fibreglass Doors
Wood looks better and is more prestigious than fibreglass.
Require less maintenance.
Require regular maintenance.
Wood is much more aesthetic than fibreglass.
Wood is a renewable resource.
Fibreglass doors are less likely to rot, rust, warp, bow or deteriorate.
Can warp in harsh weather if not treated properly.
Usually fibreglass doors are a more expensive investment than wood doors.
If wood is scratched, it can be repaired easily.
Slightly more energy efficient when installed properly.
Some lower quality wood doors can fade.
Fibreglass is a man-made and non-renewable resource.
Wood doors that require replacement tend to be easier to work with than fibreglass doors.
Can be stained to look like wood.
Wood doors are slightly less energy efficient
Fibreglass doors are more complicated + expensive to install than wooden doors.
While it is possible to purchase fibreglass doors with a wood effect, these doors do not have the same superior aesthetic to wood doors.
Wooden doors have a beautiful look and are most definitely a more prestigious option of door.
While fibreglass doors can be treated to have a wood-look grain, there is still a differentiation between the fantastic aesthetic and natural quality of real wood doors.
Browse our range of exterior and interior wood doors at 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.
[IMG: “1-bifoldcost”; accredit: www.canadianhomeimprovements4u.com]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.
[IMG: “2-bifoldcost”; accredit: outdoorlivingdecor]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.
[IMG: “3-bifoldcost”; accredit: www.lacantinadoors.com]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.
[IMG: “4-bifoldcost”; accredit: www.bifold-doors-uk.co.uk]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.
[IMG: “5-bifoldcost”; accredit: www.bifold-doors-uk.co.uk]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).
[IMG: “6-bifoldcost”; accredit: Pinterest] 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. 21st 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)
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.
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
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.
