Are bifold doors the right choice for your home? These patio door experts reveal what all homeowners should consider before installing them

Bifold doors are a popular choice for homeowners wanting to improve the connection with, and view of, their garden, while adding some wow-factor to their indoor space.

But choosing the right patio doors for your home can be a big decision, and you'll need to weigh up the pros and cons between bifold and sliding doors, and consider French doors too before you make your final choice.

Here, we are diving deep into the world of bifold doors to explain how they work, how much they'll cost, and reveal what the experts say you should consider before you buy. We'll also look at the pros and cons to help you decide if bifold doors are the best fit for you home.

What are bifold doors and how do they work?

Bifold doors (or folding sliding doors as they are sometimes known) are a type of patio door that is comprised of multiple door panels. As they open, the panels fold up in a concertina fashion and stack to one side, leaving the space fully open to the garden.

The doors move along a track which ensures smooth operation and you can opt for top hung or bottom rolling systems. Top hung systems conceal the operating mechanism in the head of the frame, but you'll need to have a strong enough lintel in place to support the weight of the doors. Bottom rolling systems hold the weight of the bifold doors at the base and can be easier to install, but you may find that leaves and other debris can accumulate in the track, which if not cleared out, can affect the operation of the doors.

Are bifold doors a good idea?

Before settling on bifolds as your patio door of choice, you need to consider the pros and cons. If you are after uninterrupted views of your garden when the doors are closed, then its possible that sliding doors would be a better choice, as they incorporate fewer frames and larger swathes of glass.

But if you want to completely open the doors up to your garden to create the ultimate indoor outdoor space, then bifold doors could be ideal.

Pros of bifold doors

• Great for creating inside out spaces as the doors can be completely opened up
• Can help bring more natural light into your home, which can be beneficial for your physical and mental health
• Level thresholds are possible which can help with accessibility
• Range of materials and configurations available
• Suitable for small and large openings
• Can include a master door if you need to nip out to the garden but don't want to open the doors all the way

Cons of bifold doors

• Bifolds have more frames between each door panel compared to sliding doors, which may impact views and light ingress
• You'll need space to stack them to one side when open
• They might need a little maintenance to ensure smooth operation
• Level thresholds might not be as weathertight as weathered thresholds

How much do bifold doors cost?

How much you pay for bifold doors will depend on a few factors including material, size, and specification. Make sure you consider more than the initial price too — uPVC might be cheaper upfront but may not last as long as aluminium. If you opt for wood frames, you may have to factor in some ongoing maintenance costs to keep them looking and working their best.

Ian Richardson, owner of GFD Homes, says: 'For a standard 3-panel aluminium bifold door, prices typically start from around £1,5000 to £2,000, while larger installations or premium finishes can push costs up to £5,000 or more. uPVC bifold doors offer a more budget-friendly option, starting at around £1,500, but they may not have the same durability and aesthetic appeal as aluminium or timber.'

Matt Shaw, Technical Director at Express Doors Direct, adds: Simple, standard models won’t break the bank, but if you’re after a truly show-stopping, custom creation, prepare to invest a bit more.

'It’s also worth remembering that while bifolds are typically more expensive than standard doors, they can often end up paying for themselves. They can add a huge amount of kerb appeal to your home, which can add to its desirability and even help increase the value of your house if you plan to sell up in the not too distant future.'

What should you consider when choosing bifold doors?

To choose the right bifold doors for your home, there are a few decisions you'll need to make in terms of materials, glass and configuration.

Matt goes on to say: 'Think about how your new doors will blend with your home’s overall look and function. Whether you're after a modern, minimal vibe or something more traditional, make sure the doors complement your vision and meet your practical needs, especially if you’re opening up a whole wall. Will they compromise privacy? Which way do I want the doors to open? How many panels can the space comfortably accommodate? Think about how you’ll transition from indoors to outdoors and vice versa.'

Frame material

The most popular frame material options for bifold doors are uPVC, timber and aluminium, and each has their pros and cons.

Ian explains: 'Aluminium is the most popular choice for bifold doors due to its strength, slimline frames, and low-maintenance properties. Unlike timber, it won’t warp or expand with temperature changes, and it offers excellent thermal efficiency when paired with high-performance glazing. Timber bifold doors provide a natural, classic aesthetic but require more upkeep, while uPVC is a cost-effective option, though it tends to have thicker frames that reduce the glass area.'

You could also choose a composite frame, which has aluminium externally and timber internally, which will give you an ideal combination of character and performance.

Whatever you choose, make sure they come with a decent guarantee of at least 10 years.

Glazing

Your first glazing choice when choosing bifold doors will be around whether you need double or triple glazing. Triple glazing is significantly more expensive, and unless you are trying to achieve Passivhaus standards of energy efficiency, you probably don't need it if you live in the UK. But do chat with your supplier about your specific requirements so you choose the right glazing for your home.

You supplier will also be able to talk you through all the coatings and tints that are available.

Size and configuration

The dimensions of your opening will determine the number of doors – try to go for as few as possible. Fewer doors with more glass means fewer frames interrupting the views of your garden.

Matt explains: 'Size matters and bifold doors are wonderfully versatile. Typically, they’re available in openings from around 6 to 12 feet wide (that’s about 1.8 to 3.6 metres), which works brilliantly for most homes.

'But if you’ve got grand visions for a palace-like entrance or a wide-open conservatory, bespoke options mean your doors can be as expansive as you need them to be - just be sure the hardware and supporting structure is up to the task!'

Depending on your budget, you might want your bifolds to just open up along one wall, but you could also opt for two sets of bifolds than meet in a corner to really open up your space to the garden. Alternatively, combining your bifolds with a picture window on another wall can create a spectacular space.

Ensuring there is an outward opening master door in the configuration can also be incredibly handy if you regularly need access to your garden.

Security

As with any doors and windows, security is rightly a primary concern. Matt says: 'Your new doors should not only look brilliant but should also stand up against any unwanted visitors. For the ultimate in security, look for bifold doors that are Part Q compliant with sturdy multipoint locking systems that meet PAS24 standards. Whichever supplier you choose, ask to see the Part Q certificate for those doors advertised as such, because quality hardware and locks can be the difference between someone gaining unauthorised access to your home or not.'

Thresholds

For many homeowners, a flush or non-weathered threshold for their bifold doors is hugely desirable for creating a seamless indoor outdoor space. But while it creates a level, trip-free surface, you may find that water can seep through.

By choosing a weathered threshold that has a small lip (usually around 14mm) instead, you can ensure your doors are watertight, without to much compromise on looks. Ensure the doors also pass the weathertightness test (BS 6375 Part 1).

FAQs

Do I need planning permission to install bifold doors?

In most cases, installing bifold doors falls under Permitted Development (PD), which means you don't need to apply for planning permission. But this may not be the case if you live in a designated zone, like a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a National Park.

If you live in a listed building, there might be alternative consents that you need to obtain.

Always check with your local authority to make sure you have the necessary permissions in place before you start work, as in some cases your PD rights might have been restricted or removed altogether.

Even if you don't need planning permission, you will need to adhere to the Building Regulations requirements.

Can I add blinds to bifold doors?

Privacy, light control and temperature regulation can be important considerations when choosing bifold doors. And that's where suitable window dressings come in.

Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys, says: 'When considering bifold doors for your home, it's essential to think about the right window dressings to complement them. Properly selected blinds not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in regulating indoor temperatures.'

Make sure you opt for something sleek and unobtrusive so they don't get in the way of your garden views. You should also check that your choice of blinds is suitable for the frame material you choose for your doors.

If you want a hassle free option, then smart electric blinds could be worth considering. Yvonne adds: 'They tuck up out of the way, maintaining the sleek look of your doors, and not obstructing views into the outdoors. They can be programmed to open and close simultaneously at set times of the day, saving time in your mornings and evenings!'

Can I install bifold doors myself?

While you might be capable of fitting bifold doors yourself, we do advise you get a professional to take care of the installation for you.

Depending on where you buy your doors from, installation may be included as part of the price, and they will have experienced installers who are trained to install the mechanisms and door panels to ensure it's done properly.

Matt Shaw explains: 'A proper, professional installation is key to smooth operation, longevity, energy efficiency and even security. Poor installation can void the warranty of your doors, so it’s important to find a fitter that’s familiar with bifold doors and competent in their skills. Reputable fitters will often guarantee their work too, if they aren’t willing to do this, look elsewhere.'

Will bifold doors make the room feel cold?

Large glass expanses can feel chilly compared to a solid wall so decent thermal performance is crucial, as Matt Shaw explains: 'Look for bifold doors with excellent insulation properties and Part L compliance, such as thermally broken frames and glazing with low U values, as this will help maintain a cosy home and keep your energy bills in check.'

To comply with Part L of the Building Regulations, bifold doors must have a maximum U value of 1.8W/(m2k) for replacements, or 2.0W/(m2k) in new builds and extensions. But there’s nothing to stop you aiming lower – some suppliers bifold doors achieve lower U values as standard, and triple glazed doors could go as low as 1.3W.

If you are adding bifold doors, you'll want to make sure your outside space is looking its best. Try these patio ideas to create an attractive outdoor space to enjoy.