Perhaps you want a set of doors leading to your patio, but you aren’t sure of your options. Aluminium bifold patio doors are a great option for utilising natural light and bringing the outside in, providing the best views when they are fully open. They perfectly complement modern homes, providing a minimalistic, sleek aesthetic. However, how do you know whether bifolding doors are right for your home?
Here, we explain why you might consider choosing bifold doors over other types of doors, and what to consider when buying the best bifold doors.
In this guide:
Find out how much you can expect to pay for an external bifold door.
- What to consider when buying bifold patio doors
- Choosing your material
- Choosing your configuration
- Choosing your glazing
- Choosing your threshold
We answer common queries on aluminium bifold doors.
How much do bifold doors cost?
Though you might have an idea what type of door you prefer, how much you can afford to pay will likely play a big part in your decision. Factors such as sizes, configuration options and materials chosen can influence how much a bifold door will cost. For example, aluminium bifold doors are often more expensive than uPVC bifold doors due to their increased quality and durability.
Read how aluminium bifold doors compare to other materials here.
How do bifold doors compare with sliding doors and French doors?
Comparing by view
| Bi-fold Doors | Sliding Doors | French Doors |
|---|---|---|
A bi-fold door can replace an entire wall in your home, offering wider outdoor views When folded back, bi-fold doors open up your house for a full and uninterrupted view outdoors. | When closed, sliding doors offer a wider view due to slimmer sightlines and large expanses of glass. With a sliding door, one door will always be visible, meaning the view is always slightly interrupted. | Views are not as wide or feature as much glass as sliding or bi-folding doors, but they still offer a much better view than a single door or windows. Similar view to sliding doors when closed but offers the best view when opened. |
Comparing by cost
| Bi-fold Doors | Sliding Doors | French Doors |
|---|---|---|
Price varies according to the quantity of door leaves required and the size of the aperture | The price will vary depending on the configuration you choose and the size of the aperture | Most affordable option as much smaller than bi-fold or sliding doors |
Comparing by property suitability
| Bi-fold Doors | Sliding Doors | French Doors |
|---|---|---|
Often associated with contemporary properties, but used increasingly in traditional homes Will fit into a wide opening | Can be powder coated to offer a variation of styles. Offer an excellent widescreen view. | Best suited to older-style properties More suitable for a smaller opening |
Comparing by configuration
| Bi-fold Doors | Sliding Doors | French Doors |
|---|---|---|
Very flexible in terms of possible configurations | Double or triple track configuration | Normal configuration involves two doors hung to open outwards or inwards |
Comparing by threshold
| Bi-fold Doors | Sliding Doors | French Doors |
|---|---|---|
Offers a level threshold option, allowing the inside and outside to be on the same level | Track can be recessed into the floor for a flush finish to remove the trip hazard between the inside and outside | Can achieve a level threshold, producing a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. |
Read our full guide to French doors vs bifold doors and sliding doors.
Shop our aluminium bifold doors today.
What do I need to decide when buying aluminium bifold patio doors?
Choosing your bifold door material
Most Aluminium bifold patio doors are made of aluminium, uPVC or timber. However, each material has its pros and cons. Aluminium bifold doors are known for being extremely strong and energy efficient. Their slimline frames provide the most expansive views and come in a wide range of colours and finishes. They do, however, cost more than uPVC doors. Read more about the benefits of aluminium bifold doors here.
uPVC is the cheapest material for aluminium bifold patio doors, beating other materials in terms of cost. However, it can’t really compete with aluminium or timber when it comes to durability, strength and maximum panel sizes. Additionally, doors in uPVC are more susceptible to weather damage. Read our full guide to uPVC vs aluminium.
Timber bifold patio doors are strong and provide good insulation. However, they do need a lot of maintenance, particularly solid wooden doors, and in terms of price, they are often on the higher end.
Read our comparison of popular bifold door materials here.
How do you choose the perfect bifold door configuration?
Bifold patio doors come in a wide range of configurations, so you have plenty of choices of bifold door options when customising your doors to your taste.
Say you choose a 6-door set. You could have:
- three doors folding in each direction
- all six doors folding in one direction
- one door in one direction and the other five doors folding in the other direction
You can also decide whether the doors:
- fold to the left or right
- open inward or outward
Choosing your threshold
With bifold doors, you typically have a choice of two thresholds:
- Non-weathered threshold—when the track is almost completely flush to the floor
- Weathered threshold—has a small lip on one edge of the track, and the seal on the bottom of the door pushes against the lip to make the doors weathertight
Read more about bifold door thresholds and drainage.
Choosing colours and finishes
Aluminium bifold doors come in a multitude of colours, with black, dark grey and white being particularly popular. Black is a classic, stylish colour that works alongside a wide range of colour schemes, while the neutral white provides lightness and calm where darker colours are unable.
Many door manufacturers - Origin included—use the industry-standard RAL colour chart, which is made up of over 150 different shades and tones.
See the RAL range—including wood-grain shades—in our bi-fold doors colour guide.
Read our guide to popular aluminium bifold colours here.
Read how Origin Soho Bifold Doors created a modern contrast to this annex’s countryside surroundings.
Our Soho Bifold Doors are perfect for urban, modern homes and will provide an industrial feel to any property. To ensure a consistent style in your home, you can also choose our Soho Windows. Find out more by requesting a brochure, or contact your local installer.
Frequently asked questions
Are bifold patio doors warm?
High-quality aluminum bifold doors have a thermal break; a component that enables them to keep heat in and cold air out. Many aluminium bifolds are also available in double or triple glazing. Read our guide to aluminium bifold door thermal efficiency.
The door industry measures thermal efficiency using something called a U-Value, which is the amount of heat lost per square metre of material. The lower the U-Value the better. Read more about U-Values here.
Is it easy to replace existing patio doors with bifold patio doors?
If you’re replacing sliding patio doors with aluminium bifold patio doors, you’ll be using the aperture (door opening) you already have, rather than creating a new one to match the new doors’ dimensions exactly.
Installing a bifold door will allow you to fill the existing aperture with doors that will fold and slide out of the way to give you that beautiful, wide view of your outdoor space.
Are bifold doors secure?
Bifold doors can be highly secure when designed with robust locks and strong frames. Look for doors with multi-point locking systems, toughened glass, and anti-lift tracks. Many modern aluminium bifold doors meet stringent British security standards, such as PAS 24 certification, giving you peace of mind. Find out more about bifold door security.
What is the best material for bifold doors?
Aluminium is a popular choice for bifold doors due to its exceptional strength, which allows for slim frames and larger glass panels without compromising durability. It’s low-maintenance, resistant to warping or rust, and highly customisable with a range of finishes and colours. Modern aluminium bifold doors are energy-efficient, incorporating thermal breaks for excellent insulation, and eco-friendly, as aluminium is 100% recyclable. Additionally, its robust nature enhances security, making aluminium a stylish, practical, and sustainable choice for any home.
Related Content
How to identify high-quality bi-fold doors
A full guide to aluminium bi-fold doors
Utilising natural light with aluminium sliding doors
