Bifold doors are an excellent choice for enhancing the flow of natural light and improving the aesthetic appeal of any property. However, when choosing aluminium bifold doors, there are numerous factors to consider, including style, material, and budget.
It is essential to find high-quality bifold doors from a reliable brand.
In this guide:
Read why it is important to choose high-quality bifold doors.
Find how high-quality and low-quality bifold doors compare.
Read how to identify the best-quality bifold doors.
Read the benefits of choosing aluminium over other materials.
Find out what you should consider when choosing aluminium bifolds.
We answer common queries on aluminium bifold doors.
Why is the quality of bifold doors important?
Selecting a high-quality bifold door ensures a range of benefits, including a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Here’s why it matters:
Thermal efficiency: High-quality bifold doors, such as those from top brands like Origin, offer superior thermal efficiency with low U-Values, helping to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reducing energy bills
Security: High-security features, including multi-point locking systems, enhance the safety of your home
Durability: Premium materials ensure longevity and resistance to wear and weather conditions
The difference between high-quality and low-quality doors
Understanding the differences between high-quality and low-quality bifold doors can help you make an informed decision:
Materials: High-quality aluminium bifold doors use prime billets for a smooth, durable finish, whereas low-quality doors may be made from re-melted scrap aluminium, resulting in a less smooth surface
Find out more about the quality of Origin’s aluminium bifold doors.
Powder-coating finish: High-quality doors have a hard-wearing powder coated finish, while lower quality options may have a less durable laminate foil
Read more about the benefits of powder coating here.
Performance: High-quality bifold patio doors generally exceed industry standards for weather resistance and thermal efficiency - they also offer slim profiles and a more aesthetically pleasing sightline
High-quality vs low-quality bi-fold doors by performance and features
| High-quality doors | Low-quality doors |
|---|---|---|
Quality of aluminium used | Uses aluminium made from the highest-grade billets. This keeps its shape and allows for an extremely smooth finish. | Uses aluminium made from metal scraps. This can become pitted during the powder‑coating process, meaning a less smooth finish. |
Powder-coating finish | Extremely hard-wearing. (should come with a product guarantee of around 20-years) | Won't last as long. (may not come with a good guarantee) |
Ability to withstand extreme weather | Will exceed current industry standards. | Will simply meet current industry standards. |
Thermal efficiency (U-Value) | Will exceed the standard set by building regulations (either 1.4 for replacements or 1.6 for new builds). | Will meet the standard set by building regulations. |
Sightlines | Slim sightlines for the widest possible view, without compromising security and strength. | Thin sightlines, but at the cost of security and strength, or can be wider if the aluminium is not as inherently strong. |
Threshold height | A choice of weathered or non-weathered thresholds are available. (They would have been designed to make the doors as weathertight as possible.) | Thresholds advertised as weathertight but still vulnerable to letting in rainwater. |
Components | Will be tested to meet high standards. Handles will be ergonomic and available in a range of styles. | May begin to fail over time. May begin to fail over time. The range of available styles may be limited. |
Security | Many models will exceed PAS 24:2016 testing and, like Origin Doors, be Secured By Design accredited. | Should at least meet the PAS 24 testing, but check that the system does. |
Guarantee | Usually a 10-year guarantee for the whole door system. (Origin offers a guarantee of up to 20-years) | Guarantees vary. Some parts of the door system may be guaranteed for less than 10 years. |
Lead time | Usually six-weeks or less, whereas Origin can deliver doors within 24-hours in some instances. Origin can deliver doors within 24 hours in some instances. | Typically around 6–12 weeks after the order is placed (this doesn’t necessarily mean a low-quality door, but the timescale can be beaten) |
Nowadays, bifold door manufacturers must meet basic standards relating:
security
insulation
glazing
weather performance
quality of materials (e.g. aluminium).
However, many manufacturers try to differentiate themselves from their competitors by going above and beyond these standards to provide a higher-quality product to their customers.
Find out how Origin manufacturers exceptional bifold doors here.
How to identify high-quality doors
When choosing bifold doors, consider the following factors to ensure you select a high-quality product:
Quality of aluminium: Look for doors made from prime billets rather than recycled metal scraps, resulting in a smoother finish and higher durability
Read more about aluminium quality
Powder-coating finish: A high-quality powder-coated finish provides a more resilient and smooth surface compared to lower-quality alternatives
Thermal efficiency (U-Value): Check that the U-Value of the doors meets or exceeds industry standards - lower U-Values indicate better thermal performance and energy efficiency
Read more about bifold door thermal efficiency.
Sightlines: Slim profiles offer a contemporary look and maximise natural light but ensure that the doors do not compromise on security or strength
Weather resistance: High-quality doors are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and provide effective insulation
Why choose aluminium over other options?
Aluminium bifold doors are often preferred over uPVC or timber for several reasons:
Strength and durability: Aluminium offers superior strength, allowing for larger aluminium door panels and slimmer profiles
Low maintenance: Aluminium requires less regular maintenance compared to wooden doors, which may need regular painting or varnishing
Eco-friendly: Aluminium is more recyclable than uPVC, making it a more sustainable choice
Find out more about how aluminium compares to other materials here.
Explore the OB-36+ Contemporary External Door
Our OB-36+ Contemporary External Door is a modern take on a well-loved design, offering impressive sightlines of just 36mm. Already 2025 Future Homes Standard Compliant, it is a great option for futureproofing your home. Offering exceptional thermal performance, our Contemporary External Door is available in U-Values as low as 0.78 W/m²K.
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Find out more about our Contemporary External Door here or contact your local installer today.
Key considerations for bifold doors
Number of panels: Choose based on the size of your opening and your specific needs
Traffic door: A single panel that remains fixed while the others fold can provide convenient access
Low profile: Ensures a sleek, modern appearance
Cleaning tips: Regular cleaning helps maintain the appearance and functionality of your bifold doors
Choosing a bifold door style
Both the Contemporary OB-36+ External Door and the Soho OB-36+ External Door share identical sightlines, technical specifications, and product performance. However, your choice between them depends on your individual design preferences and the overall aesthetic of your home. The Contemporary Bifold Doors provide a fresh interpretation of a timeless design, offering a modern flair. The Soho Bifold Doors, on the other hand, provide an industrial ambiance for your home, delivering a distinctive feel.
Frequently asked questions
Are external bifold doors secure?
External bifold doors are designed with security as a top priority, offering robust protection for your home. High-quality bifold doors, like those from Origin Global, are equipped with advanced locking mechanisms, including multi-point locks and heavy-duty deadbolts, ensuring that the doors are secure at multiple points when closed. Additionally, many bifold doors are constructed from strong materials, such as aluminium, which is naturally resistant to forced entry. The inclusion of toughened or laminated glass further enhances security, making it difficult for intruders to break in. With these features, external bifold doors provide a secure barrier while allowing you to enjoy expansive views and easy access to outdoor spaces.
Why choose aluminium bifold doors?
Aluminium exterior bifold doors offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice for modern homes. Firstly, aluminium is exceptionally strong yet lightweight, allowing for slim profiles that maximise glass area and provide unobstructed views. This strength also means that aluminium bifold doors can support larger panes of glass, creating a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Additionally, aluminium is highly durable and resistant to corrosion, ensuring that your doors remain in excellent condition with minimal maintenance. The material is also highly versatile, available in a wide range of colours and finishes, allowing for customisation to suit any home design. Finally, aluminium is a sustainable material, often made from recycled sources, making it an environmentally friendly option for homeowners.
Which material is best for bifold doors?
The best material for your new doors depends on your specific needs and preferences. Aluminium is often considered the best all-rounder due to its combination of strength, durability, and aesthetic flexibility. It offers a sleek, modern look with minimal framing and maximum glass area, as well as excellent weather resistance and low maintenance requirements. Timber bifold doors provide a traditional, warm appearance and can offer good thermal efficiency, but they require more maintenance to protect against warping and weathering. uPVC is another option, known for its affordability and decent insulation properties, but it generally does not offer the same level of durability or refined appearance as aluminium high-quality bifold doors. For most homeowners, aluminium bifold doors are the best choice, offering a perfect balance of performance, longevity, and style.
Are you looking for a Soho-style bifold door? Explore our Origin Soho External Door
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Our all-new Soho Collection epitomises the pinnacle of luxury and style. With sightlines of just 36mm, the Soho External Door provides extensive glass panels for maximum light and eye-catching aesthetics for any property development. The sought after steel-look seamlessly merges cutting-edge design and ultra-slim sightlines with unparalleled functionality.
Contact your local installer today to bring your vison to life.
