Our Guide to Choosing the Best Bifold Doors in 2024
Be the envy of your street, transform your living space, and enhance your home’s aesthetics with the perfect bifold doors to suit your house's design.
These clever and versatile doors provide an elegant and seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and allow an abundance of natural sunlight that we long for in the UK to flood your home.
We offer both supply-only and fully-fitted bifold doors across the UK; build your bifold door online below (shows online prices too):
Best Bifold Doors UK Overview
- Please read about how we know that investing in high-quality bifold doors is essential for increased longevity, better thermal efficiency, and a visually appealing design.
- We cover how you should consider performance features, configuration & opening options, glazing choices and threshold styles when selecting the best bifold door materials, such as aluminium or timber.
- We know that price is a significant factor. Therefore, cost considerations should include size, material and quality to ensure a worthwhile investment with potential returns of 5-10% for your bi-fold door.
The Importance of Bifold Door Quality
When it comes to bifold doors, you want them to last, so quality truly matters. Making sure and investing in high-quality bifold doors can make all the difference in durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
Unlike traditional sliding doors, high-quality sliding bifold doors offer much more enhanced longevity, slimmer sightlines, better thermal efficiency, and, if you're paying more, usually a more visually appealing design.
On the other hand, choosing low-quality bi-folding doors may lead to decreased performance, such as broken runners, stuck locks, and dropped hinges, on top of reduced energy efficiency and an unappealing look.
Therefore, using a name you have heard means selecting a reputable brand and material, such as aluminium, to ensure long-term satisfaction and a worthwhile investment.
Top 5 Bifold Door Brands to Consider
It can be confusing in your quest for the perfect bifold doors as there are so many different makes and profiles, so it should always be top of your list to explore the wide array of brands available in the market.
Each of the best bifold door brands offers a unique blend of styles, materials, and features, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Some of the top bifold door brands in the UK include Express XP88, Alutech, Sieger Systems, Origin, Schuco, and Centor.
By researching and comparing these brands, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your requirements and design preferences.
Alunet (Alutech) bifold door profile
First on our shortlist is the Alunet bifold door profile, which offers an impressive combination of design possibilities and performance characteristics.
Alunet external bifold doors feature two to fourteen folding panels, pesky burglar-resistant hardware, and a consistent appearance.
These exterior bifold doors are available in various colours, finishes, and sizes, allowing for customisation to suit any space.
Alunet bi-folds offer market-leading sash sizes of 1200mm x 3000mm whilst integrating a sleek look with their minimal sight lines of only 107mm.
These highly energy-efficient bi-folds are compliant with PAS24:2022 for security and offer glazing thickness up to 44mm.
If you are wondering what PAS 24 is, it is a security standard that bifold doors must meet, meaning these bi-folding doors are highly secure.
They boast U-values as low as 1.4 U W/m2K, aligning with Door Energy Rated (DER) B to meet Part L requirements.
- Weatherproof tested to BS6375 Part 1: 2009
- Aluminium frame depth of 73mm
- Internal and external single or dual colours are available. Factory powder coated to marine quality as per Qualicoat regulations.
- Up to 120kg per door leaf, allowing for large multi-panel configurations and openings
- Engineered for energy efficiency, durability, and security,
- Alunet bifold doors also come with a 10-year warranty
If you're looking for quality, then if you buy Alunet, you are ensuring long-lasting performance and that all-important peace of mind.
Read our Alunet bifold doors review to see why they are some of the best on the market.
Express XP88 bifold doors
Our second choice for aluminium bifold doors is the Express XP88 bifold system.
Even with its extra slim 88mm sightline, this ultra-robust aluminium bifold door system guarantees reliability and impressive performance for its lifespan.
The Express XP88 system offers substantial construction possibilities even with a sash height of up to a whopping 2.8m.
- Six-point locking on the primary master door
- Four-point locking system on other panels
- Ultra slim sightlines of 88mm
- Surpasses all requirements of document L & Part Q
- Perfect for residential UK properties
- Barely visible magnetic panel catch
- Typical U value 1.3 W/m2k with 1.0 W/m2k glazing.
- Additional high insulation options to lower U values, too
- Class 8A Water tightness
- Wind load resistance Class C2/B2
- Air permeability Class 3
With a 10-year warranty and a possible lead time of just two weeks, the Express XP88 bifold doors are an excellent alternative to traditional French doors, ensuring peace of mind and timely installation.
To find out more about the different models of Express bi-folds and what makes them so good, see our Express Bifold Doors review.
Sieger systems bifold doors
Sieger Systems bifold doors are ideal for those seeking innovative design and exceptional performance.
These doors feature slim sightlines of just 30mm, the capacity to hold up to 14 sashes, and the possibility of triple glazing.
Sieger Systems bifold doors create a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, allowing ample natural light to enter your home.
To experience the genuine wood-effect aesthetic of Sieger bi-folding doors, visit the Sky House Design Centre in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, where full-sized installations can be viewed by appointment.
Origin Bifold Doors
Origin Bifold Doors is a famous bifold door company known for its aluminium doors.
Accessible through a reputable nationwide dealer network, Origin offers high-quality doors with various customisation options.
These include slim 110mm sightlines, handles, running gear, and superior woodgrain finishes.
The brand’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its 20-year warranty period for its bifold doors.
With a focus on aesthetics, security, and performance, Origin Bifold Doors is a brand worth considering when selecting the perfect doors for your home.
Schuco Bifold Doors
Schuco Bifold Doors are another excellent option, renowned for their German engineering, slim sightlines, and high-end handles.
These doors boast modern lines, luxurious door handles, and impressive craftsmanship, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Available in various models, such as the Schuco ASS70 FD HD and the ASFD75, Schuco bifold doors cater to different preferences and requirements.
With a reputation for excellence among glazing professionals, Schuco Bifold Doors is a reliable and stylish choice for your home.
Centor Bifold Doors
If you’re looking for a luxurious and exclusive option, look no further than Centor bifold doors, which we believe are an excellent choice.
These seductive bifold doors are known for their unique manufacturing process and distinct aesthetic.
They offer a symmetrical design, concealed hardware, and built-in insect screens and shades for complete control of privacy and sunlight.
Although Centor bifold doors come with a far higher price tag than the others, their impeccable quality and appearance make them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium bifold door solution.
Best bifold doors Materials:
When selecting the best bifold doors for your home, one significant factor to consider is the various materials available, which also affect the cost.
There are 4 main types of materials used for bifold doors in the UK: aluminium, timber, composite, and uPVC, each offering advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, aluminium bifold doors are known for their durability and lightweight construction, while timber doors offer classic aesthetic and sound-dampening properties (if you can be bothered to look after them)
A more recent addition to the collections, composite bifold doors combine the benefits of multiple materials, resulting in improved thermal efficiency and durability.
In contrast, uPVC doors provide affordability and low-maintenance properties.
By understanding the pros and cons of each bifold door material, you can make a well-informed decision that suits your home's needs, sizes, configurations and preferences.
Aluminium bifold doors
We firmly believe that aluminium bifold doors are the best type of aluminium door and are highly regarded for their durability, lightweight construction, and slim profiles. We sell them online here at Value Doors.
These doors are, therefore, made from a robust material that is resistant to corrosion and rust and requires minimal maintenance and looking after, making them an ideal choice for long-lasting performance.
Our aluminium bifold doors also come in a selection of colours and finishes, allowing you to customise the appearance of your doors to suit your home’s design and style.
Low u-value means excellent thermal efficiency and a sleek, modern look.
Composite bifold doors
One of the latest materials used is composite bifold doors, an innovative option that combines the advantages of multiple materials for improved thermal efficiency and durability.
These highly engineered timber-clad aluminium doors offer a hardwearing exterior frame, providing strength and longevity.
In addition to all this, composite bifold doors also feature versatile design options, allowing for customisation to suit your specific preferences and requirements.
Composite bifold doors combine the benefits of aluminium and timber materials to provide an energy-efficient and visually appealing door solution.
Timber bifold doors
Wooden bifold doors offer a classic, warm aesthetic that appeals to many homeowners. However, unless you are required by building regulations or love the authentic look, we think these doors are too much hassle.
These doors are constructed primarily from wood, which provides excellent sound-dampening properties and a visually pleasing appearance.
However, suppose you have ever had any dealings with wood.
If so, you will know that timber bifold doors require more maintenance than other materials, as they must be routinely treated and painted or stained to protect them from the elements.
Despite the maintenance requirements, timber bifold doors remain popular for those seeking a traditional and cosy feel for their home.
uPVC bifold doors
The most popular choice in the UK for anyone on a budget, uPVC bifold doors are an affordable and low-maintenance option for homeowners seeking a practical door solution, such as patio doors.
Constructed from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride ( or uPVC as it's better known), these doors are sturdier than timber and offer better sound insulation.
From experience, we've learned that uPVC bifold doors, while often cheaper, lack strength and durability. They're more suitable for budget-conscious homeowners willing to compromise on longevity and stability.
With their cost-effectiveness and low maintenance, uPVC bifold doors can be attractive for those seeking a simple and functional door solution.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bifold Doors
Hopefully, our thoughts and outlook from our expertise have helped you decide on the best bifold doors.
But that's not all.
Choosing the perfect bifold doors from us here at Value Doors involves considering critical factors such as performance features, configuration and opening options, glazing choices, and threshold styles.
Evaluate and ensure you're fully aware of different bifold door options' thermal efficiency, security, and weather resistance. This ensures the doors meet industry standards and deliver the desired performance level.
Additionally, exploring different configurations, opening styles, and glazing and threshold options will help you choose a door that best suits your space and needs.
We hope that our insights into each of these factors will guide you in making a well-informed decision and ultimately enhance your home’s overall appearance and functionality.
Performance Features and Standards
When selecting high-quality bifold doors from Value Doors, you'll be glad to know we consider all the following.
We know it’s essential to consider performance features and industry standards such as thermal efficiency (measured in U-values), high-level security, and if they are external bifolds, weather resistance.
The thermal efficiency of bifold doors is measured using U-Values, which indicate the amount of heat lost through the door material.
Look for doors that meet or exceed the industry standard for thermal efficiency, as this can result in better energy efficiency and lower heating costs.
Additionally, ensure that the doors have passed security tests such as PAS 24: 2016 and meet the Secured by Design standard for enhanced protection against break-ins.
By prioritizing these performance features and standards, you can invest in bifold doors that provide long-lasting performance and peace of mind.
Configuration and Opening Options
In, out shake it all about.
Depending on where the aperture is and what is inside or outside, multi-panel bifold doors are available in several configurations and opening options, allowing you to tailor the bifold door to your specific needs.
Some typical configurations we come across with our customers include straight-line systems, corner systems with a traffic door, and doors with all panels sliding to one side or folding on both sides.
Choosing the correct configuration for your space is essential when installing bifold doors.
When selecting the best configuration and opening option, consider the available space inside and out, desired functionality, and aesthetic appeal of the door.
By weighing up and exploring various configurations and opening styles, you can quickly and cost-effectively create a seamless and functional transition between your indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Glazing Choices
Glazing is another essential factor to consider when selecting bifold doors. Various glazing options include double-glazed, laminated, and low-E-coated glass.
Additionally, glass can be clear, frosted, or tinted, depending on your preferences and requirements.
Triple glazing offers lower U values than double glazing, which can result in better thermal efficiency, but may not be necessary for all homeowners ( and is usually far more expensive).
Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of different glazing options helps you choose the best fit for your home's energy efficiency needs and aesthetic preferences, helping to keep bills down.
Threshold Styles
Our different threshold styles play a far more critical role in your bifold doors' overall appearance and functionality.
Various types of thresholds are available, such as ‘non-weathered’ and ‘weathered’.
Weathered thresholds feature a small lip on one edge, providing a weathertight seal, while non-weathered thresholds offer a more flush appearance, often looking better on more modern properties.
When selecting a threshold style to suit your home, consider accessibility, weather resistance, aesthetics, and your specific needs and preferences.
By carefully considering your threshold options from our range, you can achieve the perfect balance between form and function for your bifold doors.
Installation and Fitting Tips
To ensure the best performance and longevity of your bifold doors, it’s essential to find a reputable installer and follow proper maintenance and cleaning practices.
A trustworthy, reliable, accredited and experienced installer will guarantee a smooth and successful installation process.
At the same time, regular maintenance and cleaning will help prolong the lifespan of your doors and prevent potential issues.
All our fitters here at Value Doors are vetted and have tons of experience.
By taking the time to research and select the correct installer and adhering to regular maintenance guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of your bifold doors for many years to come.
Finding a Reputable Installer
When choosing a bifold door installer, it is just as important to find a trustworthy and experienced professional who can ensure a smooth and successful installation as it is to find the best bi-folds.
To identify a reputable door fitter or installer such as Value Doors, consider factors such as accreditations, a portfolio of successful projects, and customer reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot.
Additionally, look for installers familiar with the specific brand and product you’ve chosen, as this can ensure that the installation is performed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
By carefully selecting a reliable installer, you can have confidence in the quality and safety of your bifold doors.
Value Doors can provide supply-only and fully fitted bifolding doors with UK-wide coverage.
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Smooth sliding bifold doors are so satisfying; therefore, to maintain the appearance and performance of your bifold doors, it’s essential to carry out regular checks, maintenance and cleaning.
To maintain that fresh door feeling, clean the seals and tracks regularly to prevent dirt buildup. Lubricate the hinges and handles with silicone spray or grease, wiping away any excess with a non-abrasive cloth.
It’s also recommended by our experts to fully open the doors at least once a month to ensure that all moving parts are adequately lubricated.
By following our maintenance and cleaning tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your bifold doors and prevent potential issues that may arise from neglect.
Cost Considerations
The cost of bifold doors can vary greatly depending on size, material, and quality.
Understanding what is included in the cost of a bifold door and fitting can help you make a well-informed decision when selecting the perfect new doors for your home.
Investing in high-quality bifold doors costs more but can result in long-term benefits, such as increased energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics.
By considering the factors influencing the cost of bifold doors, you can find the ideal balance between budget and quality, ensuring a worthwhile investment for your home.
Price Ranges and Factors
Bifold doors are available in a broad price range, with bifold doors cost influenced by factors such as brand, material, size, and installation.
Prices can start from over £1000 for the most economical or budget models such as uPVC, reaching up to £6000 or more for high-end, luxurious brands in composite or aluminium.
When comparing prices, consider specific features such as the number of panels, materials like aluminium, and the build quality of each door.
These factors can significantly impact the overall value and performance of your home improvement investment.
If you choose to have heritage heritage style astragal bars, then you will be adding cost with every bar. They usually work out around £50 per bar, so if you like the heritage look, you should expect to pay more.
You can select bi-fold doors that provide the best value for your budget and requirements by understanding the various price ranges and factors, such as multi-panel configurations.
Return on Investment
Investing in bifold doors can provide a significant return on investment, potentially increasing your property’s sale value by approximately 5-10%.
Factors such as the quality of the doors, materials used, configuration and opening options, glazing choices, and threshold styles can all impact the return on investment.
By carefully considering these factors and choosing high-quality bifold doors, you can boost your home's overall value.
Enjoy the long-term benefits of improved energy efficiency, lower utility bills, durability, and aesthetics.
Summary
In conclusion, selecting the perfect bifold doors for your home involves considering various factors, including quality, brand, materials, performance features, configuration options, glazing choices, and threshold styles.
Using our research from our experts at Value Doors and comparing the best bifold door brands and options, you can make a well-informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.
Don’t forget the importance of finding a reputable installer and maintaining your bifold doors properly to ensure their long-lasting performance and appearance.
With the best bifold doors for your home, you can transform your living space, enhance your home’s aesthetics, and enjoy a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bifold doors worth the money?
Bifold doors offer a range of benefits, from increased natural light and airflow to potential added home value.
Thus, bifold doors are undoubtedly worth the money.
What is the difference between uPVC and aluminium bifold doors?
uPVC bi-folds are cheaper than aluminium bi-folds but have a shorter lifespan of 20-30 years compared to 45 years for aluminium.
Aluminium is better than uPVC for bifold doors as they are far more robust and have longer-lasting options.
Which materials are commonly used for bifold doors?
Bifold doors are most commonly constructed with aluminium, timber, composite, or uPVC.
These materials are chosen for their durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. They are also easy to maintain and can be customised to fit any space.
What factors should I consider when choosing the configuration and opening option for my bifold doors?
When choosing the configuration and opening option for your bifold doors, consider available space, desired functionality, and desired aesthetics.
How can I find a reputable installer for my bifold doors?
You'll be glad to know we are registered with FENSA here at Value Doors, as well as the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) of which you can view our profile here on the GGF website.
We can provide aluminium bifold doors supply only or fully fitted across the UK within a few weeks.
Get a price online below now:
