Last Updated on 5 February 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Bifold Door Doors: What options are available?
Bifold door doors come in 2 to 7-pane configurations with durable aluminium options like Korniche, Smart Visofold, and Smart Heritage.
Thinking about upgrading your home with bifold doors? You’re in the right place. Bifold doors are a stylish, practical, and increasingly popular choice for homeowners who want to blend their indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. But with so many options available, it’s important to make an informed decision.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about bifold door doors, from material choices to configurations, security features, and energy efficiency.
What You’ll Learn in This Article..
- What are bifold doors?
- The different types of bifold doors available
- Bifold door configurations
- How bifold doors compare to other patio door options
- Installation & costs
- FAQs
What Are Bifold Doors?
Bifold doors are a set of glass panels that fold neatly to one or both sides, creating an open and airy space. Whether you’re opening up a kitchen to a patio or enhancing a garden room, bifold doors maximise light and space while offering practical functionality.
Unlike traditional sliding doors, bifold doors allow for almost the entire opening to be utilised, creating an uninterrupted transition between indoors and outdoors.
Types of Bifold Doors: What Are Your Options?
At GFD Homes, we offer a range of high-quality aluminium bifold doors, and for good reason—aluminium is stronger, more durable, and resistant to warping, making it the perfect material for long-lasting, low-maintenance doors. Here are our top choices:
1. Korniche Aluminium Bifold Doors
- Ultra-slim sightlines for maximum glass area
- PAS 24:2016 security standard
- Smooth glide operation with high-performance rollers
- Thermally broken frames for superior insulation
2. Smart Visofold Bifold Doors
- Available in multiple configurations with slim profiles
- Highly secure multi-point locking systems
- Can be customised with dual colour options
3. Smart Heritage Bifold Doors
- Ideal for period properties or those seeking an industrial-style look
- Offers traditional steel-like aesthetics with modern energy efficiency
Each of these options is designed to meet different aesthetic and functional needs, whether you’re looking for modern minimalism, heritage charm, or high-performance insulation.
Bifold Door Configurations: Finding the Perfect Fit
Bifold doors come in a range of configurations to suit your space and style. Here’s a breakdown of the most common setups:
2-Pane Bifold Doors
A simple, standard option perfect for smaller spaces like garden rooms or utility areas. This configuration offers a clean look and easy access, ideal when space is limited.
3-Pane Bifold Doors
A popular choice for medium-sized openings, providing a wider aperture while maintaining flexibility. Great for kitchens and dining areas looking to open up to the garden.
4 to 7-Pane Bifold Doors
For larger spaces, you can opt for 4, 5, 6, or even 7-pane configurations. These are perfect for creating dramatic, wide-open transitions between indoor and outdoor living areas.
Traffic Doors
Many configurations come with the option to have a traffic door—a standard hinged door within the bifold system. This allows easy everyday access without needing to fold the entire set, offering both convenience and functionality.
With configurations up to 7 panes, you can customise your bifold doors to perfectly match the layout and size of your space.
Bifold Doors vs. Other Patio Door Options
Bifold Doors vs. French Doors
French doors are a classic option, but they are limited in terms of opening width. While bifold doors allow for an expansive opening, French doors only open at the centre, restricting airflow and space.
Bifold Doors vs. Sliding Doors
Sliding doors offer large glass panels but don’t fully open like bifold doors. If you want a completely open space without a fixed glass panel, bifold doors are the better option.
Key Considerations When Choosing Bifold Doors
1. Material & Frame Type
We only sell aluminium bifold doors because of their unmatched strength, durability, and sleek, slim sightlines. Unlike timber or uPVC, aluminium doesn’t warp, expand, or require extensive maintenance, making it ideal for UK weather conditions.
2. Security Features
Look for features like:
- Multi-point locking systems
- High-security Yale 3-star locks
- Anti-lift security mechanisms
- PAS 24:2016 certification
3. Energy Efficiency
With modern polyamide thermal breaks and double-glazed units, aluminium bifold doors can achieve U-values as low as 1.5 W/m²K, ensuring excellent heat retention.
4. Configurations and Traffic Doors
Bifold doors can be configured with multiple panels, typically ranging from 2-door bifold patio doors to large multi-panel designs. A traffic door—a single operable door within the bifold system—offers easy access without needing to fold the entire set.
Installation & Cost Considerations
DIY vs. Professional Installation
While some homeowners opt for DIY installation, professional bifold fitting is recommended to ensure perfect alignment, security, and insulation.
Average Cost of Bifold Doors
Pricing depends on size, material, and configuration. Aluminium bifold doors typically start from around £1,500 for a small set and can go up significantly for larger, custom designs.
Enhance Your Space with Stunning Bifold Doors Today
Bifold doors are more than just a way to access your garden—they’re a lifestyle upgrade. With their sleek design, superior materials, and versatile configurations, bifold doors create a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces, filling your home with natural light and fresh air.
At GFD Homes, we’re proud to offer some of the best aluminium bifold doors on the market, ensuring your investment stands the test of time in both performance and style. Whether you’re renovating, extending, or building new, there’s a perfect bifold door solution waiting for you.
For more information, feel free to contact us on 01642 309576 or browse our website.
FAQs about Bifold Door Doors
Are French doors cheaper than bifold doors?
Yes, French doors tend to be more affordable upfront due to their simpler design. However, bifold door doors offer greater functionality, more glass area, and better long-term value in terms of energy efficiency and aesthetics.
Do bifold doors make a room cold?
Not with the right insulation! High-quality bifold doors feature thermally broken frames and double glazing to keep heat in and cold out. Look for doors with low U-values for the best insulation.
How much heat is lost through bifold doors?
The amount of heat loss depends on the glazing and frame quality. Modern bifold doors can achieve excellent energy efficiency ratings, reducing heat loss compared to older models.
Should bifolds open in or out?
It depends on your space. Outward-opening bifold door doors save interior space, while inward-opening doors may be better for properties with limited outdoor areas.
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