Folding Doors: Are They Worth the Hype?

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Last Updated on 25 March 2025 by Tia Ellahi

Folding Doors: How much are they?

Folding doors typically start from around £1,400–£1,800 for a basic 2-panel aluminium set, but the final price depends on size, configuration, glass, and finish choices.

Let’s be honest — folding doors are everywhere. Home improvement shows love them, Pinterest is filled with them, and every second kitchen-diner seems to be opening out onto a garden through one. But are folding doors actually worth the hype? Or is it just another trend with a big price tag?

Let’s break it down — no fluff, just honest, expert advice to help you decide.

What We’ll Cover:

What is a Folding Door, Really?

A folding door, more commonly known as a bifold door, is made up of multiple glazed panels that fold neatly back against each other, opening up a full wall of your home. When closed, they look like large windows. When open, they blur the line between indoors and out.

They’re available in a wide range of configurations, sizes, and styles — from ultra-slim, contemporary frames to internal folding doors with industrial-style charm.

Are Folding Doors Expensive — and What Are You Actually Paying For?

Let’s be honest — folding doors aren’t the cheapest option on the market. But they’re also not just doors. When you invest in a high-quality aluminium folding door, you’re getting more than a way to open up a wall — you’re transforming the way you use your home.

The cost can vary depending on factors like the number of panels, size, glass specification, colour choice, and whether you go supply-only or include installation. But what you’re really paying for is:

  • Exceptional engineering (smooth, effortless glide every time)
  • Thermal efficiency that keeps your home warm and your bills lower
  • Enhanced security features (think multi-point locks and PAS24 compliance)
  • Longevity — aluminium frames last for decades with minimal maintenance
  • And of course, visual impact that adds serious wow-factor and kerb appeal

Think of it this way — it’s an investment in lifestyle, comfort, and value. And with ranges like Korniche and Smart Visofold, you’re getting top-tier performance without overpaying.

Want to know the numbers? You can get an instant online quote in just a few clicks. No obligation, no pushy follow-ups. Just clear, honest pricing.

The Lifestyle Factor: Space, Light & Living

Let’s start with the obvious — folding doors look stunning. But this isn’t just about appearances.

Here’s what they do for your lifestyle:

1. Open-Plan Living Made Easy

Want to connect your kitchen to your garden? Folding doors make the transition seamless. Perfect for entertaining, family BBQs, or just a Sunday morning coffee with the doors wide open.

folding doors installed as part of a home extension
Most customers love how easily our Korniche bifold doors fold back like an accordion

2. Floods of Natural Light

Large glazed panels act like picture windows when closed — meaning more daylight and a bigger-feeling room, all year round.

3. All-Season Enjoyment

Add a roof lantern above and you’ve created a glass-box space that feels connected to the outdoors, even in winter. Fold the doors back in summer and you’ve got indoor-outdoor flow.

The Practical Benefits (That Don’t Always Get the Hype)

Sure, folding doors look great — but here’s why they’re also smart:

✅ Thermally Efficient

Modern aluminium folding doors like those from Korniche and Smart Visofold come with:

  • Low U-values (from 1.2 W/m²K)
  • Argon-filled double glazing
  • Polyamide thermal breaks

All of which means less heat escaping = lower energy bills.

✅ Secure by Design

We get it — big glass doors raise security concerns. But not with PAS24-certified systems like Korniche, which include:

  • Multi-point locking
  • 3-star Yale barrels
  • Shootbolts and anti-lift features

✅ Low Maintenance

Unlike timber, powder-coated aluminium won’t rust, warp, or need repainting. A quick wipe-down is all you need.

✅ Future-Proof Appeal

Adding folding doors to your home increases its visual appeal and can add value — buyers love the open-plan, garden-connected lifestyle.

“But Aren’t Folding Doors Expensive?”

They can be. But so is anything high-spec that adds genuine lifestyle value to your home.

Here’s what affects the price:

  • Number of panels
  • Opening configuration
  • Colour & finish
  • Glass type (laminated, solar control etc.)
  • Threshold options (flush, rebated)

Pro Tip: At GFD Homes, you can use our Instant Online Quoter to get a tailored price in minutes — no sales calls needed.

What About Internal Folding Doors?

Great question. Internal folding doors are on the rise — especially for zoning open-plan spaces post-pandemic, when work-from-home became the norm.

Why choose internal folding doors?

  • Divide a lounge from a conservatory
  • Create a home office that still feels open
  • Add character with industrial-style frames (Smart Heritage is ideal)
Folding doors zoomed in showing door handle.
Choose from a range of customisation options including colour and door size

They keep spaces bright, maintain sightlines, and still provide that folding-door flexibility.

So, Are Folding Doors Worth It?

Let’s weigh it up:

BenefitWorth the Hype?
Style & Visual Impact✅ Absolutely
Everyday Convenience✅ Especially with traffic doors
Energy Efficiency✅ With modern spec
Security✅Especially if upgraded to PAS24
Price💸 More than French doors — but more value
Versatility✅ External or internal use
Folding Door Benefits Explained

Verdict: Yes — if you go for quality and choose the right door for your space. The hype is justified. Folding doors are more than just a trend — they’re a long-term investment in how you use your home.

Design & Order Your Dream Folding Door Today! 

If you’re seriously considering folding doors, there’s no better way to understand their impact than seeing them up close. At GFD Homes, we offer a curated range of high-performance aluminium folding doors, including the award-winning Korniche and stylish Smart collections — all designed for strength, style, and seamless living. 

Why not book an appointment to visit our showroom and experience the quality for yourself? 

You can explore the finishes, feel the smooth glide, and chat with our expert team about what’s right for your home.

For more information, call us on 01642 309576.

FAQs about Folding Doors 

What is a folding door called?

Folding doors are also known as bifold doors, bifolding doors, or concertina doors. All refer to the same concept — glazed panels that fold neatly to open up space.

Are folding doors a good idea?

Absolutely. They enhance natural light, make indoor-outdoor living easy, and boost property appeal — especially in open-plan spaces or extensions.

Are folding doors expensive?

They can cost more than standard doors, but they offer much more in terms of lifestyle and value. The key is choosing a trusted, thermally efficient, secure brand — like Korniche or Smart.

Consider this your VIP pass to more door expertise…

author avatar
Tia Ellahi Digital Marketer
Meet Tia, a friendly face in the GFD marketing team! With nearly 2 years of professional experience and a lifelong passion for home improvement, Tia crafts engaging articles about composite doors, bifolds & more. Her goal? Helping homeowners discover the perfect products to transform their living spaces into dream homes.
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