Last Updated on 2 April 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Aluminium Bifold Doors: Where can they be used?
Aluminium bifold doors can be used to open up the rear of a kitchen extension onto a patio, connect a living room to a garden, create a wide opening in a side-return extension, divide internal spaces like home offices or orangeries, or replace outdated French or sliding doors to enhance natural light and flow in both traditional and modern homes.
If you’re dreaming of a kitchen extension that oozes light, style, and seamless connection to your garden, then aluminium bifold doors are one of the smartest upgrades you can make. These elegant, modern doors don’t just look beautiful – they open up a world of functionality that transforms how you live, cook, and entertain.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when incorporating aluminium bifold doors into your kitchen extension – from layout tips to thermal efficiency and everything in between.
Quick Summary: What You’ll Learn..
- Why aluminium bifold doors are ideal for kitchen extensions
- The key design considerations to get the most from your doors
- Benefits of aluminium bifolds vs uPVC
- Tips on positioning, configurations & threshold types
- Costs, installation and where to start
- FAQs
Why Aluminium Bifold Doors Are a Kitchen Extension Must-Have
Kitchen extensions are all about maximising space and light – and aluminium bifold doors do both in style. With ultra-slim sightlines, wide openings, and a sleek, minimalist look, they help you blur the lines between indoors and out. On sunny days, you can fold them right back to create an open-plan social hub that flows into the garden. And when they’re closed? You still get uninterrupted views and floods of natural light.
Unlike timber or uPVC, aluminium doors offer greater resistance to warping, rotting, and discolouring over time. They’re thermally broken for energy efficiency and built to last decades with minimal maintenance. Think effortless glide, high security, and all-weather performance.
Kitchen Extension Layouts That Love Bifolds
If you’re extending the rear of your home, placing aluminium bifold doors across the back wall is a design no-brainer. But there are lots of clever configurations to consider:
- Corner bifolds for L-shaped kitchens and wraparound patios
- Three-panel setups for small extensions or side returns
- Full-width five-panel designs for dramatic open-plan living
- Traffic doors (like a normal door within the bifolds) for easy everyday use
Don’t forget threshold types – you can go for flush or integrated thresholds for smooth transitions and accessibility. Our Smart Visofold bifold comes with a low threshold option that makes it ideal for internal use too.
Aluminium vs Other Bifold Types: What Makes It Better?
When it comes to bifold doors aluminium beats timber and uPVC hands down on durability, strength, and aesthetics. Aluminium frames are slim yet super strong, allowing for larger panes of glass and less chunky hardware. That means better views, more light, and a sleek modern look that just works – whether your kitchen is industrial, Scandi, or classic shaker style.
Plus, let’s not forget energy efficiency. Aluminium bifold systems from leading brands like Korniche and Smart come with low U-values (from 1.2 W/m²K), argon-filled glazing, and thermal breaks to keep your kitchen cosy all year round.
Designing Around Your Doors: Colours, Finishes & Matching Your Style
Whether your kitchen is a rustic haven or a minimalist dream, your bifold doors can match. You can go:
- Black aluminium doors for an on-trend industrial look (heritage bifold doors are also available as an option too)
- Dual colour frames – grey outside, white inside, for contrast
- Soft neutrals or bold RAL colours for a unique vibe
Pair with complementary flooring (continuous inside to out), and consider adding a roof lantern above for even more wow factor and light. Our Korniche roof lanterns are the perfect match to Korniche bifold doors, creating a cohesive look from top to bottom.
Need-to-Know Specs: Security, Glass & Performance
Modern aluminium concertina doors are as secure as they are stylish. Look for:
- PAS 24:2016 certified systems (standard with Korniche)
- Yale 3-star locking cylinders
- Multi-point hook locking and anti-lift tracks
- Shoot-bolt handles with anti-backdrive features
For glass, opt for double-glazed low-E units, with warm-edge spacers and argon fill. You’ll stay warm in winter, cool in summer, and reduce noise too. Got a sunny garden? Solar control glass is also worth a look.
Cost, Installation & Where to Start
If you’re cost-conscious, the good news is you can find affordable aluminium bifold doors that don’t cut corners on quality – especially thanks to our long-standing partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers like Korniche and Smart. By working directly with the best in the business, we’re able to offer exceptional prices without compromising on spec. Whether you’re after supply only or supply and fit, our instant pricing tool gives you a clear quote in seconds.
Installation? Easy peasy for experienced fitters – especially with Korniche’s pre-assembled frames and clip-bead glazing, making it a dream for builders, trades, and confident DIYers alike.
Bringing Your Kitchen Extension to Life with Aluminium Bifold Doors
At GFD Homes, we offer a full range of premium aluminium bifold doors to suit every style of kitchen extension – from sleek Korniche systems with effortless glide to the versatile Smart Visofold and the industrial-chic Smart Heritage bifolds.
You can fully customise your setup too – with a wide choice of cill types, handle styles, RAL frame colours, and even slide directions to suit how you want your space to flow. Whether you’re after a flush threshold for seamless indoor-outdoor living or bold black frames for a modern edge, we’ve got you covered.
Getting started is easy – use our instant online quote tool to design your bifold doors in minutes and get transparent pricing, with or without fitting. Or if you’d prefer a friendly chat, just give us a call on 01642 309576 – we’re always happy to help.
FAQs about Aluminium Bifold Doors
What are people replacing bifold doors with?
Some homeowners opt for large sliding doors as an alternative to bifold doors – especially if they want larger unbroken panes of glass. However, bifolds still lead for flexibility and full wall openings.
What is the best bifold door in the UK?
It depends on your style and space. Korniche bifolds offer ultra-slim sightlines and quick installation, Smart Visofold delivers flexibility and thermal performance, and our Smart Heritage bifolds bring iconic industrial styling to period or contemporary homes.
All three are top-tier choices – it’s just about finding your perfect fit.
Do you put curtains on bifold doors?
You can – but most people prefer blinds, such as integral blinds in glass, vertical panels, or even smart motorised solutions to keep that clean, modern look.
We know doors, but we’ve got plenty more to share..
- Concertina Doors: Internal vs External – What’s the Difference?
- Integral Blinds in Glass: A clear solution for light and privacy
- Trade Aluminium Bifold Doors: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village.
