GUIDE TO BI-FOLD DOORS
Get that indoor-outdoor link
Bi-fold doors are a hugely popular choice for both new extensions and existing rooms. What makes bi-fold doors the number one option for many people is that they can open a whole wall to the garden in moments, blurring the line between indoors and out. A terrace and garden beyond the room in which they’re fitted can feel like part of the interior on any fine day.
Bi-folds consist of panels that concertina together to create an unobstructed opening. But they’ll also allow great views to the outside and bring plenty of daylight into the room in which they’re fitted when they’re closed because of their extensive glazing. They can even be used on more than a single wall – opening up a whole corner of the room with bi-folds is achievable, too.
While they can span the exterior wall of a large room, bi-folds with just two or three leaves offer the same benefits of easy indoor-outdoor access and bringing plenty of natural light to smaller extensions and spaces. They can suit newer and older homes with a choice of frame materials and colours. We’ve put together all you need to know – plus plenty of designs to inspire you.
WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN I’M CHOOSING BI-FOLDS?
Both off-the-shelf and bespoke bi-fold doors are available, with the latter, as you’d expect, requiring a bigger spend. You might want to go bespoke if you need doors for a large opening because, generally, off-the-shelf bi-fold doors are sold in widths of up to around 6m. Bespoke doors could create an opening of 9m or even greater. Bear in mind that because of their design, choosing bi-folds for a large aperture equals
more panels, with many manufacturers offering a maximum panel width of 1.2m and some less. Another consideration is height. Standard bi-folds might be 2-2.4m high, but some manufacturers can make them an impressive 3m high. The configuration of the doors is an issue you’ll want to think about.
It is advisable to have what’s known as a lead or traffic door in the set.
This works as a day-to-day access door operating independently of the rest of the panels. As the panels work in pairs, an odd number allows this. However, in the event you have an even number of panels, the set can be split into odd numbers for operation to provide a traffic door. Also important to consider is whether the doors open to the outside or the inside, and whether they go from left to right or vice versa.
Bi-fold doors can be either top hung or bottom rolling. The latter are easier to install and operate smoothly, although dirt could impede the track. Top-hung doors aren’t affected by this issue but need a strong beam overhead.
WHAT ARE THE MATERIAL AND COLOUR OPTIONS?
Aluminium bi-fold doors offer slim framing that maximises the glazed area,
and they can have wider panel sizes than timber bi-folds. They’re a low maintenance option and there’s a huge choice of colours available that makes them easy to match to the rest of your home’s glazing. They have a sleek, modern appearance.
If your home has a traditional look, engineered hardwood or softwood timber frames could be the best choice to maintain its character. Choose from stains or paints to get the finished appearance you prefer for the doors. You will need to maintain the doors to keep them in good condition. There’s also the option to choose composite bi-fold doors that are made using both aluminium and timber, so the interior of the room has a warmer appearance.
Bi-folds are also manufactured with UPVC framing. Their advantage is their lower cost and low maintenance requirements but, on the downside,
framing will be more bulky. While white is an option, nowadays there are many colour choices if you go for UPVC.
ARE BI-FOLD DOORS ENERGY EFFICIENT AND SECURE?
Modern glazed doors are designed to be energy efficient and provide insulation against noise, too, and you can select from double- or triple-glazed bi-fold doors when you’re buying.
Triple glazing is more efficient, but it can be significantly more costly to specify triple glazing than double, and high quality double-glazed bi-folds can offer energy efficiency that’s almost as good. Always check the U-value of the doors you’re contemplating buying when weighing up the options. Low numbers are what you’re looking for.
For safety, look out for multipoint locking systems and a secure door lock, and ask the supplier about the security of the handles and hinges. Toughened safety glass in bi-fold doors also contributes to their security.
WILL I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
Often, installing bi-fold doors will be a permitted development (PD) project, so you won’t have to apply for planning permission. This only covers houses, though, so if you live in a flat you’ll need to apply.
Bear in mind that PD rights can be restricted or removed by the local authority, particularly in Conservation Areas or other socalled designated areas, such as
Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (AONBS) and national parks, so that planning permission would be necessary. You can find full details on the Government’s planning portal (planningportal.co.uk), and you should check your particular situation with your local authority. Remember that there are also rules regarding any extension under PD if this is where your bi-fold doors are going to be located.
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Whether you go for standard-sized doors or bespoke designs will influence what you pay, as will the framing material, along with whether you opt for double or triple glazing.
You could expect to pay from around £800 to £1,500 plus per panel for quality aluminium bi-fold doors.