A buyer’s guide to bifold doors

Buying bifold doors for your home is a huge investment, so it’s important to make sure you’re making the right decision and choosing the right type of patio door. This involves considering the style, colour, and accessory options for your bifolds.

This guide will help you to choose the right bifold door option for your home, exploring materials, styles and more.

Which colour should you choose for your bifold doors?

The colour and finish you choose for your bifold doors will have an impact on the way your doors and home look after installation. This applies whether you’re looking to install internal or external bifold doors. At Vufold, we have a number of options available when it comes to the colours available for your bifold doors.

White vs grey external bifold doors

White and grey are two of the most popular colours for bifold doors as they blend well with existing décor and with the style of your home. White and grey are both popular choices for patio doors and windows, each offering unique benefits. White is a classic neutral colour that serves as a go-to option for its bright, light feel, effortlessly complementing any colour scheme and enhancing the longevity of your home’s style. It’s particularly well-suited to traditional-style properties and comes in a variety of shades to suit individual preferences. On the other hand, grey has emerged as the new white in recent years, growing rapidly in popularity for its luxurious and contemporary appeal. It’s a practical choice as it doesn’t show dirt and dust as prominently as white, making it ideal for modern renovation projects while adding a sophisticated touch to your property. Are you looking for a modern grey bifold door?

Shop our range of grey aluminium bifold doors here.

If you’re not sure on which colour to choose for your bifolding doors, you can always opt for dual-colour doors. This will allow you to choose one colour for the outside and one for the inside. Dual-colour doors mean you can match both the style of your home and your existing windows whilst also matching with your interior décor.

Read our guide to find out more about the difference between white and grey external bifold doors.

Oak vs white internal bifold doors

In addition to choosing the right colour for your external bifold doors, making sure you make the right choice for your internal doors is also important. If you’re thinking of installing internal bifold doors, there are a number of choices available to you. Buying unfinished oak bifold doors will provide you with the option to paint the door frames in any colour you wish so you can match your internal doors perfectly to your existing home décor. In addition, you can keep the natural beauty of the wood by staining or varnishing the door frames.

Unfinished oak offers a range of benefits that make it an appealing choice for those seeking affordability and flexibility. Its lower cost provides a budget-friendly option while allowing maximum customisation to suit individual styles and preferences. Similarly, white bifold doors, such as those in Vufold’s range, are versatile and adaptable, offering a bright and light aesthetic that works seamlessly with various interior designs. Ready to hang, they provide a convenient solution without compromising on style or functionality.

One of the biggest benefits of buying white internal bifold doors is that they’re completely ready to hang. All you have to do is install the door hardware and install your doors. There is much more preparation and work required when you purchase an unfinished oak bifold door.

You can find out more about the differences between unfinished oak and white bifold doors by clicking here.

Best grey external bifold door: Vufold Master

• Slim sightlines -enjoy unbroken views of your garden and a stylish, sleek look
• Stylish wooden material –slow-grown and made to last
• Secure multipoint locking system ensures added security for your new doors
• 10-year guarantee!
• Price: from £2,109.

Click here to view our range of timber exterior bifold doors

Which materials are best for bifold doors?

Bifold doors are commonly made from materials such as aluminium, uPVC, timber, or a combination of these, with each offering unique advantages. Vufold specialises in high-quality oak, aluminium, and timber options, catering to a variety of preferences and styles. Aluminium bifold doors are celebrated for their durability, sleek design, and low maintenance, offering a strong yet lightweight frame that allows for larger glass panels to maximise natural light.

Timber bifold doors, on the other hand, bring a warm and classic aesthetic to your home, ideal for traditional or rustic interiors. Oak is a particularly popular choice, providing timeless charm and the ability to customise with different finishes. While aluminium resists warping and other elements, timber options can be treated to enhance longevity and style. Each material has its merits, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your home with Vufold's diverse range.

Are external bifold doors secure, and how do you improve security?

Yes, external bifold doors can be highly secure, provided you choose a quality product with robust features. Many modern bifold doors are designed with:

• Multipoint locking systems: These lock the door at multiple points along the frame for added security.

• Toughened glass: Strong, impact-resistant glass is a standard feature, offering both safety and security.

• Internal beading: This prevents the glass from being removed from the outside.

• High-quality materials: Aluminium frames, in particular, provide excellent strength against forced entry.

When installed correctly and equipped with advanced locking mechanisms, external bifold doors offer the same level of security as traditional doors. Look for doors that comply with PAS 24 certification for added peace of mind.

Read our guide to bifold door security here.

Why choose Vufold?

If you’d like to find out more about the differences between Vufold and other bifold door suppliers, you can find out comparisons for external doors in this section of our advice centre and information on internal doors in this section of our advice centre.

Vufold’s team of experts is always on-hand to answer questions and offer advice, so please contact us today if you would like more information on our bifold doors.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose aluminium bifold doors?

Aluminium bifold doors are an ideal choice for several reasons:

1. Durability: Aluminium is highly resistant to rust, warping, and fading, making it a long-lasting material for bifold doors.

2. Slim Profiles: The inherent strength of aluminium allows for narrower frames and more extensive glass panels, enhancing views and light.

3. Low maintenance: Unlike timber, aluminium requires minimal upkeep – just occasional cleaning to keep it looking pristine.

4. Energy efficiency: Many aluminium bifold doors include thermal breaks and double or triple glazing, providing excellent insulation. Read our complete guide to aluminium bifold door thermal efficiency here.

5. Customisation: With a range of colours, finishes, and configurations available, aluminium bifold doors can be tailored to suit any home’s style.

Their combination of strength, style, and functionality makes them the top choice for homeowners seeking premium bifold doors.

What are the benefits of bifold doors?

Bifold doors offer a wealth of benefits that make them a popular choice for a home or commercial living space:

• Seamless indoor-outdoor living: They open up spaces entirely, creating a smooth connection between indoor and outdoor areas.

• Maximised natural light: Large glass panels allow sunlight to flood into your home, making interiors feel brighter and more spacious.

• Space-saving design: Unlike traditional doors, bifold doors stack neatly to one side, saving space when open.

• Energy efficiency: With modern glazing options and insulated frames, bifold doors help to regulate indoor temperatures.

• Aesthetic appeal: Sleek and contemporary, bifold doors add a luxurious touch to any home, creating a modern look.

Whether used internally or externally, bifold doors enhance functionality and style.

What should you consider when choosing bifold doors?

Choosing bifold doors is an important decision that can transform the look and functionality of your home. To make the right choice, you’ll want to consider several key factors:

Space and layout

Assess the available space to ensure bifold doors fit and operate seamlessly. Consider whether the doors will open inward or outward, and ensure there’s enough clearance for smooth operation without obstructing furniture or walkways.

Purpose

Think about how you’ll use the doors. Are they for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, separating interior rooms, or providing a stylish wardrobe solution? Different uses may require different features or materials.

Thermal efficiency

For external bifold doors, energy efficiency is crucial. Look for doors with high-quality glazing and excellent U-values to help maintain indoor temperatures and reduce energy bills. Read our full guide to bifold door thermal efficiency here.

Security features

Ensure the bifold doors offer robust security, especially for external applications. Look for multipoint locking systems and toughened glass to keep your home safe.

Aesthetics

The style, colour, and finish of bifold doors should complement your existing décor. Aluminium frames, for example, are sleek and modern, while timber options may provide a more traditional feel.

Budget

Set a realistic budget, factoring in both the initial cost and potential long-term savings from energy efficiency and durability.

What is the best bifold door configuration to opt for?

The best bifold door configuration depends on your space, personal preferences, and intended use. Key points to consider include:

Number of panels

The number of panels determines how the doors will fold and stack. Smaller spaces may work best with two or three panels, while larger areas can accommodate up to seven or more.

Opening direction

Decide whether you want the doors to open inward or outward. Outward-opening doors are typically better for saving interior space.

Traffic door

A traffic door is a single operable door within the bifold system that allows for easy access without opening the entire set. This is particularly useful for high-traffic areas.

Symmetry and stacking

Symmetrical configurations are visually balanced, but you can also choose an asymmetrical design depending on the best option for your space. Consider where the panels will stack to avoid obstructing views or walkways.

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