How to choose the best external bifold door

There are an overwhelming amount of external bifolds available in different materials, sizes and specifications. It can be challenging to find the perfect bifold door for your home.

Here, we offer advice on choosing the best external bifold door.

What to look for when choosing an external bifold door

Exterior bifold doors for your home are an investment. They will improve your living space and potentially add to the value of your home, so choosing the right doors is a decision that should be taken seriously.

There are many factors to weigh up when deciding on a bifold door, including:

Thermal efficiency

Thermal efficiency is important, from both an energy-saving and an environmental perspective. One way to ensure the efficiency of your home is to look for an external door system that has an excellent U-Value. The U-Value dictates the rate of heat transfer through a material; the lower the U-Value, the more thermally efficient the material. Read our full guide to bifold door thermal efficiency here.

You can find out more about bifold door U-Values in our guide: Understanding Bifold Door U-Values & Why They are Important.

Material quality

A new external bifold door will form a significant part of the appearance of your home, so customers are often keen to focus on the aesthetics. However, the quality of the material used is just as important as aesthetics, as it will offer additional benefits such as durability and thermal efficiency.

There are three main types of materials to choose from:

• Timber–– timber offers an attractive style that is a beautiful choice in both modern and traditional homes, as well as natural thermal insulation. Find out more about how timber compares to aluminium here.

• Aluminium–– a stylish and durable material that can offer the thinnest sightlines out of any material. Aluminium bifold doors are durable and low maintenance, particularly when powder-coated, which is the case with all Vufold aluminium bifolds. Vufold’s powder-coated aluminium doors have a guarantee of 15 years. Read our guide to the benefits of aluminium.

To maintain a Vufold aluminium door, simply wipe down the door with a sponge and water on occasion. Our aluminium bifold doors range benefits from low maintenance aluminium material, as does our leading Supreme range.

• uPVC–– cheap but less durable and easier to damage and break. Read our guide to aluminium vs uPVC bifold doors here.

LOOKING FOR A MODERN ALUMINIUM BIFOLDING DOOR?

Our pick:

STATUS ALUMINIUM BIFOLD DOORS

FROM £2,489.00

The Status is our most popular aluminium bifold door set, and it’s no mystery as to why. Not only are they fantastic value for such beautifully engineered bifolds, they’re available in a host of configurable options and feature a low threshold and slim sight lines to give you more light and a better view. In a hurry, our Supreme Express bifold doors are available on just a 3-day delivery time.

Shop our aluminium bifold doors here.

You can find a comparison of all the major materials on our guide comparing bifold door materials: wood, aluminium, composite and glass.

Security

No homeowner should overlook the importance of security when it comes to choosing external doors. The best quality bifold doors will incorporate the latest security features, including laminated glass (glass that remains as a single unit when smashed) and secure locks such as the Vectis Multipoint Locking System (used with Vufold doors). Read our complete guide to bifold door security here.

Vectis Multipoint Locking Systems combine a five-lever traditional mortice lock with a steel hook lock system to ensure your doors achieve a high standard of security.

You can find out more about bifold door security by visiting our guide to security, locks and childproofing bifold doors.

Hardware

An external bifold door should last for a significant time. One of the places cheap bifold doors can show wear is with the hardware. Poor quality hardware can damage quicker, causing operational issues. You should invest in a door with high-quality hardware to ensure durability and a long-term return on your investment. Read our complete guide to the options of bifold door hardware here.

Vufold uses the highest quality materials to produce a truly superior product that will enhance your home.

Guarantee

Choosing the best quality bifold doors will help to avoid problems and technical issues, but as an added precaution, always ensure that you purchase from a provider that offers an extensive guarantee, giving you additional peace of mind.

Vufold bifold external doors all come with a 10, 15 or 20-year guarantee, depending on the model you choose.

Best oak external bifold doors: Elite

The Vufold oak bifold doors range boasts strength, durability and reliability, as well as the slimmest door stiles on the market, with a greater glass area for better views. A combination of stunning aesthetics and finger-tip operation cements the Elite as one of the best external bifold doors available.

Elite doors are prefinished with three coats of microporous factory-applied finish for maximum UV protection. The glass is double-glazed toughened tempered safety glass for excellent thermal performance.

From £1819

Shop the Elite oak bifold door range

What are the benefits of choosing high-quality external bifold doors?

Investing in high-quality external bifold doors from a reputable supplier such as Vufold will pay off in the long run, with several benefits when compared to cheaper alternatives. These include:

• Increased durability –– high quality doors are better equipped to cope with frequent usage, as well as the worst of the UK weather.

• Longer lifespan –– you don't want to replace your doors every few years, so choosing bifold doors made from the best materials can ensure a long lifespan for your product.

• Better thermal efficiency –– a top quality bifold door that offers a high level of thermal efficiency can help save money on energy bills and ensure that you do your bit for the environment. Find out more about bifold door thermal efficiency.

• Added security –– choosing a high-quality bifold door means that you will be able to enjoy the latest in secure technology to keep you and your family safe.

• Better looking products –– you want your bifold doors to enhance your home, and investing a little extra money can ensure you have a product that is both functional and attractive.

• Improved support and guarantees –– choosing a top quality bifold door sold by a reputable supplier will provide you with peace of mind, ongoing customer support and reliable guarantees.

Are you choosing a black aluminium bifold door? Read our guide to black aluminium bifold doors here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of external bifold doors?

External bifold doors offer:

• Seamless indoor-outdoor flow: Perfect for creating open spaces and connecting your home to the garden.

• Natural light: Large glass panels flood your home with daylight, making rooms feel brighter and more spacious.

• Energy efficiency: Modern aluminium bifold doors are designed with high-quality insulation to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

• Space-saving design: Bifold doors fold neatly to the side, saving space compared to traditional hinged doors.

• Customisation: Choose from various frame colours, finishes, and configurations to suit your home’s style.

What material is best for external bifold doors?

Aluminium is widely regarded as the best material for external bifold doors because it is:

• Strong and durable: Ideal for large glass panels without compromising on strength.

• Low maintenance: Resistant to rust, warping, and fading.

• Sleek and modern: Slimline frames allow for a minimalist look and maximum glass area.

Are external bifold boors secure?

Yes, external bifold doors can be highly secure. Look for models with:

• Multipoint locking systems: Locks at multiple points on the door for added security.

• Toughened or laminated glass: Provides extra strength and resistance to impact.

• High-quality aluminium frames: Stronger and more resilient than uPVC or timber.

• PAS 24 certification: Ensures the doors meet enhanced security standards.

Are bifold doors energy-efficient?

Modern external bifold doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Features to look for include:

• Thermal breaks: Insulated layers in aluminium frames reduce heat loss.

• Low-E glass: Coated glass that reflects heat back into your home while letting sunlight in.

• Double glazing or triple glazing: Provides excellent insulation and reduces energy bills.

How much do external folding doors cost?

The cost of external bifold doors depends on several factors:

• Size and configuration: Larger doors or those with more panels will cost more.

• Materials: Aluminium doors are typically more expensive than uPVC but offer better longevity and style.

• Glass options: Upgrades like triple glazing or solar control glass can increase costs.

How do I maintain external bifold doors?

External bifold doors are generally low maintenance. To keep them in top condition:

• Clean the glass and frames: Use a soft cloth and mild soapy water.

• Inspect and clean tracks: Remove dirt or debris to ensure smooth operation.

• Lubricate hinges and locks: Use appropriate oil or lubricant annually.

Can external bifold doors be used year-round?

Yes, modern bifold doors are designed for year-round use. Features like weatherproof seals and high-quality insulation ensure they perform well in all seasons, keeping your home comfortable no matter the weather.

How do bifold patio doors compare to sliding doors?

Read our guide to sliding doors vs bifold doors to find out which option may be an ideal solution for you.

RELATED CONTENT

• Making the case for aluminium bifold doors

• Oak bifold doors: Benefits, considerations and finishes

• Patio doors: Bifold, sliding and French doors

• How does a sliding patio door compare to a bifold door?

• Are bifold doors energy efficient?

• Why is thermal efficiency important for bifold door systems?

• Making the case for aluminium external bifold patio doors

• Choosing black bifold doors