Internal bifold doors handles: Types, positions and best handles

Author: Richard Collins - Operations Director

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Handles are often one of the last aspects of bifold doors that people consider, and yet they play an important role in how the doors operate.

In this guide, you will find information about the types of handles available, where to position them, and the best handles to use for internal bifold doors (also known as internal bifold sliding doors).

Types of internal bifold door handles

Door knobs and handles for internal bifold doors come in many designs, but generally fall into four main categories:

• Lever handles
• Flush handles
• Door knobs
• Pull Handle

LEVER HANDLES

• A common type of door handle, they are popular for both standard internal doors and bifold doors.
• You simply grab the handle and pull it down—the latch retracts and the door can be opened.
• Lever handles are often used on the lead door.

Are you looking for a lever handle? Shop our curved and straight lever handles here!

FLUSH HANDLES

• Also known as a flat handle.
• The name encompasses several designs of handle.
• They are recessed flat or flush into the door.
• Flush handles are generally used in bifold doors fitted to wardrobes or pantries as opposed to Interior bifold doors fitted between rooms.

PULL HANDLES

• There are numerous designs, the most common being a D shape.
• The handle is used to pull the bifold doors towards you in order to close them.
• The Pull handle folds flat against the face of the doors enabling them to concertina closely together taking up less space in the opening.

DOOR KNOBS

• Door knobs are another common type of handle and come in two types:
  1. A door knob used with a tubular mortice latch is very similar to a lever handle except you twist it to retract the latch as opposed to pulling down.
  2. Door knobs used with roller latches (Ball catches) do not twist you just pull or push them to open and close the doors.
• Roller/ball latches are again usually fitted to smaller bifold doors used on cupboards and pantries.

Are you unsure which type of door handle to purchase? Shop our full range of internal bifold door handles here.

POSITIONS FOR BIFOLD DOOR HANDLES

When searching online, you may find contradictory instructions on the best position for your bifold door handle. This is because there are two types of “bifold doors”—the ones we are referring to are the larger doors used to divide rooms. Other guides may discuss the smaller bifolds used for a cupboard or closet.

WHERE DO YOU PLACE A DOOR HANDLE ON AN INTERNAL BIFOLD DOOR?

Your main handle should be in the middle of your lead door close to the edge. The handle will likely be a standard lever handle or door knob. You can use the leading door as an access door (also known as an entry door)—that is, open and close it without having to fold back the other doors.

All of Vufold’s doors are pre-machined and drilled for the supplied tubular mortice latch and optional handles. This saves you the effort of drilling yourself and reduces the risk of damage when fitting your mortice latch and handles.

HOW DO YOU KEEP BIFOLD DOORS CLOSED?

When fitted correctly, all of Vufold’s bifold sliding doors open and close perfectly. Over time certain things such as settlement, movement within a building or frequent use over a long period of time can all result in less than perfect operation. Vufold Interior bifold doors use easy-to-adjust hardware. This makes installation much simpler and allows you to keep the doors operating perfectly without the need for a professional.

Are you unsure how to fit your bifold door? Read our full guide to fitting internal bifold doors here.

THE BEST DOOR HANDLES FOR INTERNAL BIFOLD DOORS

All Vufold doors can be purchased with a pair of handles. Every one of our internal bifold door handles is available in two finishes to complement the hardware:

• Satin stainless
• Polished chrome
• Satin chrome
• Matt black

SATIN STAINLESS DOOR HANDLES

SATIN STAINLESS CURVED LEVER

Rose diameter (mm)	52
Rose thickness (mm)	8
Projection (mm)	65
Lever length (mm)	127
Price	£20.00

View the satin stainless curved lever handle

SATIN STAINLESS STRAIGHT LEVER

Rose diameter (mm)	52
Rose thickness (mm)	8
Projection (mm)	61
Lever length (mm)	128
Price	£20.00

View the satin stainless straight lever handle

POLISHED CHROME DOOR HANDLES

POLISHED CHROME CURVED LEVER

Rose diameter (mm)	51
Rose thickness (mm)	8
Projection (mm)	67
Lever length (mm)	114
Price	£20.00

View the polished chrome curved lever handle

POLISHED CHROME STRAIGHT LEVER

Rose diameter (mm)	51
Rose thickness (mm)	8
Projection (mm)	67
Lever length (mm)	109
Price	£20.00

View the polished chrome straight lever handle

SATIN CHROME DOOR HANDLES

SATIN CHROME STRAIGHT LEVER

Rose diameter (mm)	51
Rose thickness (mm)	8
Projection (mm)	67
Lever length (mm)	109
Price	Discontinued

View all our handles here

MATT BLACK DOOR HANDLES

MATT BLACK CURVED LEVER

Rose diameter (mm)	50.5
Rose thickness (mm)	8
Projection (mm)	67
Lever length (mm)	120
Price	£25.00

View the matt black curved lever handle

MATT BLACK STRAIGHT LEVER

Rose diameter (mm)	51
Rose thickness (mm)	8
Projection (mm)	67
Lever length (mm)	119
Price	£25.00

View the matt black straight lever handle

CHOOSING THE DOOR HANDLE FOR YOUR INTERNAL BIFOLD DOOR

Bear in mind the following factors when choosing a type of door handle for your internal bifold door:

• Designs- bear in mind the door lever design when choosing the best option for you. At Vufold, we provide straight lever and curved lever options. View our full range of internal bifold door handles here.
• Finishes- consider the ideal style for you when choosing the door handle finishing. For a sleek, modern, look – the matt black handle may be ideal for you. Consider contrast here, as a darker handle will complement a light door, whereas a lighter handle such as an option such as a chrome handle will complement a darker bifold door.
• Quality- though it may be tempted to opt for the cheapest option you can find – remember that your door handle will stand out, and durability is vital – especially if you have children who are at risk of leaving stains and marks on your handle. Try and choose the very best option you can afford.

Shop our full selection of door handles here.

FITTING INTERNAL BIFOLD DOOR HANDLES

Before you begin making permanent changes to the door, ensure you take the time to measure where your handle should go. Measure from the bottom up to where your preferred installation point might be (most handles are placed around 36 inches from the bottom). Read where to place a handle in our guide above. Before drilling, mark this spot with a pencil, and then drill through from both sides. These are known as your pilot holes. You can then slide the handles into the resulting holes.

THE BEST LOCKS FOR INTERNAL BIFOLD DOORS

Locks are not as vital to internal bifold doors as they are to exterior doors. However, if added security is important to you, Vufold recommends using an interior mortice lock on its wooden bifold doors.

The benefits of interior mortice locks are:

• Added security – because the locks are fitted inside the door itself, making it difficult to pry open by thieves.
• Easy to operate – mortice locks use a simple locking system for the user
• Widely available – you can find interior mortice locks at any good hardware retailer
• Reasonably priced – mortice locks can easily be found at a good price
• A professional should always be used to fit any locks in your home.

WHY CHOOSE VUFOLD?

Vufold’s range of internal bifold doors have been manufactured to be easy to adjust to make sure your doors operate properly and effectively to minimise damage.

You can find out more about our internal bifold doors here.

At Vufold, our team of experts is always available to provide you with advice and guidance on everything to do with our range of internal bifold doors, hardware and accessories. Please contact us to find out more information or to discuss your needs.

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