Comparing bifold door materials: wood, aluminium, uPVC and composite

When choosing a new patio door for your home, it can be difficult to choose the perfect material and style. When installing any external door, you need to consider the location of your door, the elements it may face, the amount of insulation you require and much more.

What are some popular bifold door materials?

Wooden bifold doors

Wooden bifold doors combine stunning natural aesthetics with practicality and durability. They also provide excellent thermal efficiency and are available in a large range of style and design options.

An internal or external folding door can be made from many different kinds of wood - the most common being hardwoods like oak due to their durability, lifespan and insulating properties.

What are the benefits of wooden bifold doors?

• Natural insulation ––timber bifolds use air pockets within the cellular structure of the wood to create a natural barrier between the heat and cold. Offering natural thermal efficiency, wooden bifold doors can achieve excellent U-Values. For example, timber bifold doors from Vufold offer U-Values from only 1.4 W/ m2K.
• Durability ––Vufold offers up to 10 years guarantee on external and 15 years for internal timber bifold doors.
• Customisable style ––an external wooden bifolding door will suit modern and traditional homes and can be stained, varnished or painted almost any colour. For example, you may want the wood of your doors to match the wood in your kitchen or prefer white doors to match other doors and windows in your home.
• Excellent sound absorption ––wood also absorbs sound so can create quieter rooms, and external bifold doors can dull the sound from outside.
• Environmentally friendly –– the process of manufacturing timber requires fewer fossil fuels than other materials.

Read our guide to the benefits of wooden bifold doors here.

What options of wood are available?

A wooden bifold door will most likely be made from one of the following materials:

• Hardwoods such as oak
• Softwoods such as pine.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods are an excellent choice for external bifold doors due to their excellent insulation properties, durability and lifespan. If treated and maintained properly, hardwoods are resistant to mould and fungi, meaning they are an excellent choice for external bifold doors.

Main features of oak

Oak is the most popular types of hardwood for bifold doors. The main features of oak are:

• Distinctive light beige
• Medium to coarse texture but can be veneered for a smooth feel
• Incredibly durable
• Unique grain pattern
• Excellent thermal efficiency.

Read more about the benefits of oak bifold doors here.

Softwoods such as pine are often used in cheaper internal bifold doors. Pine is not an ideal material for external bifold doors due to its tendency to warp. The price of softwood bifolds may be tempting but there are several drawbacks to softwoods which you should take into consideration. See our comparison table below.

Main features of pine

Pine is probably the most popular type of cheap softwood material. The main features of pine are:

• Pale yellow appearance
• Cheap to buy
• Good thermal properties.

Hardwoods (oak) vs softwoods (pine)

Vufold offers many different ranges of wooden bifold doors in many different sizes. In this section, you will find essential information, available sizes, cost and links to some of Vufold's most popular ranges. Read our complete guide to choosing wooden bifold doors here.

Are you looking for a modern black bifold door with excellent thermal efficiency?

Our pick:

How does aluminium compare to cheaper alternatives, such as uPVC?

Aluminium has the longest lifespan of any bifold material. This is due to the excellent durability of the material, especially when it has been powdered coated.

Aluminium and uPVC are both popular materials but for very different reasons. Aluminium provides longevity, durability and style while uPVC is popular for its low price. In the table below, you will find the key differences between aluminium and uPVC.

Aluminium vs uPVC bifold doors

Find out more about thedifferences between aluminium and uPVC bifold doors.

Composite bifold doors

Composite bifold doors often combine the natural insulation of wooden doors with the durability and longevity of aluminium doors. The aluminium is on the outside to protect from the weather, while the timber is on the inside and can match various furnishings, whether it’s to match your kitchen or living space.

External composite bifold doors can provide some of the best insulation of any bifold door.

What are the benefits of composite bifold doors?

• Best of wood and aluminium –– combining the naturally insulating properties of wood with the durability and strength of aluminium
• Low maintenance –– external aluminium cladding requires less maintenance than other materials
• Excellent thermal insulation –– Timber frame composite bifold doors offer some of the best U-values in the country

Aluminium vs composite bifold doors

Aluminium provides a sleek, minimalistic style, and is a great choice if you are looking for a modern option. Composite bifold doors, on the other hand, can offer the best of both worlds, combining modern materials such as aluminium, with more traditional materials such as oak. A composite bifold door can be a great option if you want to combine both aesthetics and enjoy the benefits of different materia

However, composite bifold doors tend to be more expensive than aluminium bifold doors, so aluminium makes a perfect option for a durable option that is more affordable. Aluminium is also the best option if you are wanting to a chieve a more contemporary style.

So, which bifold door material is the best for you?

Frequently asked questions

What is the best material for bifold doors?

The best material for bifold doors depends on your priorities. Aluminium is ideal for modern homes, offering slim sightlines, durability, and minimal maintenance. Wooden bifold doors provide excellent insulation and a classic, timeless aesthetic but require more upkeep. Composite bifold doors combine the benefits of both aluminium and wood, offering durability, insulation, and style, albeit at a higher price point. Consider your budget, desired look, and maintenance preferences when choosing.

Are aluminium bifold doors better than uPVC?

Yes, aluminium bifold doors are generally considered better than uPVC. Aluminium offers superior durability, a longer lifespan, and a more stylish, high-end appearance. It resists warping, is environmentally friendly due to recyclability, and requires little maintenance. While uPVC is cheaper upfront, it is more prone to wear, warping, and environmental concerns, making aluminium a better long-term investment for quality and aesthetics.

Can bifold doors improve home insulation?

Yes, bifold doors can improve home insulation, especially if you choose the right material and glazing. Wooden bifold doors naturally insulate well due to timber’s cellular structure. Aluminium doors with thermal breaks and double or triple glazing also provide excellent energy efficiency. Composite bifold doors often offer the best insulation by combining wood’s warmth with aluminium’s protective outer layer.

How long do aluminium bifold doors last?

Aluminium bifold doors can last 20–30 years or longer with proper care. Their durability is enhanced by powder-coated finishes, which resist corrosion and weathering. Regular cleaning with soapy water is typically all that’s needed to keep them in excellent condition, making them a reliable, long-lasting option for any home.

What is the most affordable material for bifold doors?

uPVC is the most affordable material for bifold doors, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. However, the lower upfront cost comes with drawbacks, including a shorter lifespan, less durability, and a less premium appearance compared to aluminium or wood. While uPVC can suit short-term needs, aluminium, composite or engineered wooden doors are better long-term investments.

Are composite bifold doors worth the cost?

Composite bifold doors are worth the cost if you’re looking for premium quality. They combine the natural insulation of wood with the durability of aluminium, offering excellent thermal performance, low maintenance, and a stylish finish. Although they are more expensive upfront, their performance and aesthetic appeal make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking the best of both materials.

Related content

• Making the case for aluminium bifold doors
• Benefits of oak bifold doors and what you must consider
• Wooden bifold doors: benefits, types and differences