A complete guide to buying wooden bifold doors | Benefits, types and differences

Wooden bifold doors (also known as timber bifolds) are a popular style of internal and external door. These products combine natural aesthetics with practicality and are available in many colour options.

Here, we take you through the benefits of wooden bifold doors, discussing the key considerations when choosing the best type of wooden bifold door.

What are the benefits of wooden bifold doors?

There are several benefits to wooden bifolds, including:

• Low energy production – the process of manufacturing timber uses far less fossil fuel energy compared to aluminium.
• Natural insulation – timber has many air pockets within its cellular structure, which means that it naturally creates a barrier between heat and cold.
• Style versatility – timber can be provided unfinished, meaning you can stain, varnish or paint your doors in any colour you like.
• Sound absorption – wood absorbs sound, which can create quieter rooms.

Find out more about the benefits of wooden bifold doors here.

Why choose engineered hardwood bifold doors?

Durable bifold door materials, such as oak, are often used for bifold doors due to their excellent insulation properties, durability and lifespan. Alternatives such as pine bifold doors are generally not as resistant to warping as hardwood and do not offer the same kind of durability. Softwoods such as pine require careful treatment with strong preservatives in order to prevent rot. This may impact the price and maintenance levels. This is particularly important for external bifold doors which face frequent moisture and temperature changes.

Engineered hardwood is constructed by bonding multiple layers of wood together. This method significantly reduces the risk of warping, twisting, or bowing, which can occur with solid wood due to changes in temperature and humidity. This added stability ensures that the doors remain functional and maintain their appearance over time. The manufacturing process of engineered hardwood involves creating a more robust material that can withstand daily wear and tear. This durability makes engineered hardwood bifold doors suitable for high-traffic areas and ensures they can handle frequent use without deteriorating.

At Vufold, all of our wooden bifold doors are made from engineered wood. Shop our full range of wooden bifold doors here.

Are you looking for an eye-catching and durable wooden bifold door?

Our pick:

MASTER WOODEN BIFOLD DOORS

FROM £1,688.00

Elegant, slim sight lines complemented by a classic white or on-trend anthracite grey finish highlight out our Master bifold doors as exceptional. These bestselling wooden bifold doors are superbly-engineered from slow grown hardwood and use a smooth stainless-steel top hung roller system that makes them easy to install and even easier to operate.

Shop our timber bifold doors range here.

Wooden bifold door colours

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. 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.

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.

If you’re not sure on which colour to choose for your bifold 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.

Choosing internal bifold doors | Key considerations

Access

If your bifold door will be used quite frequently, you should consider buying a bifold with a daily access door (also known as a lead door or traffic door).

A daily access door acts like a traditional door that can be operated without having to open the entire bifold door system. This offers easy access between rooms with minimal effort.

Space and stacking

Internal bifolds require space to stack when they are fully opened. The best way to decide where your door will stack is considering which room in the house has the most space, such as the kitchen or living room.

A standard three- door bifold offers two sets of options:

• Opening direction

• Open outwards (into the other room)

• Open inwards (towards you)

• Opening side

• To the left

• To the right.

For more information, see the diagram below:

You can decide which direction and side your bifold door opens into before installation. It is important you consider carefully before installation as you will be unable to change the direction or side after installation.

You can also find four-door configurations that have an access door that opens like a standard door and three leaves that operate like a three-door bifold.

The Vufold Inspire fold flat internal bifold doors range goes against standard door operation to provide a space-saving alternative. Rather than opening left or right, the Inspire opens from the middle (except on a two-door) and folds back against the wall. This unique system maximises opening space for an open-plan feel.

Choosing a new external wooden bifold door | Key considerations

External doors used for patio or garden access require different considerations to internal doors. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a wooden external bifold door:

Thermal efficiency

Thermal efficiency ensures that your room stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Thermal efficiency is important as it means you will spend less energy keeping a room at a moderate temperature. Fortunately, hardwood is naturally thermally efficient.

To check a bifold door’s thermal efficiency, check the overall U-value. This is the measurement of material insulation effectiveness. The lower the value, the more effective the material is. Read our guide to bifold door U-values here.

Security

Investing in a secure external bifold door is key to ensuring the safety of your property. You can increase the security properties of your bifold door by focusing on the following areas:

Locks – a multipoint lock offers up to three times the level of security of standard locks.

Glass – ensure your glass is either tempered (toughened) glass for added strength or laminated for impact proofing. Find out more about bifold door security here.

UV protection

External bifold doors face the elements: UV rays, turbulent weather, season changes. This can wreak havoc on less resilient woods and cause damage to the door.

UV rays can damage any timber bifold door. The best way to combat UV damage is by using a tinted finish. The tint will stop the UV rays from damaging the oak ensuring the longevity of the door. Please note that tinted finishes will darken the door slightly, so be sure to take that into consideration before purchasing your hardwood bifolds.

Glazing

Internal doors do not require the same level of insulation, therefore double glazing is not required. If you purchase internal bifold doors with double glazing, you will be paying too much money for little benefit.

External doors, on the other hand, require high -levels of insulation in order to combat the cold and heat from outside. This means your glass should be at least double-glazed to guarantee adequate insulation.

Frequently asked questions

How do wooden bifold doors compare to aluminium bifold doors?

Wood and aluminium are both popular materials for bifold doors. They both offer durability and high-quality operation. The differences mostly come down to cost and aesthetic taste. You can read our guide to aluminium vs wooden bifold doors here to find out more.

What are the benefits of wooden bifold doors?

Wooden bifold doors offer several benefits, including:

• Aesthetic appeal: The natural look of wood adds warmth and character to any space. Wooden bifold doors are also available in many different colours, with black and white being particularly popular.

• Versatility: Suitable for both interior and exterior use.

• Space-saving: Their folding mechanism allows for maximum use of space, as they do not swing out like traditional doors.

• Customisation: They can be stained or painted to match existing décor.

What types of wood are commonly used for bifold doors?

Common types of wood used for bifold doors include oak, pine, mahogany, and cedar. Each type of wood has its unique characteristics:

• Oak: Durable and strong, with a prominent grain pattern.

• Pine: Lighter in colour and softer, making it easier to work with.

• Mahogany: Known for its rich, dark colour and excellent durability.

• Cedar: Naturally resistant to moisture and decay, making it ideal for exterior use.

How do I maintain wooden bifold doors?

Proper maintenance of wooden bifold doors includes:

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the doors with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.

• Polishing: Use a suitable wood care milk to maintain the finish and protect the wood.

• Re-coating: Apply additional paint, stain or varnish when required.

• Inspection: Regularly check for signs of wear, such as cracks or warping, and address any issues promptly.

• Lubrication: Ensure the folding mechanisms and tracks are well-lubricated to ensure smooth operation.

Are wooden bifold doors energy efficient?

Wooden bifold doors can be energy efficient, particularly if they are well-constructed and fitted with high-quality seals and glazing. Double or triple glazing can enhance their insulation properties, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Can wooden bifold doors be customised?

Wooden bifold doors can be customised to suit your specific needs and preferences, and high quality suppliers such as Vufold offer many customisation options. Options for customisation include:

• Size: Doors can be made to fit your specific opening dimensions.

• Finish: Choose from various stains, paints, or natural finishes.

• Glazing: Select different types and styles of glass to match your requirements.

• Hardware: Choose from a range of handles, locks, and other fittings.

Are wooden bifold doors secure?

Wooden bifold doors can be very secure if fitted with high-quality locks and hardware. Multi-point locking systems and toughened glass can enhance the security of the doors, making them a robust barrier against potential intruders.

How do I choose the right wooden bifold doors for my home?

• Purpose: Determine whether they are for interior or exterior use.

• Size: Ensure the doors fit your space properly.

• Style: Consider the design and finish to complement your home’s décor.

• Budget: Factor in the cost of the doors, additional accessories, and any necessary maintenance.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select wooden bifold doors that enhance both the functionality and appearance of your home.

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