Bifold doors for summer houses: benefits, considerations and the best bifolds
Author: Martin Burgess - Customer Service Manager
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Summer houses are a popular choice for homeowners looking to create a versatile garden retreat. Whether used as a home gym, a cosy log cabin, or a stylish garden office, these spaces can be tailored to suit various lifestyles. Adding bifold summer house doors enhances functionality and style, making them a good choice for creating unobstructed views and easy access to the outdoors.
This guide explores the benefits of bifold doors for summer houses, key considerations when choosing them, and how to pick the best folding door models for your needs.
In this guide:
Find out what is meant by a summer house and its benefits.
Read why you should invest in bifold doors for summer houses.
Find out what to consider when buying your new bifold doors.
We answer common queries on choosing bifold doors.
What is a summer house?
A “summer house” has become a catch-all term for building structures in the garden. Also known as “garden rooms” and “garden spaces”, summer houses are buildings or shelters used for relaxation in warm weather. However, with modern technology and the right insulation, summer houses can be used all year round as offices, hosting spaces, home cinemas and more.
What are the benefits of bifold doors for summer houses?
Bifold doors offer a modern and practical addition to a summer house and allow for clear views of the garden. They also offer the following benefits:
Excellent energy efficiency
British weather is known to change frequently, which can make spending time in the garden complicated. A summerhouse with bifold doors can be enjoyed no matter the weather, offering all the sights of the garden whatever time of year it is. Vufold offers bifold doors with excellent energy efficiency, keeping your summer house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Find out more about bifold door U-values.
Read more about the different locations for bifold doors here.
High-quality suppliers offer great security options
As summer houses are usually detached from the main building, security can be a concern for homeowners. Vufold’s bifold doors use the latest methods to offer greater security than standard doors. They are:
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Compatible with multi-point locking systems.
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Feature internal beading / internally glazed.
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Offer durable handle designs and materials. Read our guide to bifold door handles.
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Feature laminated glass for optional safety.
Are you looking for an eye-catching and durable wooden bifold door?
Our pick:
MASTER WOODEN BIFOLD DOORS
FROM £2,109.00
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.
Space saving
Summer houses in the UK are often ‘compact’, with limited space. Bifold doors are particularly suited to this type of restriction as they take very little space when open. You will only need to plan a stacking space for when the door is fully open.
Low maintenance
Depending on the type of material, bifold doors can be very low maintenance. Aluminium bifold doors only require the occasional clean with water and detergent. This can be very welcome when applied to summer houses, which are often exposed to the elements due to their position in the garden. Find out more about bifold door care and maintenance here.
Multiple design choices
With bifold doors, you have several materials to choose from and dozens of stains, finishes and paints. You can create a fully personalised bifold door that will suit any design of summer house. Find out more about how to choose a bifold door here.
Considerations when choosing your new bifold doors
There are several considerations you need to make when purchasing bifold doors for a summer house. These considerations range in importance, but it’s worth keeping them all in mind when choosing your bifold door.
The main considerations are:
1. Summer house usage
What will you use your summer house for? You may already know the answer, but if not, it’s worth giving some thought. Some frequent uses for summer houses are:
When working from home, productivity can suffer. Your home is full of ready-made distractions. A garden office helps give you the space to work, with all the amenities of a home. For example, if you are considering bifold doors for your home cinema summer house, you should also consider purchasing blinds. Vufold offers blinds specifically designed to fit their timber bifold doors and oak bifold doors ranges. The aluminium bifold doors range can be installed with integral blinds installed between the panes of glass.
Bifold doors are an excellent choice for a summer house gym as they can be partly opened with a traffic door to let in a breeze during your workout. In better weather they can be opened fully so you can work out with the feeling of the outdoors.
Expert Quote:
“Aluminium as a material will comfortably outlast uPVC, which has a lifespan of only 20 to 30 years.”
- Rick Collins, Director, Vufold.
Are you looking for a modern black bifold door with excellent thermal efficiency?
Our pick:
Shop our steel look bifold doors range
From £2489
- Thermally broken aluminium - Superior energy efficiency.
- Easy Install - Doors come ready glazed, with drill bits and fixings.
- Glazing – Double and triple
- Cill options - standard or projecting.
2. Energy efficiency
Ensuring your summer house is set up for optimum energy efficiency will result in the use of less heating/cooling energy when maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Good insulation for a summer house is the best way to ensure energy efficiency. Natural wood products that make up a timber summer house offer natural insulation. Wood acts as thermal insulation and helps regulate cold and heat inside a building.
You should ensure your bifold doors match this level of energy efficiency. Avoid losing heat/cold through a bifold door with poor insulation properties. To guarantee maximum energy efficiency, you need to check the overall U-value of a bifold door. Read our guide to bifold door U-values here.
The U-value: measures how effectively a material insulates a room. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation properties of a material. You should aim to install a bifold with an overall U-value of 1.4 W/m2k or less. This will ensure your summer house is as insulated as possible. Find out more about bifold door thermal efficiency here.
3. What material is best for your bifold door?
Summer houses and other garden buildings can be made with a variety of materials. Some common options include engineered timber, aluminium and uPVC.
When choosing between aluminium, engineered timber, and uPVC bifold doors, the best option depends on your priorities:
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Aluminium is highly durable, weather-resistant, and offers a sleek, modern look with slim sightlines. It is more expensive upfront but provides long-term value with a lifespan of up to 45 years and minimal maintenance. Aluminium is ideal if you’re after longevity and a premium aesthetic, especially for external installations.
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Engineered hardwood provides a classic, natural appearance and is a versatile option for customisation. It can be refinished to match decor changes and is durable with proper care, though it may require more maintenance than other materials. It is particularly suitable if a traditional look is desired.
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uPVC is the most budget-friendly option and requires minimal upkeep, but it has a shorter lifespan (20–30 years) and can look less premium compared to aluminium or timber. Its susceptibility to expansion in heat and limited aesthetic appeal make it better suited to cost-conscious buyers prioritising functionality over style.
Read our guide to bifold door materials here.
4. Security
Summer houses can be a target for burglars. It’s important to secure your summer house from any potential burglaries. For general security, you can install:
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Security cameras
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Motion sensor lighting
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Good fencing.
Your bifold door can also ensure an added layer of security. Don’t simply settle for standard bifolds. Make sure you assess how secure the bifold is. You can do this by checking the locking system and glass type.
The importance of a high-quality locking system
A decent locking system is important to ensure your bifold door is as secure as possible. Vufold bifold doors are supplied with door handles that fit a multipoint locking system. As the name suggests, a multipoint lock features an added locking mechanism to increase security.
Why choose a multipoint locking system?
There are many added security benefits for multipoint locks, including the following:
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Insurance companies favour multi-point locks due to their added security
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They offer three times the level of security compared to standard locks
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More locking points means it’s harder to break
Read our full guide to bifold door security here.
5. Should you choose a top hung or bottom rolling bifold door?
When bifold doors are called top hung or bottom rolling, it is referring to the track system. All bifold doors require a main track to operate. This main track is either located in the frame head (top hung) or the bottom threshold (bottom rolling).
Top hung vs bottom rolling
|
Track system |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Top hung |
Smooth operation — Top hung doors mean the weight hangs from the top and require less force to move along the track Lower threshold — With the main track in the frame head, the bottom threshold can be lower Low-maintenance —Debris is unlikely to collect in upper track |
Added support required — Your lintel needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the door which can be difficult for summer house materials |
|
Bottom rolling |
Less support required — The weight of the bifold is carried on the floor Easier installation — Fewer holes are needed in the guide track located in the frame head |
Jamming/blockages — Standard bottom rolling bifolds can have their main tracks clogged. However, Vufold bifold doors use the latest technology to stop this issue The aluminium bifold doors range uses a sealed outer frame to stop debris |
Frequently asked questions
How do bifold doors compare to sliding doors for summer houses?
Bifold doors and sliding doors are both excellent options for summer houses, but they differ in functionality and aesthetic appeal. Bifold doors create a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors by folding completely to one side, allowing the widest possible opening. This is ideal for maximising ventilation and creating an open-air living experience.
Sliding doors, on the other hand, typically feature large glass panels that provide uninterrupted views even when closed. However, they don’t open fully, as one panel always overlaps another. If your priority is space-saving and a sleek, modern look, sliding doors may suit you better. But for those seeking versatility and the ability to fully open up their summer house, bifold doors are the superior choice. Read our full guide to bifold doors vs sliding doors here.
Why install bifold doors in your summerhouse?
Bifold doors transform your summer house into a multi-functional and stylish space. They let in natural light, making the interior feel bright and welcoming, even on overcast days. When opened, they create a flow between the summer house and the garden, perfect for entertaining or enjoying the outdoors.
Their flexibility also enhances ventilation, helping regulate temperature during warm weather. Moreover, bifold doors come in various designs and finishes, allowing you to customise them to complement your summer house’s aesthetic. They’re also highly secure and energy-efficient, providing both peace of mind and cost savings. Find out more about the benefits of bifold doors here.
What are the best practices for maintaining bifold summerhouses?
To keep bifold doors in peak condition, regular maintenance is essential:
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Clean the frames and glass: Use a soft cloth and mild soap solution to wipe down the frames and glass panels, avoiding abrasive cleaners.
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Lubricate moving parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation.
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Inspect weather seals: Check the seals for wear or damage, replacing them if necessary to maintain energy efficiency.
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Clear the tracks: Remove debris from the tracks to prevent jamming or misalignment.
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Tighten loose crews: Periodically check all fixings and tighten as needed to maintain structural integrity.
By following these steps, your bifold doors will remain functional and attractive for years.
How do I choose the right size bifold doors for my summer house?
Choosing the right size bifold doors involves measuring your summer house opening precisely. Consider the following:
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Width and height: Measure the width and height of the opening, ensuring allowances for frames and fittings.
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Number of panels: Decide how many panels will fit comfortably in the space without compromising functionality.
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Panel width: Divide the total width by the number of panels, factoring in space for hinges and overlaps.
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Opening direction: Determine whether the doors will open inwards or outwards and allow for this in your measurements.
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If in doubt, consult a professional to ensure a perfect fit.
Are bifold doors safe for garden use?
Yes, bifold doors are safe for garden use when installed correctly. Modern bifold doors are equipped with multiple locking points, toughened or laminated glass, and robust frames, providing excellent security. Their strong seals also protect against weather, keeping your summer house dry and comfortable.
For added safety, especially in family gardens, consider doors with finger-safe gaskets to prevent pinched fingers and low-threshold options to minimise trip hazards.
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About Martin Burgess
For customers, Martin is one of the key people at Vufold and looks to offer technical advice, resolve any issues or problems that they may have. Martin is passionate about protecting the reputation of Vufold and likes to see a positive impact on the business due to his day-to-day efforts. Martin’s proud of the team he’s built around him and is dedicated to constantly improving the way the company meets its service commitments and delivers on its promises.
Read more about Martin Burgess