Bifold doors are quickly gaining popularity in the UK and it’s not hard to see why. The most notable reason for the inclusion of bifold doors in homes is the increase of security to homeowners. The door has multiple locking places including, double glazed high-security tracks. In addition, they add a level of genuine luxury classiness to your home.
In this guide, we shall discuss the cost of the doors, the cost of the doors by size, installation costs and the factors to consider while buying the bifold doors.
How much do Bifold doors cost?
The average cost in the UK:
The average price of the bifold door starts as low as £1,000. The price, however, varies depending on various factors like the size of the door, its design, the number of panels and the material.
Below is a table that shows the potential cost of the bifold doors using different materials.
Bifold doors with five panes
| Material | Potential cost |
|---|---|
| uPVC | £2,500 – £4250 |
| Aluminium | £4,000 – £5,500 |
| Timber | £3150 – £5,500 |
Bifold doors with four panes
| Material | Potential cost |
|---|---|
| uPVC | £1,500 – £2,300 |
| Aluminium | £2,150 – £2,750 |
| Timber | £2,250 – £2,750 |
Bifold doors with three panes
| Materials | Potential cost |
|---|---|
| uPVC | £1,200 – £2,000 |
| Aluminium | £1,700 – £2,300 |
| Timber | £1,400 – £1,750 |
The size of the doors also affects the price ranges. The table below will give you a quick estimate guide.
| Material | Size | Number of panes | Potential cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | 4.2m(14ft) | 5 | £4,259 |
| Aluminium | 5m(16ft) | 5 | £4,499 |
| Aluminium | 3m(10ft) | 4 | £2,799 |
| Aluminium | 2.1m(7ft) | 3 | £2,599 |
| Material | Size | Number of panes | Potential cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber | 3.6m(12ft) | 5 | £2,679 |
| Timber | 3m(10ft) | 4 | £2,239 |
| Timber | 1.8m(6ft) | 3 | £1,399 |
| Material | Size | Number of panes | Potential cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | 2.5m(8ft) | 3 | £2,900 – £3,200 |
| uPVC | 1.8m(6ft) | 2 | £2,150 – £2,350 |
Installation costs
The price range varies from all over the UK. A few factors like the home location, the size of the door, and the client’s specifications are taken into consideration when computing the cost. The standard price for a small bifold door (3m) approximately costs around £700 inclusive of the VAT, while a large bifold door(5m) approximately costs £1,000 inclusive of the VAT.
However, It is good to note that the prices may vary depending on other factors like;
- The tradesman experience.
- The removal and disposal of the existing doors.
- Additional repairs (if any) are needed on the installation site.
A simple installation can take up to a day and a half to complete, and this will cost around £150 – £500 with a complex project increasing the tradies cost up to £1000.
Internal bifold doors are cheaper and faster to install since they require less hardware than external bifold. In case of any wall/brick breakdown, the price will increase.
Advantages of bifold doors
- They add beauty to your home.
They are a statement by themselves. Bifold doors are sophisticated, modern, classy and edgy. They can’t be compared to French or sliding doors. In addition, they work perfectly for the work they were designed for.
2. They offer more security.
Bifold doors have secure hinges, multiple locking points and internally beaded frames. Its double-glazed unit uses strengthened glass making it difficult to break.
3. Natural light.
A house is without doubt, where your heart is. So what can better explain having the warm rays of sun beaming directly into your home, adding in a feel of outdoor while indoors?
4. Uses up less space.
Unlike traditional doors, the bifold folds back into its frame when opened, using no side space.
5. They are low maintenance.
You only need to wipe using a glass washing detergent to avoid having a dull glass. Also, the tracks and hinges need to be lubricated once in a while as this allows them to last longer.
There are other features to consider while getting the bifold doors. However, they are optional;
1. Outward or inward opening
It’s important to be practical while placing the bifold in your home, especially the internal bifold. You wouldn’t want them to get in the way of your furniture, decor or the passway. However, when placed in the right place, they are highly flexible.
2. Even or odd number of the panes
With respect to your desire, for more light or neutral light into your home, it’s important to consider the number of door panes in comparison to your glass panes.
3. Trickle vents
The building regulations in the UK require a house to be well ventilated. This can be achieved by adding some trickle vents at the top of each panel. They can be installed at an extra cost of around £100 to £150. So you can enjoy fresh air without opening the windows and reduce the risk of having a damp home.
4. Security
On the issue of security, there are many myths concerning glass bifold doors. Others may feel uncomfortable having ‘transparent’ homes. In addition to its multiple locking points, you can install an inline tracking system to add the level of security. The design will prevent the door from being lifted off its channel by potential burglars. Moreover, at an extra cost, you are not limited to the number of additions you can make to your door to help you feel safe and enjoy the luxury of an indoor, outdoor experience. You can include;
- Manual blinds
- Electric blinds
- Other locking handles
- Coloured patterns.
Does installing a bifold door require planning permission?
It depends on the location of the house/home. Usually, you do not need planning permission but if you reside in a conservation area or listed building, it would be best to contact your local council for further consultation.
Can I install an internal bifold door by myself?
It depends on the doors’ complexity. Most bifold doors require a professional to decipher the complicated installation manual; – but that doesn’t mean all are structured like that. Some bifold doors are semi assembled giving a DIY enthusiast a chance to self-install.
How to clean the bifold doors
Maintaining a grease-free door may feel like it’s too much work but your doors shall be ever clean with these simple hacks. The trick is knowing the different types of detergents to use on your internal door and the external door.
- The external door
After being subjected to dust and particles daily, they can get dirty very quickly. While cleaning, ensure to leave them streak-free. You can achieve this by using a minimum amount of soap in your water and using a microfibre cloth instead of a kitchen towel. If you don’t have a microfibre cloth, you can crunch up a newspaper and wipe it clean.
Another soap alternative is vinegar and water.
Note: This is to be used on the glass feature only to avoid harsh household cleaners from destroying the metal or wooden frame.
Ensure to lubricate the locks and tracks with suitable lubricants to avoid staining and build-up.
2. The internal door
They are relatively easier to clean, considering they haven’t attracted too much dirt and dust. Therefore, you are advised to wipe the doors clean using a microfibre cloth or a crunched-up newspaper. Avoid harsh detergents as they can damage the finish. Instead, it’s preferable to use non-abrasive cleaners or paraffin-based cleaning solutions. The end result should be smudge-free-looking glass.
In conclusion, bifold doors are great options but you must understand all the costs before venturing into the installation.
