External Aluminium Bifold Doors in the UK
Looking to brighten up your home and connect your indoor space with the outdoors? External aluminium bifold doors might be just what you need!
These modern, secure, and energy-efficient doors are a top choice for UK homeowners, offering durability, high-quality manufacturing standards, and a sleek look. Bifold patio doors are also popular for enhancing natural light and access to outdoor spaces, making them ideal for kitchen extensions and garden locations.
Whether you’re new to home improvements or just exploring options, this guide breaks down everything about aluminium bifold doors—panel choices, styles, sizes, uses, and how they’re fitted—in simple, beginner-friendly language. Plus, stick around to find out how to get the best deals from us at Green Central!
What Are Aluminium Bifold Doors?
Aluminium bifold doors are folding doors made from strong, lightweight aluminium. These doors offer benefits such as longevity and thermal efficiency, making them a superior choice for external bifold doors.
Bi fold doors are highly functional, providing excellent thermal efficiency to insulate homes and versatile usability as entryways. They slide and fold neatly to one side, opening up your home to your garden or patio.
They’re perfect for letting in natural light and making your space feel bigger. Because they’re aluminium, they last a long time, don’t rust, and need little upkeep—ideal for the UK’s unpredictable weather!
Panel Options: How Many Glass Panels Do You Need?
One of the best things about these doors is how flexible they are. All the doors can be moved to one side for better accessibility. You can choose how many panels (or sections) you want, usually between 2 and 6. Here’s a quick rundown:
- 2 or 3 panels: Great for smaller spaces like a cosy patio.
- 4 to 6 panels: Perfect for bigger openings, giving you a wide, open view.
Each panel can be up to 1500mm wide, depending on your design, so you get plenty of glass to enjoy the view. Want a modern vibe? Go for fewer, larger panels with slim frames for a clean, open look. A traffic door is a convenient feature for easy access without opening the entire door setup.
2-Panel Bifold Doors
| 2 Panel Options |
Best For |
| – All panels fold to the left or right, stacking together on one side. |
Small openings, limited wall space, simple access. |
| – Can open inward or outward depending on space and preference. |
|
3-Panel Bifold Doors
| 3 Panel Options |
Best For |
| – All panels fold to one side (left or right). |
Medium openings, straightforward access. |
| – 2 panels fold one way, 1 panel (traffic door) hinges independently the opposite way. |
Easy entry without full opening, moderate space. |
| – Can open inward or outward. |
|
4-Panel Bifold Doors
| 4 Panel Options |
Best For |
| – All panels fold to one side (left or right). |
Larger openings, full access with ample stacking space. |
| – 2 panels fold left, 2 panels fold right (split in the middle). |
Symmetrical look, wide central opening. |
| – Can open inward or outward (no traffic door option with even panels). |
|
5-Panel Bifold Doors
| 5 Panel Options |
Best For |
| – All panels fold to one side (left or right). |
Large openings, maximum light with one-side stacking. |
| – 4 panels fold one way, 1 panel (traffic door) hinges the opposite way (e.g., 4+1). |
Frequent access with minimal opening, big spaces. |
| – 3 panels fold one way, 2 panels fold the opposite way (e.g., 3+2). |
Balanced opening, avoids excessive stacking. |
| – Can open inward or outward. |
|
6-Panel Bifold Doors
| 6 Panel Options |
Best For |
| – All panels fold to one side (left or right). |
Very large openings, full access with space to stack. |
| – 3 panels fold left, 3 panels fold right (e.g., 3+3). |
Wide, symmetrical opening, modern aesthetic. |
| – 4 panels fold one way, 2 panels fold the opposite way (e.g., 4+2). |
Asymmetrical access, flexible stacking options. |
| – Can open inward or outward (no traffic door with even panels). |
|
7-Panel Bifold Doors
| 7 Panel Options |
Best For |
| – All panels fold to one side (left or right). |
Expansive openings, full access with ample space. |
| – 6 panels fold one way, 1 panel (traffic door) hinges the opposite way (e.g., 6+1). |
Easy entry, large-scale projects. |
| – 4 panels fold one way, 3 panels fold the opposite way (e.g., 4+3). |
Balanced wide opening, versatile access. |
| – 5 panels fold one way, 2 panels fold the opposite way (e.g., 5+2). |
Unique split, large views with practical entry. |
| – Can open inward or outward. |
|
8-Panel Bifold Doors
| 8 Panel Options |
Best For |
| – All panels fold to one side (left or right). |
Massive openings, grand entrances, full stacking space. |
| – 4 panels fold left, 4 panels fold right (e.g., 4+4). |
Symmetrical, wide central opening, luxury look. |
| – 5 panels fold one way, 3 panels fold the opposite way (e.g., 5+3). |
Asymmetrical split, large views with flexibility. |
| – 6 panels fold one way, 2 panels fold the opposite way (e.g., 6+2). |
Unique wide opening, modern design. |
| – Can open inward or outward (no traffic door with even panels). |
|
Styles and Variations: Make It Your Own
Aluminium bifold doors come in tons of styles to match your home. Concertina doors consist of multiple panels that fold and slide to one side, allowing for flexibility in design and space usage. You can pick:
- Colours: Black, grey, or white are super popular—they suit almost any house!
- Blinds Inside: Some doors have built-in blinds you don’t need to clean, perfect for privacy without the hassle.
- Industrial Look: Love a trendy, steel-like style? You can get that too.
Want the best deal? Get a quote from us here at Green Central—we’ve got unbeatable offers waiting for you! New bifold doors offer a seamless solution for connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces, combining functionality and aesthetic appeal to create a modern, open-plan feel in homes.
Sizes: Finding the Perfect Fit
No matter your doorway size, there’s an aluminium bifold door for you. Exterior bifold doors can be customised to fit any doorway size. You can buy:
- Ready-Made Sizes: Common options range from 2200mm wide by 2090mm tall (about 7×7 feet) up to 4800mm wide (nearly 16 feet).
- Custom Sizes: Need something unique? You can order doors tailored to your exact space.
They’re super versatile, fitting everything from small backyards to big garden entrances. The large glass panels in these doors increase natural light and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Just measure your opening, and you’re good to go!
Uses: Where Can You Put External Bifold Doors?
These doors are a game-changer for UK homes. Here’s where they shine:
- Garden Access: Open them up to step right into your garden—perfect for summer BBQs or relaxing outside.
- Modern Living: They make your home feel spacious and airy, blending indoor and outdoor areas. Bifold doors enhance the living space by creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas.
- Energy Savings: With good glazing, they keep heat in, meeting UK rules for energy efficiency.
They’re not just for homes—businesses like cafes or offices love them too for a welcoming, open feel. Multi point locking systems are crucial for enhanced security, providing multiple locking points operated by a single key.
Fitting: How Do Multi Point Locking Systems Get Installed?
Installing aluminium bifold doors is easier than you might think! Here’s how it works:
Most bifold doors are ready to go, arriving with glass already fitted and including tools like drill bits and fixings to get started.
External bifold doors also come equipped with practical guides to help with installation and maintenance. The process is quick, as a standard 3-panel door can be fully installed and operational in just one day.
Here’s a pro tip: although it’s possible to install them yourself, we recommend hiring a professional fitter who can ensure everything is level and secure, guaranteeing that your doors operate smoothly for years to come.
UK rules also require external bifold doors to be energy-efficient and safe, so a pro can double-check that too.
How Much Do Bifold Doors Cost?
Bifold doors are a modern, versatile option with multiple panels that fold together, ideal for wide openings. Their cost depends heavily on the number of panels, material, and glazing type.
Supply-Only Cost:
- uPVC: £1,650–£4,300 for 3–5 panels (e.g., a 3-panel 3m door starts around £2,230).
- Aluminium: £1,760–£5,350 for 3–5 panels (e.g., a 3-panel 3m door averages £3,000–£3,825).
- Timber: £2,100–£5,000+ for 3–5 panels (e.g., a 3-panel 3m door around £3,400).
Installation Cost
- £600–£1,000, depending on complexity (e.g., £700 for a standard 3m install, up to £900 for larger or trickier jobs). Installation typically takes 3–6 hours.
Total Average Cost (Supply + Install):
- £2,000–£7,500, with a 3-panel aluminium bifold often landing around £3,500–£4,000.
Why Choose Aluminium Bifold Doors?
- Long-Lasting: Aluminium doesn’t wear out quickly, even in rain or wind.
- Low Maintenance: Just wipe them down—no painting needed!
- Stylish: They add a modern touch that boosts your home’s value.
- Comparative Benefits: Unlike traditional French doors and sliding doors, aluminium bifold doors offer superior flexibility and space-saving benefits, making them an excellent choice for modern homes.
Ready to transform your space? Get a quote from us here at Green Central for the best deals on external aluminium bifold doors. We’ll help you find the perfect fit at a price you’ll love!
