PROJECT PLANNING
WANT TO TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE AND CREATE A SEAMLESS CONNECTION BETWEEN INDOORS AND OUT? WE SHARE THE BEAUTY OF BIFOLDS
FEATURE AMY CUTMORE, GINEVRA BENEDETTI
O importantdecisions when renovating a house or designing a new extension is the type of doors you include. For external glazed doors, you can choose French doors, sliding or pivot doors. But if the idea of an unobstructed view of your garden is key, then bifold doors might be the answer. We’ve asked the experts to reveal all the info you want and need.
WHAT ARE BIFOLDS?
Made up of a set of glazed panels that can slide or concertina, bifold doors effectively open up the entire wall of a house. Unlike sliding or French doors, bifolding designs stack neatly out of the way, providing gloriously open access to the garden, creating an expansive feel.
Bifolds can open left or right, inside or outside, and even fold around corners. It’s also possible to fit bifolds with a single door that can be used independently of the rest, giving you more flexible access to your garden.
However, there is a downside. There will need to be space for stacking inward-opening doors and their sturdy design means more of the framework is visible when the doors are shut. ‘The British climate does not allow the doors to be completely open for more than three or four weeks a year, so it is likely they will be closed more often than open,’ says David Clarke, marketing manager at IDSystems (idsystems.co.uk). Despite this, bifolds are hugely popular for their ability to completely transform a space, offering a seamless connection between indoors and out.
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
As a rule, you can expect to pay under £2,000 for a three-door set of uPVC bifold doors. Prices increase to around £2,500 if you’re looking at aluminium bifolds. Installation will be extra – usually around another £600, regardless of the material you choose. The dimensions of your opening will determine the number of doors – try to go for as few as possible for clear views. Odd numbers look best; three or five are the most popular. And if everyday access is required, make sure you include a single door that can be opened outward.
