Choosing new doors for your property is exciting. Whether it’s the best doors for a home extension or you want to upgrade your existing doors, this type of project breathes new life into your spaces. To give your rooms an individual look and more character, bifold doors are a fantastic choice, especially if you have a beautiful garden to enjoy.
Some people worry bifold doors will dominate the room or that their home is too small for a bifold installation. That’s why it’s important to get expert help from the start of your project.
Here’s some insight into whether bifolds will fit your property.
How do bifold doors work?
Bifold doors work by folding back on themselves to one or two sides of the frame. This achieves a large spatial opening, so living or dining areas can seamlessly merge with your outdoor zones. They consist of multiple glass panes, and when fully folded back, they reveal a large space, which can open up a smaller property.
The best bifold frames are aluminium, which is a material that’s highly resistant to weather changes. This allows them to open and close smoothly, regardless of their age or the time of year. Aluminium is one of the strongest door frames on the market, made slimmer than other materials, minimising sightlines and ensuring an elegant, non-bulky look.
Bifolds transform the look and feel of any room. Stunning views can be instantly appreciated from inside the property, creating welcoming spaces for socialising, dining and relaxing.
How much space do you need for bifold doors?
A bifold door installation is a flexible solution for many homes. Some small apartments can even include a variation on bifold designs thanks to the range of configurations and size options available.
For top brands like Origin, the minimum width of a bifold door pane with an even-number layout is around 700mm. For an odd number of panes, it’s around 400mm for one door leaf. If you have a smaller home, you can even choose outward-opening doors, so you won’t need extra floor space to open your bifolds around furniture placements.
You’ll require enough space for the width of the bifolds plus extra for the tracks and hinges. A professional installer will take accurate measurements in your specific space to advise you about your options.
Can a doorway be widened to fit bifolds?
We’ve worked on many projects where a large opening needs to be created for the bifold installation. This usually involves removing some of the existing brickwork and door frame (e.g., where French doors are installed) before the bifolds are fitted.
However, a structural survey is required in the planning stages to confirm suitability for the work. Whether a doorway can be widened for bifolds depends on the wall structure and the risks involved. You could also consider corner bifolds, which run along two walls of the home.
Arrange a bifold door survey today
Do you need a survey to establish whether bifold doors are suitable for your home? YPE Bifold Doors can help. We work across London and Surrey, including Epsom and Kingston upon Thames.
For a free bifold quote, call now on 020 3962 2305.
