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So, you’ve decided to extend your home. Maybe it’s to make room for a growing family or transform your house into the home you’ve always dreamed of. Or, maybe you just wanted to create a space that feels more you. Whatever the reason, home extensions are a big investment. Getting it right means not just adding more space, but learning how to optimise it.
If you haven’t considered bifold doors for extensions yet, allow us to introduce the idea. Bifold doors are the perfect choice for homeowners looking to maximise natural light and create an open environment. These doors literally open up your space by folding back to reveal wide, unobstructed views and easy access to your garden or patio.
But are they the right fit for your extension? That’s what we’re here to help you figure out.
We know there’s a lot of information out there, but it’s often generic and doesn’t help you make the right decision for your home. So, our experts at Bifold Shop have created this guide with one thing in mind: you. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about your bifold door extensions – costs, materials, glazing options, you name it, we’ll cover it. Our mission is to help you get the most value for your money, and find the best choice for your new extension.
Let’s get started, shall we?
When you’re planning an extension, you’re not just adding space. You’re creating a new area of your home that should feel like a natural extension of what’s already there.
Extensions with bifold doors are a versatile option, whether you’re adding a kitchen, living room or home office. Here’s why:
Struggling to visualise the space? Allow us to paint a picture of how bifold doors can completely open up your extension.
Imagine a spacious kitchen that opens right into your garden. Bi fold doors can create that easy transition between your indoor cooking and dining space and the outdoors, perfect for those summer BBQs or just letting the breeze in while you prep dinner. The natural light makes everything feel bigger and brighter, transforming your kitchen extensions with bifold doors into the heart of your home.
Picture your living room, bathed in natural light from the bifold doors that stretch across the wall, offering panoramic views of your garden or patio. Whether you’re entertaining guests or relaxing with your family, bifold door systems give you the flexibility to create an open living room or enclosed retreat depending on the weather or your mood.
Working from home? Use bifold doors to connect your garden office or studio to the outdoors. The wide, open view can help you stay inspired throughout the day, while the ease of being able to step out into the fresh air gives your space a much-needed sense of balance.
If you’re opening a shop or café as part of your commercial extension, here’s why you need to incorporate bifold doors: In warm weather, bifold windows can open up to merge your space with the pavement or patio, attracting passersby and creating a welcoming ambience that customers will love. In colder weather, they keep you connected to the outdoors while providing a cosy indoor space. That means you can maintain a bright, open café without sacrificing warmth.
Bifold doors can transform a conventional office extension into a multi-purpose space. For example, if you’re extending your office with a breakout area, bifold doors allow for quick transformation from a private meeting room to an open social space.
Use this type of commercial door to open up your showroom to outdoor displays, creating a dynamic space where the indoors and outdoors work in tandem. They’re ideal for businesses that want to showcase their products while keeping the area feeling spacious and airy.
Of course, when it comes to renovating, you can’t ignore costs. The price of bifold doors can vary depending on a few factors, such as size, material and the number of panels you opt for. On average, you can expect to pay around £2,500 – £5,000. This factors in all expenses, from material supply to installation. We’re always happy to provide a quick quotation based on your specific requirements, as well as expert advice on how to maximise your investment.
Please Note: If you’re looking for something more bespoke, customising your bifold doors can add to the price. Options like coloured finishes and integrated blinds will increase the cost, however, at Bifold Shop we aim to always be transparent with our pricing.
With so many options available, how do you know which bifold door is best for your home? Two materials tend to dominate the market – aluminium and uPVC – each offering unique benefits depending on your priorities.
Aluminium is one of the most popular materials for bifold doors, and one we install here at Bifold Shop. We believe it offers the ideal balance of strength, style and durability:
Best For: Modern extensions or when you want a slim frame for a bigger glass area and maximum light.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, uPVC bi folding doors are a solid choice. Whilst they may not provide the same modern look as aluminium, they still offer plenty of advantages that can work wonders in your new extension:
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners looking for a cost-effective solution.
Glazing is just as important as the frame material. The right option can improve energy efficiency, provide better insulation and even protect your property.
We offer a range of glazing options to suit your budget and personal requirements. Essentially, the more glazing you add, the more insulated and protected your home will be. It will, however, likely incur additional costs. If you’d like to discuss your options further, please get in touch with our team.
Low-E glass has a special coating that reflects heat back into the room while still allowing light to pass through. This glazing is great for regulating temperature by keeping warmth inside during the winter and blocking out excessive heat during the summer.
Materials? Check. Glazing? Check. Now onto configuration. This will determine your bifold door design, from the number of panels it has to the way it opens.
The number of panels in your bifold doors will depend on the size of your extension and how much natural light you want to let in:
We bet you haven’t thought about how your bifold door opens! Opening your doors towards the inside of your home can be a great option if you have limited outdoor space or if you’re planning to install your doors in a more enclosed space. Bear in mind, however, that they’ll need room to swing open, which can affect the layout of your furniture or garden.
On the other hand, a door that opens away from the house is ideal for extensions with lots of outdoor space. Outward-opening bifolds are often the preferred choice for commercial properties or large residential extensions.
Your bifold door’s threshold will also play a big role in how they operate. There are two common types to choose from.
Low or flush thresholds make it easier to move between indoor and outdoor spaces. They’re ideal for creating a level entryway that’s accessible for wheelchairs, prams and simply for a clean and modern look. Raised thresholds have a slight lip that makes it easier to open and close doors in certain conditions. They’re also better for areas with heavy foot traffic or to prevent water seeping in, but it does create a small step between the inside and outside.
Now the fun part: customisation! The colour and finish of your bifold doors can completely transform the look of your extension. At Bifold Shop, we offer a range of standard frame colours, as well as more bespoke options upon request. We recommend you visit our showroom for more information or get in touch with our team of experts.
Your bifold door extension can provide an easy entry point if not properly designed, so it’s essential to choose an option that suits your desired level of security. Here are the key lock types to consider:
For more information on your bifold door security, we recommend our latest article.
If sustainability is a priority for your extension, especially after the Autumn 2024 UK Budget updates, bifold doors can be a great choice. They can contribute to the energy efficiency of your home due to their glazing and low U-value. This helps to reduce heat loss, keeping your extension warm during the winter months and cooler during the summer. It can also cut down on your heating and cooling costs! Opting for energy-efficient glazing ensures that your extension remains comfortable all year round whilst being kind to your energy bills and the environment.
Whether you’re in the middle of an ongoing extension or you’re considering fitting bifold doors as a separate project, you must get them installed properly. The installation process is straightforward, but there are a few key considerations.
Installing bifold doors in an extension isn’t as simple as popping them in where a window used to be. You’ll likely need some structural modifications, especially if the space wasn’t originally designed to accommodate doors of this size. This can include:
Like any extension work, fitting bifold doors may require planning permission or building regulations approval. Some of the factors that could trigger the need for a permit include these structural modifications or energy efficiency standards (once again, in relation to the 2024 UK Budget initiative). Always check with your local authority and a professional installer to confirm whether you need any permits before starting your project.
While installing bifold doors may seem like a straightforward task, it’s best left to professionals with experience in fitting them. This will ensure the doors are installed to the manufacturer’s specifications, preserving their performance, security and warranty.
Make sure your installer is certified and has experience specifically with bifold doors.
Once your new extension bifold doors are in, maintaining them is key to ensuring they last. Here are a few tips to help:
Whether your extension is a work in progress or you’re looking to update an existing space, bifold doors can be the perfect addition to bring in more light and connection with the outdoors.
At Bifold Shop, we specialise in helping homeowners just like you to choose the perfect bifold doors for their space. With expert advice, a range of materials and professional installation, get in touch to see how we can help you today.
