Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet morning with the garden as your backdrop, bifold doors bring the outdoors in, seamlessly blending style, space, and natural light. Their clean, open-plan aesthetic offers more than just good looks; they redefine how we use and enjoy our living spaces.
We design and craft high-quality timber bifold doors tailored to suit your home. In this guide, we’ll explore why bifold doors have become one of the most sought-after upgrades for many homeowners across the UK. We’ll also examine what they can offer you in terms of performance and added elegance to your property.
What is a bifold door?
A bifold door is a type of door made up of multiple panels that fold and slide along a track, stacking neatly to one side when opened. Unlike traditional hinged or sliding doors, bifolds’ ability to stack allows the entire width of the doorway to be opened up, creating an uninterrupted connection between your indoor and outdoor areas.
Do bifold doors come in standard sizes?
While some manufacturers offer off-the-shelf bifold doors in standard sizes, this approach often falls short when it comes to character homes, awkward openings, or a specific architectural vision. That’s where bespoke craftsmanship matters.
Every bifold door we create is made to measure, tailored precisely to your home’s proportions and your design preferences. Whether you’re working with a grand Georgian façade, a contemporary extension, or a heritage restoration, we’ll ensure your bifold doors not only fit perfectly but look and perform flawlessly.
How do bifold doors work?
When opened, the panels glide smoothly along a bottom or top-mounted track and stack tightly to one or both sides of the opening, depending on the configuration you choose. Each door leaf is connected by precision-engineered hinges, ensuring consistent alignment and effortless movement.
Can bifold doors open from both sides?
When you purchase a bifold door or have one made to order, you will normally have the opportunity to choose whether the door folds both ways or only one. They can also be configured to open from the centre, the left, or the right, giving you full control over how your space flows.
Do you need planning permission for bifold doors?
In most cases, installing bifold doors in a residential property does not require planning permission, especially if you’re replacing existing doors or windows. As long as the installation doesn’t significantly alter the structure or appearance of the building and the property isn’t listed or in a conservation area, you should be covered under permitted development rights.
However, there are important exceptions. Suppose your home is listed, located in a designated conservation area, or you’re planning a larger structural alteration, such as widening an opening or adding bifolds as part of an extension. In that case, you may need approval from your local planning authority.
Working with you on heritage properties
We’re highly experienced in working with heritage and character properties across London and the South West. We understand the planning considerations that come with period homes and can offer guidance or work with your architect to ensure all necessary permissions are in place before we begin crafting your bespoke doors.
If you’re unsure whether you need planning permission, it’s always best to check or speak to our team. We’re happy to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
What bifold doors bring to your home
- Maximised natural light – Even when closed, the large glazed panels allow daylight to flood your interiors, creating brighter, more uplifting spaces throughout your home.
- Seamless indoor-outdoor living – When fully opened, bifold doors remove the barrier between your home and garden, patio, balcony, or terrace, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the view.
- Enhanced airflow and ventilation – On warm days, bifold doors invite fresh air through your home, helping to keep your space cool and comfortable with ease.
- Added elegance to any architectural style – Whether you live in a period property or a contemporary home, bifold doors can be tailored to complement your surroundings and enhance your interior design.
- Boosted property value and kerb appeal – With their stylish appearance and practical benefits, bifold doors are a desirable feature for buyers and a strong selling point if you’re planning for the future.
Choosing the right material for your bifold doors
Material choice is vital when it comes to designing and picking out bifold doors. While there are several options on the market, not all are created equal, and the best choice will depend on your home, your priorities, and the look you want to achieve.
Here’s a quick overview of the most common bifold door materials:
- uPVC – A budget-friendly option, uPVC is long-lasting, lightweight, and low maintenance. However, it often lacks the premium finish that many homeowners seek, especially in period or character properties.
- Aluminium – Sleek, strong, and modern, aluminium frames offer a slimline aesthetic and excellent durability. While they suit contemporary designs well, they can feel cold or clinical in more traditional settings and may lack the natural charm of timber.
- Timber – For those seeking beauty, warmth, and heritage appeal, timber remains the gold standard. It offers a unique richness in appearance, with the added benefit of being highly customisable to suit the character of your home.
Why we think timber is the superior choice
We specialise in crafting bifold doors from FSC-certified timber, ensuring every product is responsibly sourced and environmentally considered. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, our timber doors are made with care, precision, and an eye for detail that honours traditional joinery techniques while meeting modern performance standards.
Timber also offers excellent thermal performance, particularly when paired with double or triple glazing, and it can be painted or stained in a finish of your choice. Whether you’re restoring a listed building or upgrading a more modern home, our bespoke timber doors are designed to fit seamlessly into their setting, delivering timeless elegance, long-lasting durability, and real environmental value.
Are bifold doors secure?
Security is a natural concern when choosing glazed doors, but rest assured, modern bifold doors are engineered with protection in mind. At Nine Zero, we combine robust materials with high-spec hardware to ensure your bespoke timber bifold doors are as secure as they are stylish.
How we ensure security in our bifold doors
Every door we craft comes with a multi-point locking system as standard. This makes it significantly harder for intruders to force the door open compared to a traditional single-point lock.
Our glazing options include toughened or laminated glass, which is designed to resist impact and prevent shattering. These safety-conscious features not only enhance security but also bring added peace of mind, particularly for homes with children or pets.
All our doors are also structurally robust, making them a strong and reliable barrier between your home and the outside world. Built to last and expertly installed, they offer long-term security alongside timeless visual appeal.
What do bifold doors cost?
Because every home is different and every door we supply is made to measure, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost of bifold doors.
The price of your doors will depend on a range of factors, including:
- The overall size and number of panels
- Your chosen finish
- The type of glazing (double or triple)
- Hardware and security options
If you’re considering bifold doors and would like to explore your options, our expert team is here to help. Get in touch today to discuss your project and receive a no-obligation, custom quote.
Why Nine Zero is the best choice for bifold doors
Choosing the right bifold doors is about finding the perfect balance of craftsmanship, performance, and service. Here’s why homeowners, architects, and developers across London and the South West work with our team:
- Traditional craftsmanship – Our doors are hand-crafted using time-honoured joinery techniques and built to deliver smooth operation, thermal performance, and long-term durability.
- Experience across heritage homes – We understand the unique demands of period properties and conservation areas, ensuring every installation respects and enhances your home’s architectural integrity.
- Attractive, secure, and energy-efficient – From FSC-certified timber to advanced glazing and multi-point locking systems, our bifold doors deliver on performance without compromising on design.
- Unbeatable service – Our friendly, experienced team is here to guide you through every stage, from initial ideas to installation and aftercare, ensuring your doors are perfect in every detail.
- Completely bespoke – Every door is made to measure, customised to your needs, and finished to the highest standards.
Get in touch with us
Whether you’re restoring a period property, upgrading a modern extension, or starting from scratch with a new build, our expert team is here to help you bring your vision to life. From the first conversation to the final installation, you’ll benefit from personal design support, honest advice, and expert UK craftsmanship.
Contact Nine Zero today for a no-obligation quote.