Bifold Door Sizes & Standard Size Bifold Doors

This guide provides comprehensive information on the sizing and measurement of bifold doors, along with the benefits of both standard and customized options. We also delve into the materials that offer optimal solutions for bifold doors.

Standard Dimensions for Bifold Doors in the UK

Bifold door manufacturers in the UK typically adhere to standard size ranges based on conventional building practices. These standard sizes encompass various dimensions, including height, width, and thickness.

Height: Standard heights for UK bifold doors are typically 2,078mm (6.8 ft) for internal doors and 2,090mm (6.10 ft) for external doors. While these dimensions are widely used, taller door options are also commonly available.

Width: The width of bifold doors varies based on the number of panels and the maximum panel width. For instance, a three-panel door with panels measuring 700mm each would have a minimum width of 2.1m. Panel widths can exceed 1 meter, although they usually range between 700mm and 1,000mm (1 meter).

Internal Doors: Standard width sizes for internal bifold doors commonly include:

1.2m (approximately 4 ft) – 1,200mm
1.5m (approximately 5 ft) – 1,500mm
1.8m (approximately 6 ft) – 1,800mm
2.1m (approximately 7 ft) – 2,100mm
2.4m (approximately 8 ft) – 2,400mm
2.7m (approximately 9 ft) – 2,700mm

External Doors: External bifold doors typically have similar heights to internal ones, averaging around 2,100mm. Standard widths for external bifold doors include:

1.8m (approximately 6 ft)
2.1m (approximately 7 ft)
2.4m (approximately 8 ft)
2.7m (approximately 9 ft)
3m (approximately 10 ft)

Ensuring precise measurements for your bifold door is essential to avoid potential setbacks and ensure a seamless installation process. Before taking measurements, always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific requirements.

Follow these steps to accurately measure for bifold doors:

Accurate measurements are vital for a well-fitted and smoothly operating bifold door. If you encounter any uncertainties during the measuring process, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a professional installer or manufacturer.

Installation Tolerance

Fitting tolerance, a term commonly used in manufacturing, denotes the acceptable degree of variation permitted for components to function effectively.

For bi-folding doors, fitting tolerance specifically pertains to the variance between the door size and the aperture size.

Typically, a fitting tolerance of 10mm is deemed acceptable for bifold door installations, indicating that the door is slightly smaller than the aperture.

A variation within the range of 10mm to a maximum of 15mm is generally considered manageable and should not impede the door’s functionality. However, if the deviation exceeds 15mm, opting for a customised fit is often recommended for optimal results.

How Many Panels In A Bifold Door?

Determining the number of door panels for your bifold door is a significant decision influenced by various factors.

Primarily, the width of the opening plays a key role. Typically, wider openings necessitate more panels to ensure proper coverage.

Additionally, consider the height of the door, as taller doors may require additional support frames to accommodate the glass, resulting in extra panels.

Take into consideration the recessed space required for each door panel, including the lead door and subsequent panels.

The standard thickness of modern glazed bifold doors is approximately 35mm. For instance, if there are six panels, each measuring 35mm, the combined folded panels span at least 210mm.

Another aspect to consider is that external bifold doors often require more panels compared to internal ones. Internal bifolds typically fit within smaller openings found in most structures.

External doors serve to welcome natural light and showcase outdoor features like gardens, patios, or decks. If privacy and security are not primary concerns, maximising the view becomes paramount.

Optimising the view is crucial for external doors, with more glass translating to better views. Additionally, bifold doors with ample glass can create a sense of openness and spaciousness in a room.

The Best Materials for Bifold Doors

While uPVC doors are the most budget-friendly, they lack the robustness found in other materials. However, a well-crafted uPVC door can provide reliable service for more than a decade, making it suitable for smaller door sets and internal bifolds. Yet, for configurations with numerous panels, such as composite doors, uPVC may not be the ideal choice.

Aluminium stands out for its exceptional strength and impressive strength-to-weight ratio, making it the go-to material for highly secure bifold doors among the trio. With aluminium frames, you can support towering door panels, reaching heights of over 4 metres. Additionally, aluminium frames can accommodate larger and multiple panels, thanks to their inherent sturdiness. Moreover, their strength allows for slimmer frames, which maximise the entry of natural light through the panels.

Wood presents itself as a solid option for both interior and exterior doorways. It can support configurations with multiple panels, sometimes reaching heights exceeding 3 metres. However, while wood offers aesthetic appeal, it requires more frequent maintenance and is susceptible to warping in adverse weather conditions.

Overall, aluminium affords greater flexibility in panel count, typically resulting in unobstructed views.

Standard Size Bifolding Doors

At Prime Aluminium, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality bifold doors in three standard sizes:

What sets our doors apart is the inclusion of a traffic door, making them incredibly convenient for any home or garden room. This feature enhances accessibility and ease of use, allowing for seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, our standard doors are available in three stylish colours: grey, black, and white, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your aesthetic preferences.

Despite their premium features, our standard bifolds are competitively priced, offering exceptional value for money.

Custom Fit Bifold Doors

Choosing a custom bifold door may mean a higher cost and a longer wait for production, but the benefits are extensive:

Custom bifold doors are an excellent solution for non-standard doorways. Although they may require a higher initial investment, their ability to meet your specific needs and preferences makes them a worthwhile choice in the long run.

Bifold Door Sizes & Standard Size Bifold Doors