Folding doors have been gaining popularity for some time. They’re a stylish and practical choice for both homeowners and businesses, as they are just perfect for creating bright, open spaces. Now, are you after bifold doors for your patio? Or do you seek external folding doors to connect your home to the garden? Well, there’s a wide range of options to suit every style and budget.
In this article, we’ll have a closer look at the different types of folding doors, their advantages, and the installation process – so you can make a better decision. Also, we’ll introduce you to Fenbro’s premium folding door solutions – the Decalu 88 Folding Doors – a top choice for modern homes.
What are folding doors?
Folding doors – also referred to as bifold doors – consist of multiple panels that fold neatly to one side when opened. The main purpose of folding doors is to maximise space and connect indoor and outdoor areas. Unlike traditional hinged doors – which require clearance to swing open – folding doors operate on a track system. That’s why folding doors are an excellent option for both interior and exterior applications.
Types of folding doors
There are several types of folding doors to choose from. You should base your decision on the following: your space, budget, and design preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
Bifold doors
Bifold doors are the most well-known type of folding door. They consist of multiple panels that fold back on themselves. They are ideal for patios, balconies, and large interior openings. Here’s what you need to know about them:
- Available in uPVC, aluminium, and wooden options
- Provide excellent thermal insulation with double or triple glazing
- Can be customised with different panel configurations
Got your attention and you want to know more? Read about bifold doors in our detailed guide: Everything you need to know about bifold doors – pros and cons.
Aluminium bifold doors
Aluminium is a lightweight, durable metal valued for its sleek design and corrosion resistance.
For a cool, modern look, aluminium bifold doors are a good choice. Why? You get slim profiles, high durability, and excellent energy efficiency. And here are the technical advantages:
- Lightweight yet strong – ideal for large glass panels
- Corrosion-resistant – perfect for coastal homes
- Minimal maintenance – no risk of warping or rotting
Aluminium Bifold Doors Decalu 88
uPVC folding doors
Looking for a budget-friendly alternative to aluminium doors? Check uPVC bifold doors. uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is a durable plastic often used in window and door frames due to its strength, weather resistance and low maintenance needs. They offer really decent insulation and weather resistance – that’s a fair option that merges energy efficiency and an affordable price. Main advantages:
- Great insulation – reduces heat loss and energy bills
- Low maintenance – won’t rust, fade, or corrode
- Versatile design options – available in various colours and finishes
Wooden folding doors
You’re into traditional and elegant touch? The wooden folding doors are your choice. They add warmth and character to a home and maintain excellent insulation properties. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent weather damage.
Materials for folding doors: aluminum, uPVC, and wood comparison
| Feature | Aluminium folding doors | uPVC folding doors | Wooden folding doors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic appeal | Sleek, modern, slim frames | Neutral, clean, slightly bulkier | Traditional, warm, rustic |
| Thermal insulation | Good (with thermal break) | Very good | Excellent (natural insulator) |
| Maintenance | Very low – no warping, corrosion-resistant | Minimal – no painting, won’t fade or rust | High – needs sealing/painting regularly |
| Durability | Extremely durable, long-lasting | Durable, though may age faster | Long-lasting with proper care |
| Best suited for | Modern, large-glazed openings | Budget-conscious family homes | Heritage or rustic interiors |
| Customisation options | Wide – colours, finishes, configurations | Good – colours and styles available | Excellent – custom shapes & finishes |
| Price range | Higher upfront cost | Affordable | More expensive in long term |
Advantages of folding doors
Folding doors offer a perfect blend of functionality and style, allowing maximum natural light to flood your home through expansive glass panels while creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Their space-saving design makes them ideal for modern living, and with advanced energy-efficient glazing, they help retain heat and lower energy costs. Available in a variety of materials, colours, and configurations, folding doors provide a customisable and stylish solution to enhance any home’s aesthetic appeal.
Aluminium Bifold Doors Panorama Fold line
Custom design options for folding doors
With custom bifold doors, you don’t have to settle for standard. From colour to configuration, modern folding doors can be tailored to match your home and lifestyle.
Bifold doors colours
Colour plays a huge role in how your doors blend in – or stand out. Popular options like white aluminium bifold doors offer a clean, timeless look, while anthracite bifold doors, black bifold doors and anthracite grey aluminium bifold doors bring bold contrast and a modern edge. Aluminium frames are powder-coated for long-lasting finishes and are also available in dual colours – perfect if you want one shade inside and another outside.
Folding door configurations
The flexibility of folding door configurations means you can choose how many panels you want, how they fold, and where they open. Whether you go for a 2-panel system that opens in one direction, or a larger 6-panel layout with a central opening, bifold door configurations can be adjusted to suit your room size, traffic flow, and daily habits.
Finishes and glazing
Choose from smooth matte coatings, gloss finishes or woodgrain-effect textures. You can also personalise the glazing – from energy-efficient double or triple glass to frosted or tinted panels for extra privacy.
Details that matter
Hardware and handles may seem small, but they complete the look. With a wide choice of styles and colours, you can match them to your interior design – without compromising on ease of use or security.
Installation process – what to expect?
Of course, you want your folding doors to function smoothly and last for years. To make it happen, you need a proper, professional installation. Even if you’re a DIY fan and have experience – it’s best to hire professionals. They do this every day. But still, you need to know what the process looks like.
It all starts with accurate measurements – to make sure the opening is structurally sound and capable of supporting the weight of the doors. Next, the track system is prepared, (it may be top-hung or bottom-rolling) to guarantee the perfect alignment for smooth operation. Once the track is in place, the door panels are meticulously installed – along with weather seals and insulation strips to upgrade thermal efficiency. Finally, the doors go through adjustments and tests to check for smooth movement, airtight sealing, and security. It’s time to make the final tweaks if any are necessary.
Folding doors – maintenance tips
To keep your folding doors in top condition, remember about regular maintenance. Clean the tracks frequently to remove dirt and debris. Lubricate hinges and rollers with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly. Regularly inspect seals and weather strips – replace any damaged ones to maintain energy efficiency. Finally, clean the glass with a non-abrasive cleaner for a flawless, streak-free finish. These steps will help you keep your doors looking and performing at their best.
Conclusion – folding doors for every home
If you want to open up your home, flood it with natural light, and create a perfect connection between indoors and out – there’s no better way than with folding doors. Whether you’re after the bold, modern look of aluminium bifolds, the warm, classic charm of wooden folding doors, or the effortless functionality of foldable sliding doors, you’re not just upgrading your home. You’re transforming how you live in it. Folding doors don’t just look good. They do much more – slash energy costs, maximise space, and turn any room into a showpiece. Once you install them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Stop settling for ordinary. Check Fenbro’s offer and upgrade your home right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to doors with multiple panels that fold and slide along a track to open up space.
It depends on your priorities. Aluminium is ideal for a sleek, durable, low-maintenance option. uPVC is more affordable and energy-efficient, while wood offers a natural look but requires more upkeep.
Modern bifold doors with double or triple glazing and thermal breaks – especially aluminium or uPVC models – offer excellent energy performance. Fenbro’s Decalu 88 bifold doors are a great example, offering excellent insulation and year-round comfort.
Absolutely. Fenbro offers a wide range of colours, finishes, and configurations to match different architectural styles and personal preferences – from anthracite grey to classic white or black bifold doors.
Yes! High-quality bifold doors from Fenbro come with multi-point locking systems, strong frames, and reinforced glazing for enhanced security.
