Aluminium Bifold Doors

Aluminium Bifold doors or Sliding Folding Doors are among the most popular home improvement products. Also referred to as concertina doors, accordion doors, folding doors, or multi-folding doors, they allow the creation of glass walls and open up to create a seamless transition between inside and outside spaces.

The continued popularity of bifolding doors may be attributed to lifestyle and home design programmes such as Grand Designs.

Homeowners have adopted the trend of open-plan living, more family rooms and combined spaces in the home.   Another reason is the recent changes in property trends, with homeowners choosing to improve and renovate their homes instead of moving houses. As a result, aluminium bifolding doors are better than ever, with significant options for styling, sightlines, sizes, and colour.

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Why choose a Bifold door for your Patio

Even if you currently have standard french or patio doors, they can easily be replaced with bifolding doors. Bifolding doors come in over fifty different brands or systems, and our website helps you navigate these and help you choose the best folding sliding doors for your property project or the trade looking for suitable bifold suppliers.

Bifolding or sliding doors open up views over the garden and patio. The improved light and views give the illusion of more space. Research by The Halifax shows that adding bi-folding doors is the third most profitable home upgrade (after roof conversions).

Who makes the best
Bi folding door

Confused about which system is best? Find out what makes a premium German system unique or what to look for in a budget-friendly brand.

Advantages of a Bifolding Door

solarlux bifolding doors in black

With a bifolding door, the main advantage is the ability to open up an entire space.  When closed, bifolding doors can enable similar views outdoors associated with patio doors.  In addition, there’s the capacity to create flush floor levels and a seamless transition from inside to out. Then you have the choice of new extensions, such as creating open corner bifolding doors, which is an excellent way to create a dramatic home extension.

sunflex bifold header 1140x200 3

Another great feature of these functional patio doors is how they work in large openings. Many bifolds go up to 1.2m wide per panel, the high end even wider at 1.5m wide. For the height, the upper-level brands achieve heights of 3.2m, creating impressive floor-to-ceiling glazing.

With the broad range of products in the marketplace, the consumer has a huge choice when it comes to bifolding doors with several benefits over French doors or patio doors:

  • Some doors will create a 90% clear opening.
  • They are a fantastic alternative to French doors or patio doors which only offer a 40% opening.
  • They enable open-plan living areas and can convert two rooms into one.
  • Improved light thanks to large glass panels.
  • High security, energy efficiency and weather sealing
  • Available in a wide variety of colours and finishes.
  • Now available slimmer and even in a steel-look style
  • Wide variety of opening combinations

Who are the main providers of aluminium bifolding doors?

Bifolding doors today are available with many different aesthetics, colours, hardware choices and specifications.   Most window and door systems companies now have bifolding doors to their product range.  There are over 50 different bifolding door brands in the UK.  Some of the best bifolding doors in the UK include:

To choose the best type of bifolding door, consumers now have access to more information and dedicated bifolding door showrooms.  This very website is unique, providing independent and impartial information about bifolding doors.  Finding the best bi folding doors can be challenging when faced with so much information.   The Aluminium Trade Supply Website can advise on all aspects of bifolding doors. Contact us for further information.

Bifolding doors are complicated to engineer, design and fabricate.  A good installation means bifolding doors operate reliably.  Many of the perceived problems associated with folding doors are usually down to installation.

Deciding between PVCu and Aluminium Bifold Doors

The significant benefits of aluminium bifolding doors are slimmer lines, less visual bulk, larger panel sizes, and a more reliable long-term product. For these reasons, many PVCu double-glazing companies choose not to supply PVCu bifolds alongside their window ranges. 

A PVCu folding sliding door is vastly improved on early-generation products and provides a low-cost option. However, thick profile dimensions, bulkier hardware and greater thermal expansion are characteristic of the product. Aluminium bifolds are significantly more reliable.

Aluminium bi-folding doors can be larger and taller than their PVCu counterparts and have far less intrusive and more attractive hardware. They can also last much longer.  Furthermore, their slimmer sightlines, especially since the doors are closed most of the year, enable larger glass areas than pvcu. Check out who makes the slimmest bifolding doors.

Aluminium bifolding doors provide long service life with little maintenance when correctly made and installed.  The non-welded construction of aluminium (compared to pvcu) means that individual sections can easily be replaced should any damage occur.

You can also find information about bifolds and other patio doors in other materials.

Bifolding doors in a range of styles

While white remains a popular colour, other colours are dominant for patio doors, such as bifolds, creating a visual contrast. Woodgrain colours, plain and wood-effect foils, metallic, anodised or a different colour inside and out are all available, and the option for hybrid bifolds with wood inside and aluminium outside.


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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
Rachel LauRachel Lau
09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
13:18 02 Apr 23
Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
David NunnDavid Nunn
20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
Keith BarnesKeith Barnes
17:18 10 Dec 22
Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
Munim ChowdhuryMunim Chowdhury
11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
SUSAN wallaceSUSAN wallace
17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
Nick McCormackNick McCormack
20:25 14 Aug 22
Really helpful and useful came back to me on a Sunday with some invaluable information. Highly recommended.
ray addisonray addison
13:14 14 Aug 22
received a prompt reply to my query,and helpful information from ATS
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