Thinking about bifold doors and wondering how the price scales with panels? This guide gives you realistic, installed UK price ranges (incl. VAT) for 2–7 panel configurations in uPVC and aluminium, plus the factors that move a quote up or down. Use the quick table, then try our Double Glazing Cost Calculator for a tailored range and finance illustration.
Quick note: These are market guide prices. The lower end usually reflects installers with essential certifications such as FENSA and GGF. The higher end often includes Secured by Design, full BFRC certification, and sometimes BBA certification for both products and installation.
TL;DR price table — Installed guide ranges (incl. VAT)
Typical sizes assume c. 2.0–2.1 m height with sensible widths per panel (see sizing notes below). Hardware, colour, glass upgrades, trickle vents, and building work can change totals.
| Panels | uPVC (installed) | Aluminium (installed) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | £2,800 – £4,200 | £3,800 – £5,700 |
| 3 | £3,800 – £5,900 | £5,200 – £7,900 |
| 4 | £4,800 – £7,400 | £6,400 – £9,800 |
| 5 | £5,800 – £8,900 | £7,800 – £11,800 |
| 6 | £6,800 – £10,400 | £9,000 – £13,800 |
| 7 | £7,800 – £11,900 | £10,200 – £15,800 |
👉 Want a personalised range with your postcode adjustment and finance illustration? Open the Double Glazing Cost Calculator
How panel count affects cost (and what’s realistic)
-
More panels = more sashes, hardware and labour. Price rises roughly linearly, with step-ups around 12–18% per extra panel depending on material and spec.
-
Panel width limits: To fold smoothly, single panel width typically sits 650–1000 mm. Wider openings can use fewer, wider panels or a slider instead of bifolds.
-
Traffic door? If you want a convenience/pass door for everyday use, that can change the hinge set and handle pack.
uPVC vs Aluminium — which material when?
uPVC bifolds
-
Best when you want lower upfront cost and decent thermal performance.
-
Frames are chunkier; very wide spans can look heavier.
-
Colour stock is improving but dual-colour or specialist foils tend to add cost/lead time.
Aluminium bifolds
-
Slimmer sightlines, better for wide openings and modern looks.
-
Very good span handling and hardware options.
-
Usually £1k–£3k more than uPVC like-for-like as panel count increases.
What moves a bifold door price up or down?
-
Opening size & panel layout (see table above).
-
Colour/finish (popular colours cost less; dual-colour/premium textures cost more).
-
Glazing:
-
Double vs triple glazing (triple adds ~10–15% plus weight considerations).
-
Laminated/Acoustic glass adds cost and weight.
-
Blinds-in-glass are a premium option.
-
-
Thermal spec (U-values, warm edge spacer, argon fill, low-E coatings).
-
Security pack: PAS 24 / Secured by Design hinges, locks, keeps.
-
Cills, thresholds & trickle vents; low thresholds often need careful detailing.
-
Survey, installation complexity and making good (plastering, trims).
-
Region (London/South East often runs +8–12%; the calculator adjusts by postcode).
Sizing cheat-sheet (keep it practical)
-
Height: 200–210 cm is most common. Taller = heavier glass + beefier hardware = higher cost.
-
Width per panel: aim 750–900 mm for smooth operation.
-
Large spans (≥4.5 m): aluminium bifolds or a slider may look/perform better than 6–7 uPVC panels.
Security & energy performance
-
Look for multi-point locking, PAS 24 and, if available, Secured by Design.
-
Check U-value of the whole door set (≤1.4 W/m²K is a solid benchmark for the UK).
-
Don’t forget ventilation if your room needs it (trickle vents or background ventilation).
Example scenarios (so you can sanity-check quotes)
-
3-panel aluminium, c. 2.7 m wide, traffic door, double glazing, popular colour, standard threshold, straightforward install in the Midlands:
£5,600 – £7,200 installed. -
4-panel uPVC, c. 3.6 m wide, anthracite outside/white inside, warm-edge double glazing, trickle vents, re-plaster reveals, South East:
£5,600 – £7,800 installed. -
5-panel aluminium, c. 4.5 m span, low threshold to decking, laminated outer pane, SBD security pack, North West:
£9,000 – £12,500 installed.
If your quote is wildly outside these bands, it’s often because of complex building work, premium glass options, or bespoke colours/hardware. Use the calculator for a postcode-aware range and then compare like-for-like on specs.
Next steps (fast & no sales calls)
-
Use the calculator to get a tailored price range and finance illustration.
-
Email yourself the summary and share/print for quotes.
-
When you’re ready, request no-obligation quotes from vetted local installers.
[Open the Double Glazing Cost Calculator] • [Get quotes]
FAQs (quick answers)
Are 2-panel bifolds a good idea?
They work for small openings but operate more like a wide French door. For better “bifold feel”, 3–4 panels are the sweet spot.
Can I get triple-glazed bifolds?
Yes, but expect +10–15% and heavier sashes. Aluminium systems handle triple weight better than uPVC.
What’s the lead time?
Stock colours can be 2–5 weeks; special colours and bespoke specs can take 6–10 weeks.
Do I need planning permission?
Usually not for a straight replacement in a similar opening. Extensions/structural changes may require Building Control approval. Your installer should handle FENSA/Certass sign-off.
