Let’s be honest, the price of just about everything seems to be creeping up these days. Whether it’s a pint of milk, a tank of petrol, or that cheeky Friday night takeaway, we’re all watching the pennies a little closer. So, when it comes to major home improvements, it’s only natural that your first question isn’t “how does it work?” but “how much is this going to set me back?”
If you’ve been eyeing up those glossy home magazines or scrolling through Pinterest, you’ve likely fallen in love with bifold doors. These sliding doors are the ultimate way to blend your indoor comfort with your outdoor space (on the three days a year the Essex weather behaves, anyway). But pinning a price tag on them can feel like trying to nail jelly to a wall.
At Easiglaze, we’ve been fitting windows and doors across Essex for over 35 years. We’ve seen trends come and go, but the demand for quality external bifold doors is here to stay. In this guide, we’re cutting through the jargon to give you a realistic look at how much bifold doors cost in 2026, so you can plan your renovation without the guesswork.
Factors influencing the cost of bifold door installation
Before we throw some numbers at you, it’s important to understand why one quote might look like a bargain while another makes your eyes water. Bifold doors aren’t a “one size fits all” product; they are architectural features that need to be tailored to your home.
Here is what will nudge that price tag up or down:
1. Bifold door materials
This is the biggest cost driver. Bifold doors typically fall into one of three categories:
uPVC bifold doors
The most budget-friendly option. It’s low maintenance and efficient, though the frames tend to be thicker, meaning slightly less glass and view.
Aluminium bifold doors
The gold standard for bifolds. It’s incredibly strong, allowing for super slim frames and massive panes of glass. It’s pricier than uPVC but lasts decades longer.
Timber bifold doors
Beautiful and traditional, but often the most expensive option. It also requires a fair bit of upkeep (sanding and painting) to stop it from warping in the damp British winter.
2. Size and configuration
It sounds obvious, but a massive 6-panel door spanning the back of your house will cost more than a modest 3-panel set. However, it’s not just the width; the number of leaves (door panels) impacts the complex hardware required to make them slide and fold effortlessly.
3. Glazing specification
Standard double glazing is the norm, but if you want to future-proof your home, many Essex homeowners are looking at A+ energy-rated glass or even triple glazing. While triple glazing offers superior sound and heat insulation, it does add weight and cost to the build.
4. Colour and finish
Standard colours—typically white, anthracite grey, or black—are usually cheaper and quicker to source. If you have your heart set on a bespoke Chartwell Green or a specific RAL colour to match your curtains, expect to pay a premium for the custom powder coating.
Why we recommend aluminium
You’ll notice aluminium sits in the middle price-wise, but we believe it offers the best value. Because aluminium doesn’t expand and contract with heat as much as uPVC or timber, the mechanisms stay smooth for years. Plus, the strength-to-weight ratio means you get those sought-after slim sightlines.
Additional costs you might not have thought of
When you Google “how much do bifold doors cost,” the results often just show you the price of the doors themselves. But unless you plan to prop them up against the wall and admire them, you need to factor in the cost to install bifold doors and structural work.
Structural support
If you are replacing standard patio doors or a window with a wider set of bifolds, you are essentially removing the wall that holds your roof up. You will need a structural engineer to calculate the load and a builder to install a steel lintel (RSJ). This can add anywhere from £1,500 to £3,000+ to installation costs depending on complexity.
The threshold
Do you want that seamless “flush” look where the indoor floor flows perfectly onto the patio? This often requires sinking the track into the floor, which involves more labour and potentially some drainage work to ensure you don’t end up with a puddle in your living room.
Waste removal
Ripping out old French doors or brickwork creates a mess. Professional installers (like us) usually include disposal in the quote, but it’s always worth checking so you aren’t left with a pile of rubble in the driveway.
Why trust Easiglaze with your home?
We know there are plenty of cowboys out there who will quote you a “cash price” written on the back of a cigarette packet. But your home is your castle, and structural changes shouldn’t be a gamble.
At Easiglaze, we’ve been serving Billericay and the wider Essex area for over 35 years. We aren’t a faceless national chain; we’re a local business that survives on its reputation.
- We are FENSA Registered: This is crucial. It proves our work complies with building regulations, which you will need if you ever sell your house.
- A+ Energy Efficiency: Our doors don’t just look good; they keep the heat in and the bills down.
- Unbeatable Prices: We don’t do hard sales tactics or inflated starting prices. We just give you a fair, honest quote for top-quality work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission/building regulations approval for bifold patio doors?
In most cases, no. Installing bifold patio doors usually falls under Permitted Development rights, provided you aren’t in a listed building or a conservation area. However, if you are building a large extension to house them, the extension itself might need planning. It’s always best to check with your local council if you’re unsure.
How long do bifold french doors last?
This depends on the material. uPVC doors generally last around 20-25 years. Aluminium bifold doors, however, are incredibly robust and can last 45 years or more with minimal maintenance. New bifold doors are an investment that pays off in the long run.
Are bifold doors secure?
Absolutely. The idea that “more glass equals less security” is a myth. Modern bifold doors come with multi-point locking systems, internally beaded frames (so the glass can’t be removed from the outside), and toughened safety glass. They are often more secure than older standard back doors.
How much value do bifold doors add to a house?
While it’s hard to put an exact figure on it, estate agents generally agree that creating a seamless “indoor-outdoor” flow is a massive selling point. It makes the home feel larger, brighter, and more modern, which can certainly help bump up the sale price.
Ready to get started on your bifold door project?
Hopefully, this guide has given you a clearer picture of the costs involved. While reading about prices is helpful, nothing beats a proper, tailored quote based on your specific home.
Don’t worry, we won’t send a salesperson to camp out in your living room for four hours. We offer friendly, free, no-obligation quotes to help you make the right choice. Whether you’re in Billericay, Brentwood, or Basildon, we’re just around the corner.