--- title: "What Should You Consider Before Buying Bifold Doors? | Bi Folds & Windows Direct" url: https://bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/what-to-consider-before-buying-bifold-doors/ description: "Opening size, panels, access, thresholds and glazing—what to decide before ordering." lang: en-GB --- Doors · Buying guide # What Should You Consider Before Buying Bifold Doors? Opening size, panels, access, thresholds and glazing—what to decide before ordering. Image: Black-framed bifold doors folded to the side of a red-brick extension, opening a kitchen onto the patio (https://bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/assets/13-SQjStm2J.jpeg) Bifold doors can completely change the relationship between a house and garden, but choosing the right doors involves more than simply measuring the width and selecting a colour. ## Opening size The overall width and height of the structural opening determine the suitable panel sizes and possible configurations. Accurate measurements are particularly important because the doors will be manufactured specifically for the opening. ## Number of panels More panels do not automatically produce a better bifold door. Using fewer, wider panels can reduce the number of vertical aluminium sections visible when the doors are closed. The correct number depends on the overall dimensions and capabilities of the chosen system. ## Opening configuration Consider how you want to use the doors every day rather than only how they will look when completely open. Different configurations can allow panels to stack in different directions and can incorporate convenient everyday access. ## Threshold The relationship between the internal floor, door threshold and external ground level should be considered during the design and installation process. This is particularly important on new extensions where floor levels can potentially be planned around the doors. ## Glazing Large glazed areas can influence natural light, solar gain and the overall comfort of a room. The glazing specification should therefore be considered as part of the complete door rather than as an afterthought. ## Colour Anthracite grey, black and white remain popular choices for aluminium bifolds. Other colours and dual-colour combinations may also be available depending on the chosen system. ## Professional installation A high-quality bifold system still needs to be correctly measured and installed. Surveying, preparing the opening, fitting, glazing and correctly adjusting the doors all contribute to the finished installation. Bi Folds & Windows Direct supplies and installs aluminium bifold doors throughout Essex and surrounding areas. View the related service (https://bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/bi-fold-doors-essex/) ## Related questions ### How many panels should my bifold doors have? ### Can bifold doors have an everyday access door? ### What colours are available for aluminium bifold doors and windows? All FAQs (https://bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/faqs/) ## Read next ### Bifold Doors vs Sliding Doors: Which Is Better for Your Home? Compare an open connection to the garden with larger panes and fewer visible frames. https://bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/bifold-doors-vs-sliding-doors/ ### How Much Do Bifold Doors Cost in 2026? Understand what affects your quotation and how to compare like-for-like specifications. https://bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/bifold-door-cost/ ### 3-Panel vs 4-Panel Bifold Doors: Which Configuration Is Better? Find the balance between panel size, visible frames and everyday operation. https://bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/3-panel-vs-4-panel-bifold-doors/ ## Free quotation & home survey On all orders Get a free quote: https://bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/contact/ 07903 632039: +447903632039 ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Article", "headline": "What Should You Consider Before Buying Bifold Doors?", "description": "Opening size, panels, access, thresholds and glazing—what to decide before ordering.", "url": "https://www.bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/what-to-consider-before-buying-bifold-doors/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.bifoldsdirectessex.co.uk/#org" }, "inLanguage": "en-GB" }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many panels should my bifold doors have?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The correct number of panels depends on the overall width of the opening, suitable panel sizes and your preferred opening configuration.\n\nMore panels are not necessarily better. 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