Bi-Fold Door Sizes: Standard Sizes and How to Measure
Choosing the correct sized bi-fold door is essential to ensure its full functionality, as well as its aesthetics. This blog will explore standard bi-fold door sizes here in the UK, the difference between standard sizes and made-to-measure options, and how to measure for your new bi-fold door to guarantee a perfect fit.
Understanding Bi-Fold Door Sizes
There are several factors that can affect the size of a bi-fold door. For example, whether it is internal or external, the material of the door, and the number of panels can all have an impact on what size door you need.
Why Getting the Right Size Matters
The size of your bi-fold door will affect its performance, its energy efficiency, and its appearance. As such, ensuring you have the correct measurements is crucial. Incorrect measurements can lead to draughts, which in turn can have a negative impact on your energy bills, and alignment issues, which can cause the doors to not open, close, or lie correctly. It can also lead to costly adjustments having to be made during the installation process. These are just a few of the reasons that measuring correctly or asking a professional to measure for you, is imperative.
Factors That Affect Bi-Fold Door Dimensions
There are several factors that will affect the dimensions of your new bi-fold door. These include:
- Internal or external? Whether your bi-fold door is inside or outside will have an impact on its size. External doors will require more hardware, in terms of locking systems and mechanisms, than internal doors which means they will have wider frames. This means that they will need larger openings than an internal door.
- Frame thickness As mentioned above, the thickness of the frame will have an impact on the dimensions of the door. External doors will require thicker frames than an internal door, so this should be considered when choosing the location and size of your new bi-fold door.
- Number of panels The number of panels you want on your new door will dictate its dimensions. For example, a door with three panels will require a smaller opening than one with five.
- Threshold type The threshold type you choose, whether flush or stepped, will have an effect on its dimensions. A flush threshold will require a larger opening than that of a stepped threshold.
Standard Bi-Fold Door Sizes in the UK
Whilst door sizes can vary between manufacturers, there are typical dimensions for both height and width. It is worth knowing these sizes to help you plan your new bi-fold door more effectively and understand what is readily available as opposed to custom made doors.
Common External Bi-Fold Door Sizes
In general bi-fold doors in the UK range from 1.8m to 6m in width and from 1.8m to 2.4m in height. Panel widths will differ depending on the manufacturer, but typically range from between 600mm and 1,200mm. Below are the most common configurations and their typical dimensions:
| Configuration | Typical Dimension |
|---|---|
| 3-panel door | 2.4m to 3m wide |
| 4-panel door | 3.6m to 4m wide |
| 5/6 panel door | Up to 6m wide |
Common Internal Bi-Fold Door Sizes
The standard height for an internal bi-fold door is typically around 2,078mm (6.8ft). The width of the door will depend on how many panels your door has and will typically be the same sizes are listed above.
Made-to-Measure and Custom Options
You may find that a standard sized bi-fold door is not suitable for your home and a custom-made door is the best option in terms of both functionality and aesthetics. This is when it is advisable to consult an expert, such as National Plastics, who will guide you through the process of finding your perfect door, from measurements to installation.
How to Measure for Bi-Fold Doors
Precise measurements are key for the correct installation of a new bi-fold door. They will ensure that the door functions properly as well as reducing the risk of costly issues later down the line. Here's how to measure for your new door:
- Firstly, measure the width of the door opening, or aperture. Measure at the top, middle and bottom of the opening using the smallest of the three measurements for the width of the door.
- Next measure the height of the door opening or aperture. Again, measure on the left, right, and the middle of the opening, using the smallest of the three measurements as the height for your door.
- You then need to measure the depth of the aperture which will determine the amount of available space for the bi-fold door to fold back into. This is important as it will determine the number and thickness of the panels used.
It is also important to consider the layout of the room and how your furniture will fit around your new door when it's both open and closed.
Measuring for Replacements vs New Installations
If you are replacing a bi-fold door, you should measure the existing opening as above. If you are installing a new bi-fold door you will need to look at several factors such as the threshold you want, the thickness of the frame, and the number of panels. You may also need to consider building works and structural support. As such, we would always recommend consulting a professional to ensure your new door is structurally sound and functions correctly.
Bi-Fold Door Opening Sizes Explained
When it comes to measuring for your new bi-fold door you need to consider both the 'rough opening size' and the 'opening size'. The 'opening size' is the size of the door, whereas the 'rough opening size' is larger to allow for adjustments and fitting. Understanding these two measurements will help to prevent any confusion during the ordering process.
Understanding Rough Opening Sizes
The 'rough opening size' incorporates both the door and the door frame and provides enough space for adjustments to ensure the perfect fit. 'Rough opening sizes' are usually 2 to 2½ inches larger than the height and width of the door. Again, we would recommend consulting a professional, such as a member of the National Plastics team, to ensure you have measured for your new door correctly.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Size Bi-Fold Doors for Your Home
When it comes to choosing the right size of bi-fold door there are a few key factors to remember.
- Firstly, measure correctly and accurately consult an expert if you need to.
- Secondly, most manufacturers will offer standard sized doors which will fit most homes perfectly.
- Thirdly, if you're struggling to find the right sized door, made-to-measure services are available to ensure you get the perfect door for you and your home.
Explore National Plastics' Range of Bi-Fold Doors
If you're ready to start your new bi-fold door journey, call our team of friendly experts on 0800 22 77 77 or visit your local branch to view our range and talk about your options. We'll guide you through the process from measurement to installation and make sure that you find the perfect size door for you.
