Are bifold or sliding doors better?

Bifolds fold concertina-style to stack panels to one side, giving a wider clear opening. Sliding doors (inline sliders) use thinner frames and have larger glass panes per panel, but the panels park behind each other so you lose some of the opening width. Sliding doors tend to have better thermal performance.

Do bifold doors need planning permission?

Not if they replace an existing opening of the same size. If you are creating a new or enlarged opening in an external wall, building regulations apply and permitted development rules need checking.

How much does it cost to knock through for bifold doors?

Creating a new opening in a brick wall and fitting a structural lintel costs £600–£2,000 depending on wall type (single skin vs cavity vs solid). A structural engineer may be needed to specify the lintel size.

What is the best colour for aluminium bifold doors?

Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is the UK's most popular colour, followed by black (RAL 9005) and white. All are powder-coated. Bespoke RAL colours are available at an extra cost of around £200–£500.

Extensions & Conversions · Last updated 19 October 2026

Bifold doors cost

Typical range£1,800–£20,000· Average 3-panel bifold door (3m wide)

Aluminium bifold and sliding door prices for 2025. In the UK, expect to pay between £1,800 and £20,000, with the typical project around £3,500 (average 3-panel bifold door (3m wide)). Regional variation, specification tier and site access conditions all shift the final quote.

Quick answer: Bifold doors cost in the UK typically costs between £1,800 and £20,000 (Average 3-panel bifold door (3m wide)). London and the South East run 20–35% above this range; the North, Wales and most of Scotland sit 5–15% below.

Homeowners researching this typically also price up double glazing cost. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, kitchen pricing and boiler & heating costs.

Cost table

Indicative price ranges (UK, GBP)

Item	Typical range (GBP)
3-panel bifold (2.4m wide) — Narrow opening, budget aluminium	£1,800–£3,500
4-panel bifold (3.6m wide) — Most popular width	£3,000–£6,000
5–6 panel bifold (4.8m+ wide) — Wide opening, feature wall of glass	£5,000–£10,000
Inline sliding doors — Slides rather than folds, thinner profiles	£2,500–£8,000
Roof lantern + bifolds (combined) — Typical garden room / extension spec	£8,000–£20,000

Labour costs

Labour typically accounts for 30% of the total project cost in the UK.

Labour line items

Item	Typical range (GBP)
Bifold door installation	£400–£900
Structural lintel (if needed)	£600–£2,000
Sill / threshold supply & fit	£200–£600
Internal making good	£200–£600

Materials costs

Materials and fittings make up the remainder of the budget, with specification tier driving most of the variation.

Materials & fittings

Item	Typical range (GBP)
Aluminium bifold (per panel)	£600–£1,200/panel
Double glazed units	£0–£0
Low-threshold sill	£150–£400
Handles & locks	£80–£300

Factors affecting cost in the UK

·Region — London and the South East run 15–30% above national averages.
·Specification tier — premium materials and finishes can double the base cost.
·Access and site conditions — flats, restricted parking and listed buildings add time.
·Scope changes mid-project — late design decisions are the biggest cost overrun driver.
·Trade availability — quotes rise 10–20% in peak spring and summer months.

Hidden & unexpected costs

·Structural steel or lintel above the opening if widening required.
·Reinforced threshold and drainage channel for level access.
·Making good flooring up to the new threshold line.
·Heating loss compensation — adding underfloor heating to the new opening.
·Building control inspection fees for the structural opening.

Ways to reduce cost

·Choose aluminium 3- or 4-pane sets in standard widths — bespoke sizes add 25%.
·Use a builder for the opening and a separate door supplier for the doors.
·Avoid corner or pocket configurations — they double the price per linear metre.
·Time order to winter to secure manufacturer discounts.
·Specify double rather than triple glazing unless you need acoustic performance.

Frequently asked questions

Are bifold or sliding doors better?: Bifolds fold concertina-style to stack panels to one side, giving a wider clear opening. Sliding doors (inline sliders) use thinner frames and have larger glass panes per panel, but the panels park behind each other so you lose some of the opening width. Sliding doors tend to have better thermal performance.
Do bifold doors need planning permission?: Not if they replace an existing opening of the same size. If you are creating a new or enlarged opening in an external wall, building regulations apply and permitted development rules need checking.
How much does it cost to knock through for bifold doors?: Creating a new opening in a brick wall and fitting a structural lintel costs £600–£2,000 depending on wall type (single skin vs cavity vs solid). A structural engineer may be needed to specify the lintel size.
What is the best colour for aluminium bifold doors?: Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is the UK's most popular colour, followed by black (RAL 9005) and white. All are powder-coated. Bespoke RAL colours are available at an extra cost of around £200–£500.

Sources & how we estimate

Prices are typical UK ranges compiled by ModernExpert.AI from published trade rates and supplier price lists, and are estimates — always get at least three written quotes. Rules on permissions, safety and certification come from the official sources below. Last reviewed 19 October 2026.

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