Bi-Fold Doors: UPVC or Wood?
There are many great ways to employ a bi-fold door when you're constructing a new building. They're a fantastic option for opening up a whole room to a patio in the summer, while still working as a large feature window when the cooler weather kicks in; when used internally, they're a brilliant option for giving a room some more flexibility and allowing it to be open-plan or split into two parts depending on need. But what's the best material to choose for them, and when should you use which kind of door?
Wooden Bi-Fold Doors
Pros
- Wooden door frames can be carved and embellished; you can stain them however you like and finish them with plenty of options; if you want a solid colour, they can be painted and, if you choose, decorated on top.
- There are so many different kinds of wood that you'll be able to find a frame no matter what your budget or durability requirements.
- You may be able to construct the door yourself, if your carpentry skills are up to scratch, rather than needing to buy a frame ready made.
- Many people love the look of wood, and it will blend seamlessly no matter what the look and feel of the rest of the room.
Cons
- Wood is remarkably hardy to the elements, but in very wet environments it won't last as long outside as other materials.
- Some wooden bi-fold doors are cheaper than any UPVC frame—but the best are likely to be far more expensive.
- Single-glazing is thought by some to be a security risk, and a wooden door is likely to be less secure if on the outside of a house.
UPVC Bi-Fold Doors
Pros
- Double glazing can add security to your building and help your rooms remain energy efficient, and the overwhelming majority of UPVC bi fold doors will be double glazed.
- It's easy to create a look of uniformity with a row of UPVC doors—not just with other doors, but also with the building's windows.
- UPVC door frames are widely available, increasingly inexpensive and straightforward for most people to install.
Cons
- Not everyone likes the look of a UPVC door frame, and very little can be done to customise or alter it.
- UPVC will be more expensive than some of the cheaper wood options.
In Conclusion
As ever, there are no hard and fast answers. In general, you'll probably want to go with wood for internal bi-fold doors and UPVC for external ones—but there are pros and cons to each.
