Last updated 27 April 2026
Cost of Bifold Doors London 2026
Bifold prices by configuration
Fitted prices for aluminium bifold doors across London as of Q2 2026, including VAT, frame, double glazing, fitting, disposal of the old door and FENSA self-certification. These are real ranges we quote every week, not national-chain showroom numbers — those typically run 2-2.5x higher for the same product.
| Configuration | Opening | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-pane bifold | up to 2.4m | £4,500 | £7,000 |
| 3-pane bifold | up to 3m | £6,000 | £10,000 |
| 4-pane bifold | up to 4m | £8,500 | £13,000 |
| 5-pane bifold | up to 5m | £11,000 | £16,000 |
| 6-pane bifold | up to 6m | £14,000 | £20,000+ |
| 7-pane bifold | up to 7m | £17,000 | £24,000+ |
Prices by system
Same opening, different systems — fitted price varies by 30-60% depending on your choice of profile. APX X-Fold 120 is our mid-tier flagship at strong value. Schüco AS FD 75 is the German-engineered premium standard. AS FD 90 is the flagship for triple-glazed and oversized panes. Smart Visofold 1000 is a reliable mid-tier UK system.
| System | Tier | U-Value | Typical 3-pane fitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid tier | |||
| APX X-Fold 120 | Mid (flagship value) | 1.3 W/m²K | £6,500–£9,000 |
| Smart Visofold 1000 | Mid | 1.4 W/m²K | £6,000–£9,500 |
| Premium | |||
| Schüco AS FD 75 | Premium | 0.95 W/m²K | £8,000–£11,500 |
| Schüco AS FD 75 RC2 | Premium + security | 0.95 W/m²K | £9,500–£13,000 |
| Flagship | |||
| Schüco AS FD 90 | Flagship (triple-ready) | 0.79 W/m²K | £10,500–£14,500 |
| Smart Visofold 6000 | Flagship | 1.0 W/m²K | £9,500–£13,500 |
Glazing and finish premiums
Spec choices that move the price meaningfully on top of the base configuration. Add these to the system price above.
| Upgrade | What it gives you | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Triple glazing | 0.9 W/m²K U-value, 30% extra weight per pane | +20–25% |
| Acoustic laminated glass | 40-42dB rating, important near busy roads | +10–15% |
| Heritage Black powder coat (textured) | RAL 9005 textured, period match | +5% |
| Dual-colour finish (different inside/outside) | Anthracite ext / white int is most common | +8–12% |
| Hidden / rebated threshold | Flush floor across opening, accessibility-friendly | +£400–£900 |
| Solar-control glass | Reduces summer overheating on south elevations | +5–8% |
| Privacy / obscure glass on access pane | For overlooked side returns | +£150–£350 |
What drives the final price
Five variables do most of the work between the low and high ends of every range. If you're comparing three quotes, make sure they all specify these the same way — otherwise you're not comparing like for like.
1. Structural opening prep +£1,500–£4,000
A standard concrete or steel lintel for a 3m opening is £1,500–£2,200. A 5m+ opening with an RSJ and pad-stones runs £2,500–£4,000 plus structural engineer fees of £400–£800. Existing rear extensions usually need new lintels.
2. Scaffolding and access +£600–£1,500
Scaffolding for first-floor balcony bifolds adds £600–£1,500. Side-return rear extensions on London terraces with no rear access cost more — frames may need to come through the house.
3. Electrical (motorised threshold) +£800–£2,500
Motorised drop seals (auto-rising threshold) require a 230V spur and switching — typically £800–£2,500 including electrician's first-fix and second-fix. Smart-home integration adds £400–£900.
4. Planning permission +£240–£800
Most rear bifolds are permitted development. Conservation areas (Bedford Park, Strawberry Hill, Richmond Green) and listed buildings need planning consent at £240+, plus drawings (£400–£800). Allow 8-12 week lead time.
5. System choice +30–60%
Schüco AS FD 75/90 sits 30-60% above APX X-Fold 120 for the same configuration. The premium buys tighter tolerances, 30+ year track record, and U-values down to 0.79 W/m²K. Worth it on architect-designed builds; overkill on standard suburban replacements.
6. Glazing spec +10–25%
Triple glazing adds 20-25%. Acoustic laminated glass adds 10-15%. Solar-control coatings add 5-8%. Standard spec is 28mm low-E argon-filled double glazing at 1.3 W/m²K.
What's actually included
Every fitted bifold quote from Apex Glazing always includes:
| Free site survey and structural opening check |
| Frame, sashes, and double-glazed sealed units (low-E, argon-filled) |
| Hinges, multi-point hook-bolt locks, and PAS 24 cylinder |
| Traffic-door access pane with separate handle and lock |
| Threshold (rebated, low-rise, or hidden depending on spec) |
| Powder-coated finish in any RAL colour (matt, satin, or textured) |
| Removal and disposal of old doors |
| Trickle vents and Document Q air-flow compliance |
| Internal and external silicone seal, threshold trims |
| FENSA self-certification (Reg 40373) — registered with your local authority |
| 10-year guarantee on frame and hardware, 5 years on sealed units |
Frequently asked about bifold cost
How much do bifold doors cost in London in 2026?
Fitted aluminium bifold doors in London cost £4,500–£7,000 for a 2-pane, £6,000–£10,000 for a 3-pane, £8,500–£13,000 for a 4-pane, £11,000–£16,000 for a 5-pane and £14,000–£20,000+ for a 6-pane in 2026. Prices include VAT, frame, double glazing, fitting, disposal of old door and FENSA self-certification.
What's the difference between APX X-Fold 120 and Schüco AS FD 75?
APX X-Fold 120 is our mid-tier flagship with a 120mm frame depth, 1.3 W/m²K U-value and PAS 24 security as standard — typically 20-30% lower fitted cost than Schüco. Schüco AS FD 75 is the German-engineered premium system with tighter tolerances, 0.95 W/m²K U-value and a 30+ year track record. AS FD 90 takes that to flagship territory with 90mm sash depth and triple-glazing capability.
Do bifold doors need planning permission in London?
Most rear-elevation bifold installations sit under permitted development and don't need planning permission. You will need permission for: front-elevation installations on most properties, any changes to a listed building, conservation areas with Article 4 directions (Bedford Park, Strawberry Hill, Richmond Green), and structural openings that breach a party wall. Building Regulations approval is always required and is handled by FENSA self-certification (Reg 40373).
How much does the structural opening cost on top of the bifold?
Structural opening preparation typically adds £1,500–£4,000 to the bifold cost. A standard concrete or steel lintel for a 3m opening sits at £1,500–£2,200. A 5m+ opening with a steel beam (RSJ) and pad-stones runs £2,500–£4,000 plus structural engineer fees of £400–£800. Scaffolding for first-floor or balcony installations adds £600–£1,500.
What glazing should I specify for bifold doors?
Standard spec is 28mm sealed double-glazed unit with low-E coating and Argon fill, achieving 1.3 W/m²K. Triple glazing adds 20-25% to the door cost, takes U-value to 0.9 W/m²K, but adds 30-40% weight per pane — important for hinge longevity. Acoustic laminated glass adds 10-15% and is worth specifying near busy roads (40dB+ rating). Solar-control coatings add 5-8% on south-facing rooms.
How wide can a bifold door be?
APX X-Fold 120 panes can be up to 1100mm wide and 2400mm tall, supporting 7-pane runs to 7.7m. Schüco AS FD 75 handles 1000mm × 2500mm panes; AS FD 90 takes that to 1200mm × 3000mm. Smart Visofold 1000 sits at 1000mm × 2400mm. Beyond 7 panes, slimline sliding doors usually become a better choice — fewer hinges, less floor track.
What's included in an Apex Glazing bifold quote?
Every fitted bifold quote includes: free site survey, frame and sashes, double-glazed sealed units, hinges and multi-point security locking, traffic-door access pane, threshold (rebated, low-rise or hidden), powder-coat finish in any RAL colour, removal and disposal of old doors, FENSA self-certification (Reg 40373), and a 10-year guarantee on frame and hardware.
Bifold or sliding door — which is cheaper?
For an equivalent 3m opening, a 3-pane aluminium bifold typically runs £6,000-£10,000 fitted, while a 2-pane slimline slider runs £4,500-£7,500. Bifolds get more expensive as panes are added; sliders scale better on width. Choose bifold for full-span opening (90%+ glass-free aperture); choose slider for the slimmest sightlines and lowest fitted cost on smaller openings.
Are bifold doors secure enough for a ground floor?
Yes. APX X-Fold 120, Schüco AS FD 75/90 and Smart Visofold 1000 all carry PAS 24:2022 certification with multi-point hook-bolt locking and laminated security glass on the access pane. Schüco AS FD 75 RC2 additionally meets Resistance Class 2 per EN 1627, the police-preferred Secured by Design standard. Insurance providers treat PAS 24 bifolds as equivalent to a standard back door for risk pricing.
