When should you replace French doors with bifold doors?

French doors are a timeless addition to any home, offering both practicality and charm while allowing natural light to pour into your living space. However, as the years go by, worn or damaged exterior French doors can start to look tired and lose their appeal.

If you're considering an upgrade, it’s natural to prioritise a design that complements your home’s style. But it’s equally important to weigh up the practical benefits of different options.

In this guide, we explore why replacing French doors with bifold doors could be the perfect choice for your home and offer tips on selecting the best bifold doors to suit your needs.

Do you need to replace your French doors?

If you are looking for a change of style or notice that your doors are damaged, it may be time to replace your doors. If you decide to install the same sized doors, you have a ready-made-gap for your new doors. So, with no masonry work required, you can replace the frame and the doors with minimal fuss for a fresh new look.

If you’re redecorating or renovating your home, you may find that your old French doors no longer fit in and want something more modern and sleeker. Bifold doors provide a great modern replacement for French doors, as well as opening up the space and creating a seamless transition between your home and garden or patio.

There are also many other signs that your French doors may need replacing:

Age

Over time, French doors can start to look older and tired. A new French door looks fresh and clean and can be a good way to transform a room in your home and your patio or outside area. It can also add value to your home should you be thinking of selling in the future.

Read more about the different bifold door styles here.

Damage

Damaged French doors can not only look unsightly, but they can also cause draughts and decrease the energy efficiency of your home. Signs you need to think about replacing your old doors include:

• Doors not opening, closing or locking easily
• Dents, cracks or holes
• Condensation in the glazing panels
• Door frame damage.

Broken seals, failed double glazing and dropped hinges can all lead to draughts within your home.

Security

A French door is a major access point into your home. If they’re weakened or not working properly, security can be an issue. By installing a new door, you can ensure safety for your home.

Find out more about choosing a secure bifold door here.

What are the benefits of bifold doors?

While aluminium bifold doors have a strong and lightweight composition, there are also many other options available including wood and composite materials, making them a versatile choice to fit into all types of surroundings. Wooden bifold doors offer a rustic and traditional feel to a home, while options such as aluminium doors provide a modern addition to any space.

Bifold doors also offer the following benefits for your home:

Maximise your space

Are you looking to make a room appear brighter and maximise your home? When French doors are open, they require space around them for the doors to be fully opened. On the other hand, a bifold door’s unique folding action means that, once folded back, they take up a smaller amount of space, perfect for smaller living or garden space.

At the same time, the natural light that floods into your home through the glass expanse will give the impression of a much larger space.

Create a stylish, sleek look

Installing bifold patio doors is an affordable, easy way to create a sleek and modern look. They're easy to operate, sliding and folding in one seamless section. You can have between three to six door panels so, if you want to open up a space within your home even more, you can opt for more door panels.

For an older property, the minimalistic design can instantly modernise and update your home, while bifolds seamlessly complement a more contemporary home with their chic design.

Read our advice on choosing black aluminium bifold door styles here.

An investment that pays off

A bifolding door is an incredibly worthwhile investment. Not only are they hard-wearing and can last for years, but they also add value to your property and keep your home well-insulated, cutting down on energy costs.

Read our full guide to bifold doors vs sliding doors here.

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How to replace French doors with bifolds

Vufold’s ready-to-assemble doors have been designed to be as easy as possible to install with comprehensive, step-by-step instructions.

Step one: Preparation

Before you remove the old door, it’s important to remeasure the opening to compare it to the dimensions of your new bifold doors.

To ensure accurate results, take three measurements of both the width and height in different places (top, middle and bottom). Subtract 5mm – 10mm from the smallest measurement to ensure there’s enough space for the frame and door. Measure the opening from corner to corner to check it’s square.

Step two: Removing the doors

This could be the trickiest step and it’s best to have someone to help, particularly when removing the heavier casing. Depending on the age of your French doors, the procedure may differ when it comes to removing them. For a clean removal, check the installation guide for your old door or contact your previous supplier for guidance.

Step three: Fitting your door

While each door has its own set of instructions to ensure correct installation, there are four easy steps to follow:

Assembling the frame

All Vufold parts come pre-machined, so to assemble the frame all you do is place it, along with the hardware, in the indicated locations and secure firmly with screws. The top track is installed during this step before the frame is fixed to the brickwork. Pre or ready built frame options are available at request, depending on size and location.

Fixing the frame

Following the step-by-step instructions included with your doors will ensure your frame is square and level when you come to fix it to the opening. Everything you need for this is included in the set.

Fixing the doors

Every door is different, so instructions on how to fix the hardware to the doors and the doors to each other will vary. The basics will include fitting the drop bolts, pivot doors, weather seals, handle and lock and catches.

Everything comes pre-drilled and with simple indicators on how and where to fit.

Step four: The final adjustments

Just like the installation, adjusting your door height and width if you need to is an easy process, as our timber doors are provided with an easy adjustment feature. Our aluminium Supreme bifold doors have adjustable frame jambs which can be simply moved at the turn of a screw, and our Status range has adjustable lock keeps, with hinge shim placement available for the final tweaks.

To adjust the doors left or right along the track, ensure the doors are fully open and adjust the top and bottom hinges with a screwdriver until it meets your requirements.

Your instructions will also come with advice on how to maintain your new bifold doors to keep them running smoothly for years to come. Vufold’s team of experts is always available to offer advice and guidance on replacing your French doors with bifolds. Please contact our team today for more information.

Are you fitting an aluminium bifold door? Watch our straightforward video below!

Why choose a ready-to-assemble bifold door set?

When it comes to replacing your French doors with bifold doors, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a professional tradesman or a DIY customer, bifold doors are quick and easy to install. There’s no need for specialist equipment - everything is prepared and ready for quick, on-site installation.

What tools are required?

You will only require a few readily available tools, including:

• A drill
• Spirit level
• Tape measure
• Phillips screwdriver.

Find out more about the benefits of ready-to-assemble bifold doors here.

Frequently asked questions

Are bifold doors a good idea for a kitchen?

Bifold doors are a popular choice for kitchens, particularly in homes that open out onto a garden or patio. They help create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to enjoy more natural light and fresh air. In a kitchen, bifold doors can also make your space feel larger, offering a modern, airy vibe.

Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet breakfast, the versatility of bifold doors adds a stylish yet functional element to your kitchen. Are you looking for the perfect bifold door for your home? Read how to choose a bifold door style here.

Can I customise my French doors?

Yes, French doors can be tailored to your preferences. Options include:

• Glazing styles: Clear, frosted, or decorative glass.
• Colours: From classic white to bold hues.
• Finishes: Matte, gloss, or woodgrain textures.
• Hardware:Choose from a variety of handles, locks, and hinges to match your style. Read our guide to French door hardware here.

What are the most popular colours for bifold doors?

Some of the most popular colours for bifold doors include:

• Anthracite grey:A sophisticated and modern choice, perfect for contemporary homes.
• Black: Offers a striking contrast and works well with industrial or minimalist designs.
• White: A classic option for traditional properties or neutral spaces.
• Woodgrain Finishes: Popular for those seeking a natural or traditional appearance.

Are bifold doors a security risk?

Bifold doors are very sturdy, particularly those made from engineered wood or aluminium. High-quality double or triple glazing and strong, durable materials, as well as good quality multi point locks tested to the latest standards, ensure that external bifolding doors are not a security risk. Find out more about bifold door security here.

Related content

• Bifold door security guide
• Guide to external bifold door locations
• Bifold Door Materials: Wood vs Aluminium vs Composite
• Vufold’s Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Right Bifold Doors
• Complete guide to choosing a bifold door
• Sliding doors vs bifold doors