Vufold vs Wickes: External bifold doors
If you’re looking forexternal bifold doors for your house, you’ll know there are lots of styles to choose from. Modern bifold doors offer great thermal efficiency and most companies can offer various different styles and materials.
In this guide, you will find key differences between external bifolds offered by Vufold and Wickes.
In this guide:
A table that compares Vufold and Wickes external bifold doors.
Vufold and Wickes share some similarities, this section explains more.
The differences are vast between Vufold and Wickes, find out more by visiting this section.
Vufold vs Wickes external bifold doors: an overview
| Vufold | Wickes | |
|---|---|---|
| Available Materials |
|
|
| Standard Size Range |
|
|
| Sightlines | As low as 123mm on aluminium ranges | Thin sightlines on some models |
| Available colours | Timber:
|
Aluminium:
|
| Glazing | Double and triple glazed | Double glazing only |
| Thermal efficiency | As low as 1.0 W/m2k | Approximately 1.4 W/m2k |
| Security |
|
Multipoint lock system |
| Suitable for DIY Installation? | Yes – installation is straightforward for the competent DIYer |
|
| Delivery/lead time | From 3 days | 5 – 7 days depending on supplier |
| Bespoke availability | Yes | No. Only standard sizes are available |
| Guarantee/Warranty | Up to 15 years for aluminium bifolds |
|
| Price range |
|
£1500 - £4200 |
Similarities between Vufold and Wickes
The similarities between the two brands are largely down to the basics of bi-fold doors. All bi-fold doors will give you a great way to have openness between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Similarities between Vufold and Wickes include:
- Available in a range of standard sizes
- Range of colours and finishes
- Secure multipoint locks can be fitted
Differences between Vufold and Wickes
When deciding between brands, it’s important to compare the differences. There may be a distinction between the two that will help you choose the right supplier. This section explains the major differences between Wickes and Vufold.
Guarantee
The length of a guarantee is important because it showcases a supplier's confidence in the quality of their doors. The longer the guarantee, the longer your bifold door is likely to last.
With some of Wickes’ bi-fold doors, they only offer a 2-year guarantee. Vufold goes far beyond that by offering up to 15-year guarantee for their aluminium bifolds and a 10-year guarantee for their wooden bifolds. This goes to prove Vufold’s confidence in the quality of their doors and in the following sections, you will see why.
Size range and Bespoke designs
Wickes has a much smaller choice of standard bifold door sizes available - only offering from 1.8m up to 4m. There will be many homes that require a bifold larger than 4 metres, which is where Vufold can help. Vufold offers a range from 1.8m - 6m, meaning any larger openings can be fitted with a beautiful Vufold bifold.
If you are looking to fit a bifold door in an older house, you might not have a standard size opening. If you are building a new extension, you might find that you want to build a unique bifold door that does not fit into the usual parameters. Both of these issues can be solved with a bespoke service. Vufold’s bespoke service means that whatever size, colour or design you need, they can create it.
Installation
Wickes designs doors to be installed by professional tradespeople. This can mean complex instructions and a likelihood that specialist equipment is required. Paying for a tradesperson will need to be budgeted as it will increase the overall costs of your bifold door.
Vufold supplies doors that are known as ‘Ready-To-Assemble Door Sets’. RTA doors ensure an easy installation process that competent DIYers can complete themselves.
Some of the main benefits of RTA doors include:
- Pre-machined doors with no extra cutting required
- All hardware and drill bits included
- Comprehensive instructions
- Specialist equipment not required
- High quality operation
Even if you choose to use a professional tradesperson to install your bifold door, they will likely be able to complete the installation in less time!
Materials
Wickes offers uPVC doors: a budget-friendly option that is cheap to start with, but it comes at a price. UPVC doors are unlikely to last nearly as long as other materials like timber or aluminium.
Unlike Wickes, Vufold offers Composite bifold doors. Composite bifold doors combine the aesthetic of and natural thermal efficiency of oak with the durability of aluminium. The Vufold Ultra range has a U-value of just 1.0 W/m2k making it one the most thermally efficient bifolds on the market.
Find out more about the Vufold Ultra range by visiting our product page here.
Glazing and efficiency
Thermal efficiency is a vital factor in any external door choice as it reduces the loss of heat, meaning rooms stay at the right temperature without excessive energy consumption. Thermal efficiency is affected by frame materials as well as glazing.
While both Wickes and Vufold offer double glazing, only Vufold also offers superior triple glazing. Their Vufold Ultra range is made with Low E thermal glass and argon gas, which help towards one of the best U-values available for bifold doors: 1.0 W/m2k. Wickes’ doors tend to be less energy efficient, with their double glazed bifolds offering around 1.4 W/m2k.
When choosing the best bifold external doors, make sure you consider all factors to choose the right style and quality for your home. Find your perfect external bifold door with Vufold by clicking here.