What is the difference between pre-finished and unfinished wooden internal bifold doors? | Choosing the best option for you

Internal bifold doors offer the flexibility of easy access as well as ensuring the use of additional natural light. When it comes to purchasing the right internal door type and style for your home, there are a range of factors to consider.

If you’re considering buying internal wooden bifold doors, you may have heard the terms pre-finished and unfinished. You might be wondering what each of these terms means and how to choose the best door finish for your home. Here, we take you through the differences between pre-finished doors with a primed plus finish, and unfinished doors.

What is an unfinished wooden internal bifold door?

If you’ve got a clear idea of the kind of finish you’d like on your door but it’s not available directly from the manufacturer, you’ll probably want to consider an unfinished wooden bifold door. Unlike a pre-finished bifold door, it comes completely unfinished and allows you to customise the door in any way you like.

Many of Vufold’s internal bifold doors are available in unfinished wood alongside other finishes, allowing you to choose the perfect option for you. While an unfinished internal bifold provides you with unlimited choice in the finish of your doors, we do not recommend that you use wax or oil as this can cause issues with the wood and will invalidate the warranty on your doors. This is an important factor to consider when choosing unfinished internal bifold doors.

Are you looking for an industrial style internal bifold door? Read our guide to choosing industrial internal bifolds here.

What are the benefits of an unfinished wooden internal bifold door?

You have a large range of choices available

When you buy an unfinished wooden bifold door, you have much more choice around how your door is finished, allowing you to perfectly match your doors to your interior décor. Whether you’re looking to match the same style as your stairs, furniture, existing doors or windows, unfinished wood provides you with the flexibility to match colour schemes together.

For example, our Urban Edge internal bifolds come in an unfinished oak veneer which can be finished with Vufold’s satin black finishing kit or a finish of your own choice.

Cost

Another advantage of unfinished wooden internal doors is cost. They often carry a lower price tag than finished wooden bifolds. However, it’s worth thinking about whether the time and effort of preparing unfinished doors is worth the extra saving. If you’d rather have the flexibility to finish the doors exactly the way you prefer, then unfinished doors are the best choice.

Vufold’s internal room divider bifold doors are a great way to completely transform your living space. Not only do they help to create distinct areas in an open plan living space, but they also look incredibly stylish.

Shop our complete range of internal bifold doors here.

What is a pre-finished wooden bifold door with a primed plus finish?

A pre-finished bifold door is a door with a primed plus finish that is ready to is designed to be installed as it is, but, if you want to apply a final finish to the doors, you can. These doors are a convenient choice that can save you time as they are ready to be installed, however also allow the flexibility of adding your own finish.

What are the benefits of a pre-finished wooden bifold door with a primed plus finish?

Many people opt for pre-finished internal doors for a number of reasons, including:

• The doors arrive ready to be fitted making installation more straightforward - all you have to do is add the door accessories and hardware

• Saves time and effort

• Doors have a professionally applied finish to protect them

• You also have the option to apply a final finish to the doors.

However, with pre-finished doors, the range of finishes is not as extensive. If you have a particular colour or finish in mind, you might not find it in a pre-finished option and may want to opt for an unfinished door instead. If you are looking for an option that requires less time and effort and is already designed in your preferred style, pre-finished internal bifold doors with a primed plus finish are the best option for you.

Are you looking for an oak internal bifold door? Read our guide to unfinished oak vs white oak internal bifold doors here.

What is a primed plus finish?

Primed plus is a 2 step, high build finish, providing a much better coverage than usual priming processes. The high build layers means some customers may not wish to add any additional layers of finish. Find out more about bifold doors with a primed plus finish here.

Black internal room dividers from Vufold

Turn heads with a modern, simplistic black internal room divider. At Vufold, we offer eye-catching black internal bifolds to make a classic statement in your home. Our Urban Inspire room divider door sets are an excellent choice for traditional or modern homes, featuring a contemporary 5-light design and one-of-a-kind stainless-steel hardware. Shop our range of black internal bifold doors here.

Our pick:

URBAN INSPIRE

The Urban Inspire room divider door sets are an excellent choice for traditional or modern homes, featuring a contemporary 4 light design and one-of-a-kind stainless-steel hardware. The fold flat design maximises the opening space. No threshold needed for a seamless transition between rooms.

Shop our Signature aluminium front door range.

• 15 Year guarantee.

• Easy Installation.

• Features horizontal glazing bars and handle block. Read our guide to choosing internal bifold door handles here.

• Engineered wood core.

• 4mm thick clear toughened safety glass.

• Includes a fixing kit and easy to follow instructions.

Shop our Urban Inspire Internal Bifold Doors.

Shop our Signature aluminium front door range.

At Vufold, our fold flat internal bifold doors (Inspire) and Finesse ranges of bifold doors are available in unfinished oak veneer or primed plus white. They are FSC®-certified and offered with a 15-year product guarantee.

Installing a new glass door system within your home is a huge investment so it’s important to be aware of the options available to you. Our team of experts is on-hand to discuss the costs and benefits of both bifold and sliding doors to help you make the right choice for your home. Contact the Vufold team today.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of using wooden bifold doors?

Wooden bifold doors offer several benefits:

• Space-saving: They fold back on themselves, taking up less space than traditional swing doors.

• Aesthetic appeal: Wood brings warmth and elegance to any room.

• Versatility: Suitable for various applications, such as dividing living spaces, creating closet doors, or separating rooms.

• Natural insulation: Wood has good thermal and acoustic insulating properties.

Are wooden internal bifold doors suitable for all room types?

Yes, wooden internal bifold doors are versatile and can be used in various room types, often including living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens.

How do I maintain wooden bifold doors?

Maintaining wooden bifold doors involves:

• Regular cleaning: Dust and wipe the doors with a soft cloth and mild cleaner.

• Inspection: Check the hinges and tracks for any signs of wear or damage and lubricate them as needed.

• Moisture control: Avoid excessive moisture exposure to prevent warping or damage by re-coating the doors as and when required.

Can I paint or stain my unfinished wooden internal bifold doors?

Yes, unfinished wooden bifold doors can be painted or stained to match your interior décor. Ensure you use high-quality paint or stain suitable for wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. We recommend using a polyurethane finish in your preferred colour and sheen.

Are wooden bifold doors easy to install?

Installation can be straightforward if you have basic DIY skills and the right tools. Vufold’s internal bifold doors come with easy-to-follow instructions and the necessary tools, ensuring this process is fast and as straightforward as possible.

Can wooden bifold doors be customised?

Yes, many manufacturers offer customisation options for wooden bifold doors, including size, design, finish, and hardware. This allows you to tailor the doors to fit your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

Are wooden bifold doors environmentally friendly?

Wooden bifold doors can be environmentally friendly, especially if sourced from sustainably managed forests. Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure the wood is sustainably harvested. At Vufold, all our wood products are FSC certified.

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