Vufold vs Vibrantdoors: External bifold doors
External bifold doors are a beautiful and energy-efficient addition to a home, but it can be difficult to find the right brand. In this guide, we’ll be comparing Vufold’s external bifold doors and Vibrantdoor’s choices.
In this guide
An at-a-glance guide showcasing the main similarities and differences between the two suppliers.
Both ranges share some similarities, this section details the main ones.
There are several important differences between Vufold and Vibrantdoors which should be considered before making a decision.
Vufold vs Vibrantdoors: a summary
| Vufold | Vibrantdoors | |
|---|---|---|
| Available Materials |
|
|
| Standard Size Range |
|
|
| Sightlines | Thin sightlines from 150mm | Thin sightlines on aluminium |
| Colours/finishes | Timber:
|
Aluminium:
|
| Glazing | Double and triple glazed available | Double glazing only |
| Security |
|
|
| Thermal efficiency | As low as 1.0 W/m2k with the composite bifold | 1.4 W/m2k average |
| Installation |
|
Requires a professional trader |
| Delivery/lead time | 3 days with free delivery | 3-5 days delivery, with up to 15 days lead time |
| Bespoke availability | Yes! Custom doors can be made for any home | No. Standard sizes only |
| Guarantee/Warranty | 15 years for aluminium bifolds | 10 years |
| Price range | £1399 - £6389 | £1209 - £4199 |
What are the similarities between Vufold and Vibrantdoors external bifolds?
Vufold and Vibrantdoors share a few similarities which we’ve listed below:
- Both offer Aluminium and timber doors
- Both offer excellent security
- Both offer a similar price range
What are the differences between Vufold and Vibrantdoors?
The differences between the ranges are where you can find the right brand for you. This section details the significant differences.
Composite bifolds
Vufold offers excellent thermal efficiency, modern style and durability with their alu-clad composite bifold door range – The Vufold Ultra.
Composite doors offer you the best of both wooden and aluminium materials - with an internal wooden finish and hard-wearing aluminium exterior. The longevity of aluminium is matched with the natural thermal insulation of wooden doors. This gives the flexibility of style and function, meaning there’s no trade-off needed. The Vufold Ultra range is one of the most thermally efficient doors on the market with a U-value of just 1.0 W/m2k.
Size range
Both bifold door suppliers can offer a decent range of bifold door sizes. However, Vufold goes that extra bit further offering up to 6m (Vibrantdoors can only offer up to 4.8m). Vufold bifolds can go even larger if required via Vufold’s bespoke service. With a bespoke door, you have the ability to have a beautiful bifold style for larger rooms.
Glazing
Both Vufold and Vibrantdoors offer bifolds with double glazing as standard. This means good thermal efficiency across both companies. However, if you’re looking for that extra bit more, Vufold offers triple glazing on some of their bifold door ranges. Triple glazing provides the best thermal efficiency of any glazing option. It is the best choice if you’re looking to ensure your room remains perfectly warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Thermal efficiency
Vufold’s doors offer excellent thermal efficiency. Combined with the natural thermal insulation of timber and the durability of aluminium, The Vufold Ultra Composite bi-fold door offers U-values as low as 1.0 W/m2k!
With standard U-values of 1.4 W/m2, Vibrantdoors just can’t compete with Vufold’s Ultra range.
Delivery/lead time
There is a huge difference between Vibrantdoors 10 – 15 day lead time + 3 day delivery and Vufold’s delivery options. Vufold supplies certain doors like the Status Express that can be with you within three days.
Vufold’s doors will be delivered straight into the required room for easier installation. Vibrantdoors only offers kerbside delivery.
If you’re really in a hurry, you can also collect from a Vufold warehouse with just 24 hours' notice – meaning any last-minute jobs are made possible!
Bespoke designs
Although Vibrantdoors require a 10-15 day lead time for some of their aluminium doors, they do not offer any bespoke options. Vufold’s bespoke design service allows for unique designs and additional extras (such as integrated blinds). Vufold’s bespoke service also offers a much wider range of sizes, with the ability to go above standard 6m width.
Installation
Although you may prefer to have professional installation of your external bifolds, you may want to install them yourself. Unfortunately, Vibrantdoors recommends only using professional installers.
However, if you have DIY experience, self-installation is very much possible with Vufold doors. Vufold supply doors that are known as ‘ready-to-assemble'.
What is a ready-to-assemble door?
Ready-to-assemble doors are easily assembled on-site and in a reasonable amount of time. The main benefits of RTA doors are:
- All hardware and drill bits included
- Only basic tools need to be sourced
- Easy-to-follow instructions included
- No hidden costs
- DIY friendly
The hardware and drill bits come in an ‘installation bag’, these include:
- Hinges
- Tracks
- Hardware
- Glazing
- Fixings
- Drill bits
RTA doors offer the easiest installation on the market. If you’re looking to install the doors yourself or look to reduce the installation time with a professional, they are the choice for you.
Exterior bifold doors are a great option for many homes. It’s important to choose the door that meets all of your needs, including great thermal efficiency, easy installation, and a style to suit any room.
Vufold offers all these benefits and more. View their range of external bifold doors by clicking here.
