The short answer
Aluminium bifold doors in the UK typically cost from around £1,200 to £3,000 supply-only for a smaller two or three-pane set, rising to £3,000 to £6,500 or more for wide four to six-pane runs. Fitted prices usually land between £2,500 and £9,000 depending on width, glazing specification and groundwork. Aluminium sits above uPVC but below most timber options because the slim, strong frames carry large glazed panels without sagging. The figure you pay hinges on the overall opening size, the number of panels, the glass specification, colour finish and how much building work the installer has to do alongside fitting. Because every external bifold is made to measure, a survey sets the final cost.
Aluminium is the most common material for bifold doors in the UK, and prices vary widely with size and specification rather than a single headline figure.
Quick reference
- Supply-only (3-pane)£1,500–£3,500
- Fitted (3-pane)£2,500–£5,000
- Fitted (wide 5-6 pane)£5,000–£9,000+
- Lead time6–10 weeks typical
Aluminium bifold door price ranges by size
Aluminium bifold pricing scales with the overall opening width and the number of panels, because more panels means more frame, hinges, rollers and glass. The figures below are indicative UK ranges for 2026 and cover the door set only as well as a typical fitted price including installation in a prepared opening. They assume standard double glazing and an anthracite grey finish; upgrades push the figures higher.
As a rough guide, a mid-range three-pane aluminium bifold for a typical patio opening sits in the middle of these ranges, while wide extension runs of five or six panels reach the top. Very slim premium systems with the narrowest sightlines and heavy-duty hardware can exceed these figures, particularly at large sizes.
| Configuration | Typical width | Supply-only | Fitted (incl. install) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-pane | Up to 1.8m | £1,200–£2,800 | £2,200–£4,000 |
| 3-pane | 1.8–2.7m | £1,500–£3,500 | £2,500–£5,000 |
| 4-pane | 2.4–3.6m | £2,200–£4,500 | £3,500–£6,500 |
| 5-pane | 3.0–4.5m | £3,000–£5,500 | £4,500–£8,000 |
| 6-pane | 3.6–5.4m | £3,500–£6,500 | £5,000–£9,000+ |
Indicative UK figures for guidance; exact quotes vary by supplier and specification.
What pushes aluminium bifold prices up or down
Several factors explain why two quotes for a similar-looking door can differ by thousands of pounds:
- Glazing: standard double glazing is the entry point; triple glazing, solar-control or acoustic glass adds cost.
- Colour and finish: standard anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is widely stocked; dual-colour or non-standard RAL finishes carry a premium.
- Threshold type: a flush, weathered low threshold for level access costs more than a standard rebated one.
- Hardware and security: upgraded multipoint locks and handle finishes add modest cost.
- Brand and system: premium systems from established UK fabricators sit above budget imports.
The single biggest driver, though, is overall size. A wide six-panel run uses far more material and glass than a compact two-panel door, so width and panel count move the price more than any one upgrade. Glazing and colour choices then fine-tune the figure within the size band.
Supply-only versus fitted
Supply-only means you buy the made-to-measure door set and arrange your own fitter or building contractor. This suits projects where a builder is already on site for an extension, since the fitting can fold into the wider job. Fitted prices include professional installation, and may or may not include making good, plastering or a new structural lintel. Always confirm exactly what a fitted quote covers, since groundwork and a steel beam for a knocked-through opening can add a significant sum that sits outside the door price itself.
A typical fitted quote for a like-for-like aluminium bifold into an existing opening covers removing the old door, fitting and sealing the new frame, and basic making good around the reveals. It usually excludes a new lintel, structural calculations or significant plastering, which are priced separately. Because the door is made to measure, the survey and accurate measurement are part of what you pay for, and a registered installer can self-certify the glazing for Building Regulations rather than you arranging a separate building control inspection.
Lead times, timing and getting value
Aluminium bifolds are made to order, so expect a lead time of roughly six to ten weeks from survey to fitting, sometimes longer for non-standard colours or triple glazing. Planning around this matters if the doors form part of an extension, where the opening must be ready before the door can be fitted. To get fair value, compare quotes on a like-for-like basis: the same panel count, glazing specification, threshold type and colour, and the same scope of fitting and making good. A quote that looks cheaper may exclude the threshold upgrade, removal of the old door or the structural work you actually need.
Other points that affect what you pay include the season, since installers are often busier in spring and summer, and your location, with labour rates typically higher in London and the South East. Buying a complete glazed unit rather than upgrading glass later avoids paying twice. It is also worth asking about the product warranty on the frame and glazing units, the workmanship guarantee on the fitting, and whether the installer is a member of a recognised scheme, all of which contribute to the long-term value of the door rather than just the headline figure.
Frequently asked questions
Are aluminium bifolds more expensive than uPVC?
Yes. Aluminium bifold doors generally cost more than uPVC because the frames are stronger and slimmer, carrying larger glass panels. uPVC can be a lower-cost option for smaller openings, though aluminium tends to look slimmer and lasts well.
Does the price include fitting?
Not always. Supply-only quotes cover the door set only. Fitted quotes include installation but may exclude structural work such as a lintel, making good or plastering. Always ask what is and is not included before comparing.
How long do aluminium bifold doors last?
Aluminium frames are corrosion-resistant and powder-coated, and commonly last 25 years or more with basic maintenance such as cleaning tracks and lubricating moving parts. The glazing units have their own warranty, often around 10 years.
Why do quotes vary so much for the same opening?
Differences usually come from glazing specification, threshold type, colour, the door system used and the scope of fitting. A like-for-like comparison on all of these is the only fair way to judge two quotes.
Is triple glazing worth the extra on a bifold?
Triple glazing improves thermal performance and can reduce noise, but it adds weight and cost. For most UK homes good double glazing meets Building Regulations comfortably; triple glazing suits exposed sites or those prioritising warmth.
Sources & further reading
- Checkatrade — bifold door cost guide
- MyJobQuote — bifold door prices
- HomeOwners Alliance — bifold doors guide
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific opening and material. They are guidance, not a quotation.