When choosing a bi-folding door, you should know that the choice does not fall solely on the type. Yes, it is a big deal to choose between wood, uPVC, aluminum, or clad, but after you decide on this, there is still so much you need to consider. The best way to start is to ask yourself what look you are trying to achieve; once you have answered this question, everything will fall into its perfect place. Folding doors are available in a wide variety, and you can easily find what you are looking for if you know what you want.
These doors come in wide and slim panels, depending on your preference; choosing larger panels will mean you will use less number of panels to close the space, and smaller panels will mean you will have to use more to be able to close the area. After the number of panels has been determined and once the width of the panel has been chosen, you can then decide on the kind of opening configuration that you would like to have; do you want doors that open minimally, or do you want it to be able to open the entire width of the space? If you consider opening this space up during the hot summer, especially when dealing with such a small interior space, you can easily open the door panels outwards. Otherwise, if the space inside is quite large, you can have the doors neatly folded inwards and still have the doors open to the outside world.
The appearance of the folding doors will have to go next, which usually depends on the frame finish you choose. UPVC, for instance, comes in minimal colors, which is not the case if you choose wood and aluminum that come in over a hundred colors and shades. Wood will probably be the most versatile because you do not only get to choose a color; you can also choose a specific varnish stain. Another great thing about getting wood is that when you get tired of how it looks in the future, you can sand off the topcoat and then layer on an entirely different color.
Once the material, opening configuration, and color have been chosen, you must decide on the hardware finish. Not all companies provide you the option to decide on this, but for some, they do. You can then pick between chrome or brass and matte black or white. You can sometimes have a choice on door handles, but flat handles are most commonly preferred to allow the bi-fold doors to stack neatly on the sides without forming a weird angle.
The last considerations you will make are not always necessary but can be helpful. If you install your bifold doors in a small apartment with a balcony and want privacy, you can buy bifold doors with built-in integral blinds. These types of blinds are encapsulated within the glass door panels, so you can enjoy all the privacy advantages that blinds usually bring without removing the door function of your bifold doors.
It is always essential for you to see what the company is offering you before you finalize your decision. Although aesthetics is a significant thing to consider, you should ensure the doors function properly, so find out if you can check them before you buy.
