Adding new bifold or sliding doors to your home is a fantastic way to introduce more light and a sense of space to your rooms. But it’s not as simple as picking a standard product from a catalogue. So, before you start shopping, the first consideration should always be taking accurate measurements of your space.
At IDSystems every door system we manufacture and install is made-to-measure but this guide, we will identify the most popular options or more standard dimensions used for bifold and sliding doors in the UK, and we’ll explain how to accurately measure up, and discuss the benefits of made-to-measure doors to ensure you get the perfect fit.
When we talk about standard UK sizes for bifold doors we are referring to the most commonly chosen panel and system configurations and sizes – with everything custom designed and made to order there are unlimited choices dimensions, panel configurations to suit every opening.
Knowing the more standard sizes will help you plan the most suitable configurations for your project, although with a of system designs we can crete a bespoke alternative to best suit your home.
An external bifold door is typically wider and slightly taller than a standard French door or an internal door. There are variations between different bifold doors but typically there are some standards that most will use as a guideline:
Utilised for both residential and commercial applications, internal bifold doors are typically smaller and lighter because they do not need to incorporate the thermal-break technology that external doors do. In addition, the spaces that internal bifold doors fill tend to be narrower than their external counterparts:
Our bifold door panels can be up to 1200mm wide, whilst there are systems that can potentially go wider the weight and size of the panels can cause long-term issues with the doors dropping or stress on the hinges. In order to maximise the amount of glass we would typically recommend maximizing the width of each panel.
|
Opening width |
Typical number of panels |
|
Up to 2,400mm |
2 |
|
2,000mm – 3,600mm |
3 |
|
3,200mm – 4,800mm |
4 |
|
4,500mm – 6,000mm |
5 |
|
5,000mm – 7,200mm |
6 |
To fit standard patio door openings, the more standard height for a sliding patio door in the UK is around 2,100mm – though this may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. This equates to the standard ceiling height of most homes in the UK.
Single glazed internal sliding systems, such as our internal glass partitions, are incredibly versatile and are commonly used as room dividers, separating open plan spaces without losing light or sense of space. Standard sizes often cater to typical doorway widths, from 750mm upwards, for a single panel – all the way up to 10 metres wide for large open-plan living spaces.
External sliding doors are an incredibly popular choice for patios and extensions. This is because of their ability to accommodate much larger individual glass panels and much narrower frames than bifold doors, offering near-uninterrupted views. This means panels can sometimes be significantly wider than ‘standard’ panel sizes.
Due to the range of panel combinations and feature options available, bespoke solutions are the most common solution, with the doors installed into newly formed openings for extensions or self-build homes.
|
Opening width |
Typical number of panels |
Typical panel configuration |
|
1,800mm – 3,600mm |
2 Panels |
One fixed panel, one sliding panel |
|
2,400mm – |
3 Panels |
Two sliding panels and one fixed panel |
|
4,500mm – 10,000mm |
4 Panels |
Three panels sliding behind a single fixed frame |
|
8,000mm – 15,000mm |
6 panels |
Centre opening sets with two panels sliding behind a fixed frame at both sides. |
“The number of panels impacts the width of the opening you create when the doors are slid open. When planning for a new set of doors consider the type of configuration that will provide the flexibility you need.
When considering the space you need, also think about how the doors will operate. Bifold doors require space for the panels to stack when open, whereas sliding doors slide within the track” – Edward Stobart, Technical Sales Manager
Getting the number of panels and configuration right is crucial, whatever the size of your aperture or the type of project you are undertaking.
When it comes to finalising the sizes of bifold and sliding doors there are two options. Either you opt for a site survey where one of our surveyors will come out and take the measurements from which we will manufacture the doors. For existing openings this is the most popular option because the apertures are already formed.
For newly formed openings on extensions and new-builds you will need to wait until the openings are created before a survey can happen, so opting to work from planned sizes is a popular option.
When it comes to taking measurements we’ve put the following advice together to help you plan the best configuration for your project – whether you choose bifold or sliding doors.
Measure the width of the opening from side to side at three different points: the top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest of these three measurements. This is the figure to work from, as it ensures the new frame will not be too wide for the tightest point of the opening.
“For new openings, it is a little bit easier if the aperture is already formed. But, if you cannot wait for the aperture to be formed before you order the doors, it is possible to manufacture doors from architectural drawings, based on planned sizes. This speeds up the lead-time to installation but places greater emphasis on a builder creating the openings to the right size.” – Edward Stobart, Technical Sales Manager.
Next, measure the height of the opening from the lintel down to the base of the opening. Again, measure in three places. This time, left, middle, and right. Then record the smallest of these measurements.
When building the opening, it is absolutely crucial to know the depth of the track for the system you are choosing – especially if you are seeking to bring your floor level up to be flush with the threshold.
The depth of the track and the finished floor level needs to be factored into the height of the doors and the opening height built accordingly. For existing openings, this may mean having to cut down the base to be able to create the seamless finish between inside and out.
“It’s an old saying, but ‘measure twice, cut once’ remains very true and applies here too. After taking your initial measurements, measure again at least once to make sure it is accurate.
When providing measurements, make sure they are in millimeters. Slight variances even within the same opening will mean that getting the best fit for each specific set of doors – ensuring they not only fit when it comes to the installation but also that they operate smoothly time after time, year after year.” – Edward Stobart, Technical Sales Manager.
Measure the two diagonal dimensions of the opening, from the top-left corner to the bottom-right, and from the top-right corner to the bottom-left.
If the two measurements are the same, your opening is square. If they differ significantly, your installer will need this information to ensure the doors are manufactured to make a neat fit.
“One of the most common questions we get asked is, ‘How much smaller should bifold doors or sliding doors be than the opening?’
We typically advise a fitting tolerance of 6-8mm from the smallest width and height measurements. This 6-8mm gap allows the frame to be fitted perfectly square and plumb before being sealed.
The gap between the door frame and the brickwork is then concealed by sealant for a neat finish.” – Edward Stobart, Technical Sales Manager.
When it comes to extensions and renovation projects no two openings are the same. In these cases, or for homeowners seeking a truly premium finish, ordering made-to-measure doors is the ideal solution:
“Do not limit your options, whilst it is might seem like you are getting a better deal going for an off-the-shelf ‘standard’ size the costs involved in adjusting the size of the aperture to fit the standard size can potentially costs as much, if not more, as choosing a completely bespoke set of doors to start with. It’s best to have bespoke doors made to measure for long-term peace of mind.” – Edward Stobart, Technical Sales Manager.
Your initial measurements are important starting point for a conversation and an initial quote. Armed with your dimensions, the next step is to speak to an expert. Our team can discuss your options, from security features and materials to planning permission requirements and the unique benefits of bifold doors.
Ready to get a precise quote for your project? Contact the IDSystems team today or visit our virtual showroom to see our products up close.