North West Bifolds

Bifolding Doors and Home Improvements for the North West UK

Tel: 0800 587 4068
The North West's specialist installer of architectural aluminium
  • Bifolds
    • Origin OB-49 slimline bifolding doors
    • Origin OB-72 bifolding doors
    • Schuco Bifolding doors
  • Entrance Doors
    • Origin Residential Front Doors
    • Endurance Composite Doors
  • Sliding Doors
    • AluK Optio BSC94
    • Origin OS77 sliding doors
    • Reynaers sliding doors
    • Schuco
  • Windows
    • Origin Aluminium Windows
  • Lantern Roofs
    • Atlas Aluminium Roofs
    • Glass Rooflights
  • Steel-look
  • Blinds

Aluminium sliding patio doors FAQ

23rd March 2018 by Northwest Bifolds

Northwest Bifolds specialise in the supply and installation of contemporary aluminium sliding patio doors for your home. What you may not know is that aluminium sliding doors are now highly desirable products, offering a host of features and benefits.

Modern sliding doors are entirely different from the old patio doors you may be familiar with.  We have put together this guide to answer many of the common questions customers ask us about patio sliding doors.

aluminium sliding patio doors

Are aluminium sliding patio doors less popular than bifolding doors?

The latest generation of sliding patio doors are now as desirable as bifolding doors. However, sliding doors offer the same excellent security, energy efficiency and weather performance as our range of aluminium bifolding doors. If you are thinking about replacing your existing patio doors, renovating your house or building a new extension, the latest range of sliding patio doors is worth considering.

What is better? A bifolding door or a sliding door?

Choosing between a bifolding or a sliding door is down to cost, your property type and how you use the rear doors in your home.  In our experience, if your house has a smaller garden or is a town or city property, bifolding doors open up your home by creating an entirely open folding wall, letting you transition between your house and your garden.

The advantage of aluminium patio sliding doors is that they have bigger doors and substantially bigger panes of glass. So if your house enjoys great views or a large garden, you usually want to make the most of your view, and sliding doors are ideal.  A sliding door creates a bigger opening with the doors folded back.  Sliding doors give you better views when closed.

What are lift and slide and inline sliding patio doors?

Lift and slide doors work with the sliding panel sitting behind the door frame, in the closed position. When you rotate the patio door handle to open the door, the sliding panel lifts the door up and away from the frame, ready to slide.  Depending on the product, lift and slide patio doors can offer better ventilation, a tilt facility for air-flow and partially open locking. Contact us, and we can arrange a demonstration of a lift and slide patio door such as our advanced Reynaers sliding door product.

Inline sliding doors work like conventional sliding doors with the door panels sitting within the frame on all sides.

Do sliding doors come with a low threshold?

Bifolding doors come with the option of a low threshold, or the track can be sunk into the floor to achieve a very low, virtually level threshold. Patio sliding doors tend to have higher door thresholds, but it is possible to drop the door down to lower the threshold and achieve a lower detail between inside and outside levels. However,  a bifolding door will always provide a lower threshold in height, than a sliding door. Contact us, and we can advise you further.

Is it possible to have a sliding door with an open corner?

Yes. If you are building a new extension, we offer a range of aluminium sliding patio doors with a movable corner post, just like our Origin bifolding doors. Open corner sliding doors tend to be designed with your new extension so it is worth talking to us early about your requirements. We can work with your builder or your architect to achieve the cornerless appearance you desire.

I want large sliding doors. Are they easy to slide?

The components used in today’s modern sliding doors are very sophisticated.  You will be surprised just how effortless to slide even the largest sliding doors are. A typical large sliding door leaf can weigh well over 200kg, yet they are very light to slide with just one hand.

Do I need a hardwood subframe with new sliding doors?

If you have previously had an old aluminium patio door in your home, it is quite likely these came with a hardwood subframe. Today’s sliding doors do not require a hardwood subframe as they are all designed to fix directly to the structure.  Sliding doors can fit into an existing opening or a newly built one.  If you are replacing your old sliding doors, the hardwood subframe does not need to remain in situ.

What are minimalist and slimline sliding doors?

If you have come across sliding doors called minimalist or sliding, these are ultra slim sliding doors designed to offer a near frameless look. Minimalist slimline sliding doors tend to be manufactured around the glass, and they are usually much more expensive than conventional sliding doors.  The best feature of these doors is their slim vertical mullions, some as narrow as 20mm.  A regular sliding door has mullions ranging from 45mm up to 85mm or more.

These types of doors require specialist installation, which we can cater for if you are interested in these cutting edge, sliding doors.

Contact us for prices and more information about aluminium sliding patio doors.

At Northwest bifolds, we have carried out many installations with our premier range of contemporay sliding doors, to meet your budget, property type and requirements. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Filed Under: Doors & Windows

What our customers say:

North West Bifolds
North West Bifolds
4.6
Based on 19 reviews
See all reviewsWrite a review
North West Bifolds have recently installed 2 sets of bifold doors and a window in our kitchen. We are absolutely delighted; if we could score 10 stars then we would.The customer service we received at all stages was superb; from initial contact, through measuring up and the quote, to actual fitting and finishing off.The doors etc. are made by a company called Origin. If you visit their website and read customer reviews, you'll discover that Origin are leaders in the market. The materials are real quality and look great.North West Bifolds are one of Origin's preferred suppliers; who offer very competitive quotes. You won't be disappointed. So, in summary, you won't go far wrong if you trust North West Bifolds to supply and fit your next replacement windows and doors.
Dave C.
Dave C.
17:12 16 Nov 20
Quality install and workmanship. Very pleased with my Origin bifold doors. Excellent service throughout from Steve. Would highly recommend
anil p
anil p
09:05 26 Jun 20
We would highly recommend Steve and his company who are professional, reliable, courteous and efficient. He came to our home to discuss our requirements at some length. Once we had decided on bifolds with integral blinds, and the frame and blind colours, everything went very smoothly. Steve fitted our doors and windows in one day, with no hassle or fuss, and the results are absolutely amazing! Thanks!
Lawrence A.
Lawrence A.
15:42 20 Jun 20
Big thanks to Steve and his crew for doing such a fantastic job. Fitted new windows and bifolds to our new extension as well as replacing all the existing windows to our cottage. Excellent service from the start giving help with selection and quotes. Really quick turnaround for bespoke windows and installation started next day after delivery. Had a few issues with the old window openings when our tired hardwood windows were removed, but Steve took all this in his stride! We couldn't of had worse weather during the insulation but this didn't stop any of the work, a really dedicated team.The quality of the Origin widows is exceptional, we went for the walnut finish and we are really pleased how it all looks. We would certainly recommend NorthWest Bifolds ... very friendly and easy to work with!
Jean A.
Jean A.
21:01 22 Jan 20
Had origin bi fold doors fitted by Ste and northwest bifoldsVery professional and attention to detail exceptionalHad one small problem a couple of months after with the door called Ste and came within 2 days and fixed the problemHighly recommended and top guy tooThanks
Craig S.
Craig S.
10:46 16 Jul 19
The replacement of the old fashioned patio windows with the Bi Fold sliding patio unit was carried out in a professional and courteous manner. Steve's handling of our requirements was both informative and helpfull in making our decision as was the cooperation we received prior to and following the installation. Very pleased with the window system and the service we received. Many thanks to Steve and his team.
Robert H.
Robert H.
06:50 16 Jul 19
Steve has installed numerous sets of Bi fold doors for me. As a builder i only recommend Steve to my customers, he is a pleasure to deal with. His accuracy and professionalism is 1st class, turns up when he says he will, does a top job and the product speaks for itself. Great company to work with!
Steven R.
Steven R.
15:28 14 Jul 19
Could not recommend more came out the next day and fixed my mums Bifolds where others had failed Steve prevailed, great honest friendly service.Thanks Steve
David H.
David H.
15:20 09 Jun 19
My bifolds that were installed by the previous house owner had broken. With one quick email to Steve he was round the next morning and had them fixed right away. He even made them work better than they had done before! Excellent honest and knowledgable service. He went above and beyond as was only happy when they worked perfectly! Could not recommend enough.
Lucy M.
Lucy M.
06:32 23 Apr 19
Visited us the day after our enquiry and spoke with the builder to ensure everything was in-place and ready to go. Did an amazing job and we're really happy with them.
Paul H.
Paul H.
11:48 13 Mar 19
Steve was very helpful and we went to site visit to doors installed in 10 days. They're amazing quality and we couldn't be happier.
Lucy Rose Louise H.
Lucy Rose Louise H.
14:03 04 Feb 19
We did a good amount of research before getting our bifolds. Steve was by far the most knowledgeable of everyone we saw. We visited the Origin department in Warrington, and even they said they never have any problems with Steve's installation.Always been honest, accurate and reliable. Would definitely recommend him.
Adam F.
Adam F.
17:45 11 Dec 18
Well what can we say about these guys?About 18 months ago we had an extension built and we called Steve @ NW Bi folds to fit our doors with integral blinds fitted inside the glass.For the first 16 months the blinds were great until they became somewhat stiff and hard to use.We contacted Steve and he was out to inspect them straight away, After we and Steve had contacted integral blinds to raise are concerns not much was done,they at integral tried to put the blame on NW Bifolds or anyone else for that matter. Integral blinds must have the worst customer service we have ever come across, and as far as they are concerned our blinds still don't work properly. Now as for Steve and his son,they took it a lot more seriously and sorted our problem, Steve contacted another of his suppliers Hi Tec blinds, payed for and fitted at our new blinds at his own expense. That's what you call customer service .Well done NW Bifolds you went above and beyond your duty,Quality through experience.
Paul W.
Paul W.
20:23 21 Sep 18
Contacted NW bifolds about our bifold doors installed some time ago and with a different company. Steve was very helpful and came round within a few days to look at the issues. Fixed them straight away and was very knowledgeable on the doors. Would highly recommend using NW bifolds and I would do so again without hesitation.
Jon R.
Jon R.
17:52 09 Sep 18
Had two sets of Origin bi-fold doors supplied and fitted by North West Bifolds. Price was very competetive. Quality of the doors and their installation is excellent. Doors were installed within 7 days of paying deposit ( no other company could beat 4 weeks). Highly recommended.
Tim C.
Tim C.
17:46 07 Sep 18
I had my windows fitted 2 years ago by this company excellent service and quality. I have returned again to have my front door replaced. After an excellent consultation and a visit to the showroom we decided to have an Endurance solid secure door along with the ring CCTV door bell fitted. The options to customise your own door are excellent. Once again superb work completed. Highly recommend this company for their windows and doors. From beginning to end the company is professional,honest, trustworthy and extremely proud of their work. They are a great team of fitters who get the job done and are very clean and tidy to. Extremely happy customer thanks again .
simon N.
simon N.
22:09 12 May 17
Friendly service, well priced and great installation, the Origin door really stands out for looks and quality.
Gary N.
Gary N.
09:18 16 Oct 15
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Google Rating
4.6
Based on 19 reviews
North West Bifolds
North West Bifolds
4.6
Dave Cotterill
Dave Cotterill
17:12 16 Nov 20
North West Bifolds have recently installed 2 sets of bifold doors and a window in our kitchen. We are absolutely delighted; if we could score 10 stars then we would.The customer service we received at all stages was superb; from initial contact, through measuring up and the quote, to actual fitting and finishing off.The doors etc. are made by a company called Origin. If you visit their website and read customer reviews, you'll discover that Origin are leaders in the market. The materials are real quality and look great.North West Bifolds are one of Origin's preferred suppliers; who offer very competitive quotes. You won't be disappointed. So, in summary, you won't go far wrong if you trust North West Bifolds to supply and fit your next replacement windows and doors.
anil p
anil p
09:05 26 Jun 20
Quality install and workmanship. Very pleased with my Origin bifold doors. Excellent service throughout from Steve. Would highly recommend
Lawrence Addlestone
Lawrence Addlestone
15:42 20 Jun 20
We would highly recommend Steve and his company who are professional, reliable, courteous and efficient. He came to our home to discuss our requirements at some length. Once we had decided on bifolds with integral blinds, and the frame and blind colours, everything went very smoothly. Steve fitted our doors and windows in one day, with no hassle or fuss, and the results are absolutely amazing! Thanks!
Jean Ashley
Jean Ashley
21:01 22 Jan 20
Big thanks to Steve and his crew for doing such a fantastic job. Fitted new windows and bifolds to our new extension as well as replacing all the existing windows to our cottage. Excellent service from the start giving help with selection and quotes. Really quick turnaround for bespoke windows and installation started next day after delivery. Had a few issues with the old window openings when our tired hardwood windows were removed, but Steve took all this in his stride! We couldn't of had worse weather during the insulation but this didn't stop any of the work, a really dedicated team.The quality of the Origin widows is exceptional, we went for the walnut finish and we are really pleased how it all looks. We would certainly recommend NorthWest Bifolds ... very friendly and easy to work with!
Craig Sutherland
Craig Sutherland
10:46 16 Jul 19
Had origin bi fold doors fitted by Ste and northwest bifoldsVery professional and attention to detail exceptionalHad one small problem a couple of months after with the door called Ste and came within 2 days and fixed the problemHighly recommended and top guy tooThanks
Robert Hulley
Robert Hulley
06:50 16 Jul 19
The replacement of the old fashioned patio windows with the Bi Fold sliding patio unit was carried out in a professional and courteous manner. Steve's handling of our requirements was both informative and helpfull in making our decision as was the cooperation we received prior to and following the installation. Very pleased with the window system and the service we received. Many thanks to Steve and his team.
Steven Rotherham
Steven Rotherham
15:28 14 Jul 19
Steve has installed numerous sets of Bi fold doors for me. As a builder i only recommend Steve to my customers, he is a pleasure to deal with. His accuracy and professionalism is 1st class, turns up when he says he will, does a top job and the product speaks for itself. Great company to work with!
David Haddad
David Haddad
15:20 09 Jun 19
Could not recommend more came out the next day and fixed my mums Bifolds where others had failed Steve prevailed, great honest friendly service.Thanks Steve
Lucy Mead
Lucy Mead
06:32 23 Apr 19
My bifolds that were installed by the previous house owner had broken. With one quick email to Steve he was round the next morning and had them fixed right away. He even made them work better than they had done before! Excellent honest and knowledgable service. He went above and beyond as was only happy when they worked perfectly! Could not recommend enough.
Paul Hendrick
Paul Hendrick
11:48 13 Mar 19
Visited us the day after our enquiry and spoke with the builder to ensure everything was in-place and ready to go. Did an amazing job and we're really happy with them.
Lucy Rose Louise Hall
Lucy Rose Louise Hall
14:03 04 Feb 19
Steve was very helpful and we went to site visit to doors installed in 10 days. They're amazing quality and we couldn't be happier.
Adam Flynn
Adam Flynn
17:45 11 Dec 18
We did a good amount of research before getting our bifolds. Steve was by far the most knowledgeable of everyone we saw. We visited the Origin department in Warrington, and even they said they never have any problems with Steve's installation.Always been honest, accurate and reliable. Would definitely recommend him.
Paul Willcock
Paul Willcock
20:23 21 Sep 18
Well what can we say about these guys?About 18 months ago we had an extension built and we called Steve @ NW Bi folds to fit our doors with integral blinds fitted inside the glass.For the first 16 months the blinds were great until they became somewhat stiff and hard to use.We contacted Steve and he was out to inspect them straight away, After we and Steve had contacted integral blinds to raise are concerns not much was done,they at integral tried to put the blame on NW Bifolds or anyone else for that matter. Integral blinds must have the worst customer service we have ever come across, and as far as they are concerned our blinds still don't work properly. Now as for Steve and his son,they took it a lot more seriously and sorted our problem, Steve contacted another of his suppliers Hi Tec blinds, payed for and fitted at our new blinds at his own expense. That's what you call customer service .Well done NW Bifolds you went above and beyond your duty,Quality through experience.
Jon Raven
Jon Raven
17:52 09 Sep 18
Contacted NW bifolds about our bifold doors installed some time ago and with a different company. Steve was very helpful and came round within a few days to look at the issues. Fixed them straight away and was very knowledgeable on the doors. Would highly recommend using NW bifolds and I would do so again without hesitation.
Tim Crook
Tim Crook
17:46 07 Sep 18
Had two sets of Origin bi-fold doors supplied and fitted by North West Bifolds. Price was very competetive. Quality of the doors and their installation is excellent. Doors were installed within 7 days of paying deposit ( no other company could beat 4 weeks). Highly recommended.
simon nolan
simon nolan
22:09 12 May 17
I had my windows fitted 2 years ago by this company excellent service and quality. I have returned again to have my front door replaced. After an excellent consultation and a visit to the showroom we decided to have an Endurance solid secure door along with the ring CCTV door bell fitted. The options to customise your own door are excellent. Once again superb work completed. Highly recommend this company for their windows and doors. From beginning to end the company is professional,honest, trustworthy and extremely proud of their work. They are a great team of fitters who get the job done and are very clean and tidy to. Extremely happy customer thanks again .
Gary Nield
Gary Nield
09:18 16 Oct 15
Friendly service, well priced and great installation, the Origin door really stands out for looks and quality.
See all reviewsWrite a review
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News

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When choosing new windows and doors as well as the larger sized bifolding doors for your home, … [Read More...]

Aluminium sliding patio doors FAQ

Northwest Bifolds specialise in the supply and installation of contemporary aluminium sliding patio … [Read More...]

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North West Bifolds Ltd.

Abbots Grange Farm
Welsh Road
Ledsham
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH66 9PA

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