How to Measure up for Bifold Door Installation

An aluminium bifold door installation is a fantastic upgrade to any home. With their sleek aluminium frames and floor-to-ceiling glass panels, these modern design features effortlessly connect your home with the outdoors, framing beautiful garden views and flooding your home with natural light.

For your aluminium bifold door to reach its functional and visual potential, it’s essential to measure your doorway accurately. While our sister company, Express Bi-folding Doors, offers a professional site survey before any installation, when buying Direct for a DIY project we highly recommend you take exact measurements before you purchase.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple process of measuring an area for a bifold door installation, the standard sizes at Express Direct, and the subsequent importance of a precise and accurate installation.

How to Measure for Bifold Doors

Accurate measurements are key for a stunning bifold door installation that fits perfectly. When sizing bifold doors, we recommend following a 3-step process:

Step 1) Measure the width of your door space at the top, middle, and bottom.

Step 2) Measure the height of your bifold doors on the right, left, and middle of the space.

Step 3) Using the smallest of these measurements, subtract 10mm to account for fitting tolerances, and use the resulting total as your base measurements for bifold door sizing.

Once you’ve followed these three steps, it’s time for the fourth: check and check again. By re-measuring a second or even a third time, you pick up on potential errors or discrepancies in your bifold door measurements.

It’s also a good idea to note down whether the space in question is square or rectangular. You can get a measurement for this by measuring the distance from the top left corner to the bottom right and then vice versa. You’ll know if your opening is square if the measurements sit within 2mm of each other.

For more information and handy tips, explore the checklist for fitting aluminium bi-folding doors on our parent site, Express.

garden room

Standard Bifold Door Sizes at Express Direct

As no two homes are identical, there is no one-size-fits-all for bifold door designs. At Express Direct, we carry a large stock of pre-made doors in typical bifold door sizes. Our most versatile and popular model is the XP10, which can be designed with anywhere from 3 to 6 panels. The specific dimensions of each door are:

  • Three-Panel Bifold Doors: Sizes from 2000mm through to 3300mm wide.
  • Four-Panel Bifold Doors: Sizes from 2800mm through to 4400mm wide.
  • Five-Panel Bifold Doors: Sizes from 3800mm through to 5500mm wide.
  • Six-Panel Bifold Doors: Sizes from 4800mm through to 6600mm wide.

Most homes will have a bifold door height between 2000mm and 2700mm, while the width is determined by the number of panels you choose.

aluminium bifold doors and aluminium skylight

Ordering your Bifold Doors

The Express Direct website has been developed with customers in mind, offering a simple step-by-step process for configuring and placing your order. Once you’ve taken accurate measurements of your doorway, simply choose a design from our extensive pre-made stock of bifold doors, input your size and panel specifications and pick your preferred colour from black, white, or anthracite grey. In just a few clicks, you can place an order and have your stunning new doors delivered within five working days. And if you have any questions, our team is always available online and in our showrooms to support.

Importance of Proper Bifold Door Installation

Accurate measurements are only the first step; proper installation is what truly determines how well your bifold doors perform. A precise fit ensures the track system is perfectly straight and level, preventing issues like sticking, jamming, or misalignment. It also reduces unnecessary strain on the hardware, extending its lifespan and avoiding costly repairs. Beyond function, correct installation creates a snug seal, eliminating gaps and draughts that can affect comfort and energy efficiency.

All our products include a detailed fitting instruction manual, making installation straightforward for a skilled tradesperson. However, if they are unfamiliar with terms such as “toe and heeled,” or lack experience in fitting doors and windows, we highly recommend using our sister company, Express Bi-folding Doors. They offer a comprehensive survey and full fitting service, ensuring every detail is handled with expertise. As Managing Director Stephen Bromberg notes, “Even the most advanced bifold door system relies on accurate measurements and installation to function as designed. Our team ensures every detail is checked and double-checked, delivering installations that meet the highest performance and aesthetic standards.”

Ensuring that your bifold doors are installed correctly is crucial for maximising their longevity and overall value. For more guidance, our online installation guides provide step-by-step instructions for installing your Express Direct bifold door.

Visit Our Showroom

Our simple measuring guide takes the headache out of bifold door installations. Whether you’re confident in your measurements and ready to order from our wide range of in-stock sizes, or you’d prefer an expert survey service from the professional team at Express, we’re here to help.

At Express Direct, we’ve been expertly manufacturing aluminium bifold doors, French doors, and more since 2007. Visit one of our showrooms to explore our pre-made doors in person and let our expert sales team assist you in selecting the perfect option for your home renovation.