Art and elegance

Bifold doors now form part of almost all new build home extensions due to their ability to open up large unobstructed openings allowing the new living space to seamlessly merge with the garden.

The enormous growth in demand for these folding sliding doors in the UK in recent years has led to a substantial increase in the number and type of different door systems now available to the consumer. They are now widely available in a choice of materials and finishes with the three most popular being thermally broken aluminium, upvc and hardwood.

Choosing the right bifold door for your project is an important decision and one that should not be taken purely based on cost alone. Your budget will naturally have an influence on your buying decision but there are other important factors that need serious consideration to ensure you are not disappointed with your purchase. Here are the top five points that are regarded by many as the most essential research when considering a bifold door purchase:

1. THERMAL PERFORMANCE

Since most bifold door installations will be subject to compliance with building regulations it is important to check that the folding door you are about to buy will meet your local authority’s interpretation of current building regulations in terms of overall U-value performance. This calculation is based on the specification of the double glazing together with the profile design and dimensions to determine the insulation benefits of the door measured in U-values with the lower the value the better the insulation achieved. The minimum acceptable under current building regulations for replacement doors is a 1.8 U-value but some local authorities will insist on lower values particularly for new build extensions.

2. GLASS SIGHT LINES

Another important consideration should be the sight line or width of door profiles between each panel of the folding sliding door as this will affect the visible glass area available when the door is in the closed position. Most bifold doors are designed with dedicated profiles to minimise these sightlines as much as possible but some timber and many upvc folding doors use wide, chunky profiles that produce very broad sight lines in excess of 200mm wide that will ultimately spoil your view.

3. SECURITY

Most folding doors will feature a high security locking system but many still use face fixed or flag hinges that can pose a possible security issue and allow the hinges to be removed from the outside when the door is closed. Some upvc bifold doors may also use an exposed gearing system that is accessible from the outside of the door when the door is closed which can also pose a possible security threat. You can eliminate these potential security problems by ensuring you choose a folding door that has fully concealed gearing and hinge fixings.

4. THRESHOLDS

Although a flush threshold is the most popular option especially for internal bifold doors this may not always be practical in some cases and a conventional raised threshold will need to be used. It is important to note that the height of these can vary considerably with some upvc bifold door thresholds exceeding 125mm. Such a high ‘step-over’ threshold may create an accessibility issue for children and the older generation. The latest bifold door designs offer raised thresholds designed to minimise the trip hazard with some offering thresholds as low as 50mm high.

5. TOP HUNG OR BOTTOM ROLLING

Some bifold doors are hung from the top to allow for a minimal threshold at floor level but with all the weight of the door being supported from the top a substantial upgrade of the lintel is normally required for strength and stability. Bottom rolling folding doors are a cost effective and popular alternative since the weight of the door is carried at ground level rather than suspended from the lintel.

Whether you decide on an aluminium, upvc or hardwood bifold door it is a major purchase for your project and one that should be carefully considered to ensure the very best value for your money. Buying a cheap bifold door may prove a disappointment unless you check carefully that the door you are buying will meet your needs and expectations before you order.

There seems to be a clash between our desire for our own living space and the high cost of living. Too often we are forced to sacrifice our comfort for the sake of affordability. Everywhere you look, grand old homes are being converted to multi-family townhouses, old factories and schools are being turned into condos, and forget about a back yard. If you want to live near the city, you’ll almost definitely be shopping for an apartment, a studio, or a smaller home. But, a smaller living space doesn’t necessarily mean cramped, cluttered quarters: with a little bit of creativity, living in less space can be living large.

There are a few important changes you will have to make in order to adjust to living in a smaller space, and the first one is your mind. Rather than looking at what you don’t have, consider what you do have. Every bit of floor and wall has the potential of being used. Coming up with clever, unconventional solutions will inject your home with a shot of personality. Increasing your flexibility can give you more options, rather than designating every room for one purpose, get more out of each space. While it is nice to have a guest room, it is a waste of space to have a room that is only in use now and then. Instead, shop around for some of the dual-use furniture that is now becoming available and affordable.

You may be surprised how far these pieces have come from the heavy hide-a-bed sofas and ubiquitous college futons. You can now find couches, loveseats, and chairs that fold out in to comfortable sleepers of all sizes to suit every decor from edgy to classic. You may find yourself doing more work in your home office with additions like these, as you’ll have a place to stretch out and take a break. Many pieces double as storage units as well: get all those DVDs out of sight under the cushion of a storage ottoman and stash extra linens in the drawers of a trundle bed. Nesting tables look sharp when stored together, and if you’re having a party you can pull them into different rooms as needed.

If your kitchen seems cramped, consider a table that folds away when you’re not using it. Or do away with the dining table altogether, and create a sleek counter-top dining area. Free up cabinet space with a pot rack. The less intrusive your furniture is, the more space you will appear to have. If you have high ceilings, but not much floor space, divide a room horizontally by building a loft. A bedroom with office space below and sleeping quarters above looks modern and chic. Using glass or acrylic blocks will let more light in and give the illusion of more open space. Finally, take advantage of wasted space in your home: closets and cabinets that are occupied by pipes and water heaters can generally accommodate a few shelves for storage. Space under the stairs can be used for lots of purposes: bookshelves, bicycle storage, laundry station, and tool storage, to name a few.