There’s a lot to consider if you’re planning to install corner bi-fold doors as part of your extension or renovation. From understanding their benefits to knowing the configuration and design options available to you, you can find the perfect solution for your home. Here’s everything you need to know.
What are corner bi-fold doors?
Corner bi-fold doors are all about opening your living space, maximising the amount of natural light, and making the most of your garden or views. The installation involves replacing an entire corner of a room with two sets of bi-fold doors, typically at a 90 or 135-degree angle to each other. Corner bi-fold doors are often installed to expand small spaces, provide panoramic views and encourage outdoor entertaining.
Different types of corner bi-fold doors
There are two main types of corner bi-fold doors:
- Fixed corner
- Open corner
Fixed corner – As the name suggests, a standard structural post remains visible when all the doors are open, offering a classic bi-fold door look.
Open corner – This is where the corner post is attached to one of the door panels and simply slides away when the doors open. This provides a completely uninterrupted view of your outside space when the doors are open.
It’s important to note that installing an open corner bi-fold door means removing the main structure supporting the floor and upper walls. So, for some properties this may not be suitable.
Why choose corner bi-fold doors?
If you’re looking to maximise the amount of natural light or incorporate your outside space into your indoor living area, then corner bi-fold doors are a great solution.
Since the walls in the corner of the room are replaced with expansive glass panels, you not only get outstanding views of your garden or patio, but it also makes your home feel bigger and brighter. The open-plan design gets you closer to the outside, offering effortless indoor-outdoor living.
Additionally, corner bi-fold doors can add value to your property. Making home improvements such as adding an extension can potentially increase the value of your property by up to 23%. Of course, this is dependent on the size and type of extension, but installing corner bi-fold doors could add monetary, as well as aesthetic value.
Configurations and design options
When it comes to choosing the right corner bi-fold doors for your extension or renovation, you’ll need to think about the number of panels and folding directions you would prefer. Schüco bi-fold door panels can be as wide as 3.5 metres. That means if you have a large space which spans up to seven metres, you can choose to have a door with only two panels.
You can also choose to have three panels opening from one, or both sides. Alternatively, you can choose to have four panels opening from the middle. Schüco bi-fold doors are available in a wide range of configurations to meet your design requirements.
Additionally, you can choose to have a traffic door installed as part of your corner bi-fold door system. Traffic doors open in the same way as a traditional door. They allow you to go in and out of your home without folding all the panels back. If you choose to have a traffic door, it’s recommended that you have an odd number of panels, and on a corner bi-fold the trafic door cannot be on the corner itself.
What are the engineering requirements for corner bi-fold doors?
To ensure your project runs smoothly, it’s recommended that you speak to your bi-fold door supplier early in the process. For example, a level threshold may be required to provide step-free access between the indoors and the outdoors. This should be considered during the design stage.
Your structural engineer will also need to accommodate corner bi-fold doors in their structural drawing. It may be that additional structural support is required, for example, a pillar may need to be added to support the system.
Finding the right product
For longevity, robust security and effortless style, Schüco bi-fold doors are the ideal solution. With extremely slim sightlines and generously sized panels, our doors can be taller with fewer panels per opening, ensuring maximum natural light and outstanding views with very little interruption.
Our doors feature stainless steel carriages and rollers enabling smooth operation so you can pull back and slide the doors with ease. The doors also have a strong magnetic catch for extra security when opening a single door panel.
Our doors offer high-performance insulation as standard, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Additionally, our contemporary, robust handles not only complement your design but are also ergonomically engineered for comfort and easy integration with our other hardware.
Do you need more advice on corner bi-fold doors? Speak to one of our experts to find the right solution for your project. Find your perfect Schüco Partner today.
