From internal French doors to sliding pocket doors, there are a plethora of options available for your clients looking to fit interior doors in their homes.
Bi-folding doors, also known as internal folding doors or concertina doors, are another option and they are one of the most popular choices in many modern properties. Renowned for their ability to maximise natural light flow, improve insulation and create a flexible living space, bi-folding doors provide a seamless transition between rooms.
Bi-folding door hardware from Runners UK can provide a neat, chic, and robust internalfolding door solution for your client’s homes, offices, or storage walls and cupboards – but knowing which kit to choose for your projects can sometimes be a little tricky.
In this article, our experts answer some of the most common questions we get asked about internal bifold doors, and how you can choose the right system for your next installation of internal folding doors.
Internal or external kit: What is the difference?
When you install bi-fold doors for your clients, one of the main considerations to make when choosing hardware is whether their installation requires an internal or external bi-folding door kit.
There are two main differences between external and internal bi-folding door kits.
Firstly, internal folding door kits do not have weather seals, asit is assumed you have no issue with drafts and rain. Of course, external bi-folding doors are more exposed to these issues, and rely on these seals to keep water out, prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency.
Secondly, internal kits do not include drop bolts as standard, but you can install these for your clients separately if they’re required.
You can use an external door kit to install new internal bifold doors if needed, but an internal kit wouldn’t be suitable for an outdoor installation.
Do I Need a Bottom Track?
There are times when you don’t need a bottom track, like if you’re installing a top-hung system for your client’s bi-fold internal doors, for example.
Or, if your client wants a cleaner, more seamless finish, likein the image above – it looks much neater without a bottom track.
In some instances, however, when you’re installing a heavy door, for example, a bottom track may be necessary to provide additional guidance and support for the door and ensure a durable, reliable solution.
The options vary according to the system chosen – for theTommafold Interiorkit, you can opt for a bottom track if it is required, but it’s important to note that the max door weight is 40kg without a bottom track, and 60kg with the bottom track.
In theWardrobe folding door kits, theFurnfold has an optional bottom track, but theDurafold does not need a bottom track and so does not have this option. These wardrobe rail kits are also used for any kind of cabinet or storage furniture.
Maintaining internal bi-fold doors
One of the best things about our runners for bifold interior doors is that they don’t require much upkeep at all – making them the perfect option for your clients who need a low-maintenance solution for their homes.
Tracks should be cleaned regularly to keep them running smoothly. Advise your clients to do this by removing any dust, dirt and other debris using their vacuum cleaner with the nozzle attachment, and using warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean the tracks, taking care not to use too much water and making sure to dry after cleaning to prevent rust.
Some tracks also require regular lubrication, but if your clients havecarpets and soft furnishings nearby, you should recommend a folding door system that doesn’t need to be greased or oiled regularly, advising them to choose a system with smooth–running polymer tyres designed for repeated use without lubrication.
TheTommafold Interior kit, for example, is tested to 100,000 cycles, and like the rest of our internal kits, does not require grease or oil to run smoothly.
Where can internal bi-folding doors be used?
Interior bi-fold doors can be installed in many different areas of your client’s home, including:
Room dividers – Internal bi-fold doors are a popular option for those who want to separate rooms, be it the kitchen and dining room or bedroom and ensuite, to section off open plan areas of the home.
Open-plan living – Internal bi-folding doors can also be used to help your clients achieve an open-plan living space, with large glass panels allowing you to see from one room to another.
Pantry, cupboards and utility rooms – An internal bi-fold door can be used to help your clients create a pantry or large storage cupboard in the kitchen, or section off a space for a dedicated utility room.
Bathrooms – Internal bi-folding doors provide a stylish, space-saving solution for your clients who have smaller bathrooms.
Wardrobes – Many of our clients choose internal bi-fold doors for their wardrobes, as they can help maximise space and enhance design, to help make a design feature out of their wardrobes.
Internal bifold doors cost
At Runners, we supply a range of different hardware kits for internal folding doors – from theTommafold Interior Bifolding Door Track Kit to theDuraFoldandFurnFoldkits for wardrobe and cabinet doors – that are perfect for any professional project you’re working on.
The cost of bi-folding door hardware varies, and depends on the kit you need for your installation, but you can rest assured that when you choose us, you’re choosing the best quality, most affordable systems for your clients.
Our kits include everything you need to complete a high-quality installation for your clients, and you can be confident that you’re providing them with a durable, long-lasting internal bifolding door solution.
Choose internal bi-fold door hardware from Runners
An internal bi-fold door is an excellent recommendation for all your clients’ homes. When you choose hardware for interior folding doors from Runners, you can be sure you’re choosing the very best system for your project.
With decades of experience in joinery, ironmongery and related sliding door products, we’re dedicated to supporting your business with the highest quality supplies, that are guaranteed to leave your customers satisfied every time.
To find out more about our door frame kits for internal folding doors, or for help choosing the best system for your next project, get in touch with our friendly team today by calling 01280 822 288 or emailing sales@runners-sales.com and we’ll get back to you.
Alternatively, you can order everything you need online today for convenient next-working-day delivery.