New shopfronts

Bi-fold and folding shop fronts

A bi-fold shop front is a glazed frontage made of hinged panels that fold and stack to one or both sides of the opening, leaving most of the width clear. When closed, it works as a secure, weathertight frontage, usually with a normal traffic door for everyday use.

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Bi-fold doors open across a restaurant frontage

When is this the right choice?

A folding front suits cafes, restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, gyms and showrooms that gain from opening up to the street in warm weather. It is a good fit where footfall passes close to the door and there is room to stack the panels. It is not usually the first choice for exposed streets, or where stock sits close to the front.

What are the options?

Stack to one sideAll panels fold to one end, often with a single traffic door built in for daily use.

Stack both waysPanels split and fold to each side, which helps when the entrance needs to stay central.

Top-hung trackThe weight is carried from the head, so the structure above has to be level and strong enough.

Bottom-rolling trackThe weight runs on the floor track, which can suit older openings with a weak head. The track needs regular cleaning.

Low threshold trackA recessed or low floor track helps wheelchair users and reduces trip risk, although weather sealing then needs more care.

How much does a bi-fold shop front cost?

A bi-fold shop front is typically £3,495 to £8,995 ex VAT per opening, supplied and fitted. The number of panels, frame material, thermally broken sections and threshold detail set most of the price. Any steel needed to support the head, a recessed track cut into the floor, and electrics for heaters or lighting can add to it. A free survey confirms the structure first.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your written quote is fixed after survey.

What is the specification?

Frame	Aluminium, thermally broken for heated premises, or hardwood
Glass	Double-glazed safety units, or toughened single glazing on unheated fronts
Panel width	Typically 700 to 1,100 mm, depending on the system
Locking	Multi-point locks with shootbolts into head and floor
Threshold	In England, Approved Document M treats 15 mm as the limit for an accessible threshold
Typical lead time	4 to 8 weeks from signed drawings (typical range)

How does the job run?

Check head and floor
The head must stay level under load, and the floor must suit the track and drainage.
Choose the layout
We agree the number of panels, the stack direction, the traffic door and the threshold detail.
Fit the frame and track
The outer frame goes in first and is packed square, because folding panels need a true opening.
Hang and adjust
Panels are hung, locks are set and the run is adjusted until it folds and seals properly.

What does this look like?

Common questions

Can a bi-fold front be used as a fire exit?

Not by default. An escape door must open easily without special knowledge, and a multi-panel fold often does not, so the traffic door or a separate exit usually serves that role. Your fire risk assessment should cover this and be kept up to date.

Are bi-fold shop fronts secure?

Yes, when they are closed with multi-point locks and hinges that cannot be lifted out from outside. Each panel locks to its neighbour, with shootbolts into the head and floor. For higher-risk premises, laminated glass or an internal grille adds further protection.

Will a folding front let in draughts?

A well-fitted system seals when closed, using gaskets and a weather bar at the sill. The trade-off is at the threshold: a flatter track is easier for wheelchairs but less weather resistant. We design the sill around the exposure of your frontage and any drainage needed.

Do I need planning permission for a bi-fold shop front?

Usually yes in England, because replacing a frontage with folding panels can materially change its appearance. Tables on the pavement may also need a licence. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so we go through this with you at survey.

How many panels does a bi-fold front need?

That depends on the width of the opening, with panels usually around 700 to 1,100 mm wide. An odd number of panels lets one work as a single traffic door for daily use, so you do not have to fold the whole front.

Which materials go with this?

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