Bi-fold shopfronts

Folding glazed frontages that open the whole unit to the street.

Guide price, plus VAT: £5,195 to £13,995
Lead time: Confirmed on your quotation

Black bi-fold shopfront folded fully open on a cafe, with tables inside

What is a bi-fold shopfront?

A bi-fold shopfront is a run of hinged glazed panels that fold to one or both sides, opening most of the frontage to the pavement.

Cafes, bars and restaurants use bi-folds to bring the street in. Tracks, hinges and locking all carry more load than a fixed frontage, so we specify commercial hardware rather than domestic sets.

Before you fall in love with the idea, check two things with us: any licence conditions about noise and doors, and how the folded panels sit when open, so they do not block the pavement or an escape route.

What are the options?

Folding to one side	The widest clear opening
Folding both ways	Keeps a central door
With an external shutter	Box planned above the track

How much do bi-fold shopfronts cost?

Guide prices by opening width
Opening width	Typical unit	Guide price plus VAT
Up to 3 m	A typical single shop unit	£5,195 to £7,295
3 to 4 m	A wider single unit	£6,795 to £9,295
4 to 5 m	A double-fronted or corner unit	£8,295 to £11,495
5 to 6 m	A large double unit	£9,995 to £13,995

Guide prices, not offers. Your written quotation sets the final figure.

What can it include?

Frame	Commercial aluminium section
Hardware	Heavy-duty top-hung or bottom-rolling
Threshold	Low track where the floor allows

Goes well with: Electric roller shutters. Motorised steel or aluminium shutters with key switch and remote.

Do you need planning permission?

A visibly different frontage usually needs planning permission, while like-for-like replacement often does not. Rules differ across the four UK nations, so we can advise what to check with your council.

Read our planning guide

What do people ask about bi-fold shopfronts?

Do bi-fold shopfronts work on a busy street?

Yes, as long as the panels fold inwards or sit clear of the pavement.

Can a bi-fold front have a shutter?

Yes. The box sits above the track and the guides are set outside the panels.

Are bi-fold shopfronts secure?

With multi-point locking and laminated glass they are reasonable. Most owners also add a shutter.

Where do we fit bi-fold shopfronts?

Across the UK. Choose your area:

Find out what your frontage will cost

Answer four quick questions for a guide price, or book a free survey for a firm one.

Get a guide price Call 0800 088 6248