Bi-fold doors have aesthetic and functional appeal when installed between rooms while minimising the amount of space utilised for opening and closing. When it comes to choosing materials for your bi-fold doors, timber and aluminium are the most popular choices, but choosing between them can be daunting when you don't know what you're looking for. This guide will help you compare between timber and aluminium bi-fold doors for your home.

Aesthetic Appeal

Both timber and aluminium produce high levels of aesthetic charm, so choosing between them is generally based on your personal taste and home design. For instance, timber bi-fold doors are better suited to rustic and traditional homes, while aluminium bi-fold doors offer modern appeal to contemporary spaces. The natural grain of stained timber offers a warm and pleasing display, while aluminium bi-fold doors can be painted in a myriad of colours to resonate with your home's design. Aluminium can also be painted in a manner that simulates the look of natural timber for an appealing appearance.  

Maintenance Needs

While both materials are designed for long-lasting durability, keep in mind that timber needs regular maintenance to remain strong and sturdy. Timber typically faces more weathering than aluminium when exposed directly to sunlight, so you will need to make sure you re-stain timber regularly to prevent premature bruising and damage. On the other hand, aluminium bi-fold doors are capable of withstanding harsh sunlight without much damage. If you're after a maintenance-free option, the aluminium is a better choice than timber. But if you're after warm appeal and don't mind the extra maintenance, then timber bi-fold doors are perfect for installing in your home.

Strength For Slimmer Frames  

Slimmer frames tend to look better because they allow more natural light to come into your home through centre glass panels, while giving your bi-fold doors a neat appearance. When it comes to choosing between timber and aluminium for slimmer frames, aluminium wins because of its natural strength. You can easily build narrower and slimmer aluminium frames without worrying about structural strength. This allows the frame to remain strong when glass panels are installed inside them, allowing you to enjoy unparalleled levels of light. On the other hand, timber needs thicker frames to remain structurally strong, so they need to be much denser when compared to aluminium frames. This can typically restrict the amount of natural light that enters your home through centre glass panels.

If you're in the market for new bi-fold doors, follow these guidelines to properly compare between timber and aluminium material choices.