Bi-fold and patio doors in Knowle

Before your bi-fold or patio doors in Knowle

This kind of work rarely needs planning permission, but it does have to comply with Building Regulations, and some parts must be certified by a registered installer or signed off by building control. In Knowle, building control is provided by Solihull Council or a registered building control approver (formerly an approved inspector).

Bi-fold and patio doors must meet a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or an equivalent energy rating.
Sliding doors never swing into the room, which helps in a kitchen where space is tight.
Glass in a door must be safety glass up to 1,500 mm above the floor.

Postcode district: B93
Planning and building control: Solihull Council
From our West Bromwich base: 14 miles

Choices to weigh up in Knowle

uPVC bi-fold doors

uPVC bi-folds cost less than aluminium and insulate well, but the frames are chunkier and the maximum panel size is smaller. They work best on openings up to about three metres wide. White, grey and woodgrain finishes are available, and they can be matched to existing uPVC windows on the same wall.

Aluminium bi-fold doors

Slim, strong aluminium frames carry large glass panels and are made with a thermal break to meet energy rules. Three to six panels are typical, with a traffic door for everyday use so you don't open the whole set. They come powder-coated in almost any colour and suit kitchens and new extensions.

Bi-fold and patio doors prices in Knowle

For a home in Knowle, our guide range is £1,200–£8,500 per doorset. Three-panel aluminium bi-fold, about 2.4 m wide, in an existing opening: usually £3,200–£4,800 per doorset.

Guide prices for bi-fold and patio doors
Option	Guide price	Good to know
uPVC French or sliding doors	£1,200 – £2,400 per doorset	Openings up to about 1.8 m
Three-panel aluminium bi-fold	£3,000 – £5,000 per doorset	Openings of about 2.4–3 m
Four- or five-panel aluminium bi-fold	£4,800 – £8,500 per doorset	Openings of about 3.6–4.8 m

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. Access, parking and the state of what's there now can move the price — the survey settles it.

Your questions answered

What should I check before ordering?

Think about the floor level inside and out: a flush threshold needs the patio set lower, with drainage at the door. Decide which side the panels should stack and where the everyday traffic door goes, keeping furniture in mind. If the doors face south or west, ask about solar control glass to keep the room cooler.

Which postcodes in Knowle do you work in?

We cover B93 and the streets around them. If you're on the edge of Knowle, neighbouring Dorridge and Balsall Common are covered too.

What guarantee comes with the doors?

The frames, glass, rollers and locks are covered by the manufacturer's guarantee, and the terms for your doors are set out in your quote. Ask how sealed units, running gear and powder coating are covered, as these vary between systems. Keep the guarantee with your certificate and any structural sign-off from building control.

Does Solihull Council need to approve my bi-fold or patio doors?

You won't usually need planning permission, but the work must meet Building Regulations. Building control in Knowle is provided by Solihull Council or a registered building control approver, and some work is self-certified by registered installers.

Nearby places we cover

More services in Knowle

Phone 0800 088 6248 to arrange a visit in Knowle, with the doors and any structural work priced on separate lines.