A bifold window is one of the easiest ways to connect a kitchen to the deck or alfresco. The panels fold and stack to one side, leaving a wide opening over the bench so you can pass food and drinks straight outside. If you are weighing up aluminium bifold windows in Sydney, this guide covers where they work best, what to decide before you order, and the questions we get asked most at the factory.
What is an aluminium bifold window?
A bifold window is made of several hinged glass panels that run on a track. When you open it, the panels concertina together and stack at one or both ends of the frame. Unlike a sliding window, where one panel always sits in front of another, a bifold can open almost the full width of the frame.
Aluminium is the usual choice for bifolds because the frame stays slim and strong across a wide opening, it does not swell or rot, and it can be powder coated. We powder coat our frames in the Dulux powder-coat range, so the window can match your doors, trims or roofline.
Where bifold windows work best
Kitchen serveries
This is where most bifold windows go. With the window at bench height, the kitchen bench becomes a servery to the outdoor area. Whoever is cooking stays part of the conversation, and there is no need to walk plates through a door.
Next to an alfresco or entertaining area
Bifold windows pair well with bifold doors or stacking doors on the same wall. With both open, the indoor and outdoor areas feel like one space. We make windows and doors in the same colour and finish, so they match.
Bars, outdoor kitchens and pool areas
Anywhere you want a wide opening to pass things through, such as a bar, a rumpus room facing the pool or a covered outdoor kitchen, a bifold window can do the same job as a servery.
Bifold, sliding or awning: which suits your opening?
A bifold is not always the right answer. Here is how the common options compare for a kitchen or servery opening:
- Bifold window: the widest clear opening. Best when you want a true servery and will open it often.
- Sliding window: simple and space-saving, but only part of the frame opens at any one time. Good where you want airflow more than a pass-through.
- Awning window: hinged at the top and opens outwards. Good for ventilation, including in light rain, but it does not create a servery.
If you are still deciding on styles for other rooms, our guide to choosing the right window style for each room goes through each option.
What to decide before you order
1. Size and number of panels
Our bifold windows are available with panels up to 3000mm high and up to 1000mm wide per panel. The number of panels depends on the width of your opening. More, narrower panels stack more neatly, while fewer, wider panels give bigger areas of glass. We confirm the right configuration when we measure.
2. Which way the panels stack
Decide whether the panels should stack to the left, the right or split to both sides. Think about what sits near each end of the window, such as a rangehood, splashback, cooktop or outdoor furniture, so the stacked panels are not in the way.
3. Opening inward or outward
Our bifold windows have a reversible sill, so they can open inward or outward. Outward opening keeps the bench clear inside. Inward opening can suit a spot where panels would get in the way outside, such as a narrow walkway or a barbecue right next to the window.
4. Bench height and sill
For a servery, the bottom of the window usually lines up with the kitchen bench. Let us know if you are renovating and the bench height might change, because we measure the opening and the bench so the window sits correctly.
5. Glass
Glass options include laminated, toughened, frosted and Low-E. Our bifold windows take single glazing up to 6.38mm or double glazing up to 22mm. Low-E and double glazing are worth considering for west-facing kitchens that get strong afternoon sun.
6. Colour
Choose a colour from the Dulux powder-coat range. If you are matching existing doors or trims, bring a photo or a sample. You can also see real powder-coat samples at our factory in Glendenning, because on-screen colours are a guide only.
7. Screens
A servery near the barbecue attracts flies. You can add a matching fly screen or security screen in stainless steel or fibreglass mesh. Our fly screens page explains the mesh options.
Bring photos of the opening, the bench and the outdoor side when you contact us. It helps us talk through the options before we come out to measure.
Security and everyday use
A wide opening needs to lock properly when closed. Our bifold windows have multi-point locking, and a dust seal on the head track helps reduce wear on the moving parts. To keep the window running smoothly, brush out the bottom track now and then and wipe the frames with mild soapy water. That matters most near the coast or a dusty building site.
Why made to measure matters
Every opening is slightly different, especially in older homes and renovations. We make each bifold window to measure in our own factory in Glendenning and install it with our own team. We have been doing this across Western Sydney and the Hills District since 2007. You can see the areas we service, or visit the factory Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm.
Bifold window FAQ
What bench height do bifold windows suit?
Most serveries sit at kitchen bench height. We measure the opening and the bench so the window sits correctly.
Can bifold windows match my bifold doors?
Yes. We make both in the same colour and finish, so they match on the same wall.
Do bifold windows open inward or outward?
Either. The sill is reversible, so we set it up to suit your space.
Can I put a fly screen on a bifold window?
Yes. You can add a matching fly screen or security screen in stainless steel or fibreglass mesh.
Do you supply bifold windows for me to install?
No. We supply and install, so the window that is measured, made and fitted is our responsibility from start to finish.
Ready to talk about your opening?
Request a measure and quote or call us on 1800 793 946.
