Bifold Windows

What Are Bifold Windows and Why Are They So Popular?

How They Work:

• Bifold windows (also called bi fold windows or concertina windows) use multiple glass panels connected by hinges
• The panels fold back on themselves and stack neatly to one or both sides of the opening
• You can slide open halfway for a partial opening or fold the entire run for a completely unobstructed space
• When closed, they seal tight like any other double glazed window. When open, the wall is gone.

Why Homeowners Choose Them:

• They turn a kitchen counter into an open bar. A living room wall into an alfresco setting. A study nook into a garden retreat.
• No other window type gives you this much flexibility with openings
• Bifold windows are a practical and stylish option for creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow
• The trend towards open-plan living and entertaining is exactly what bifold windows were built for.

The APS Difference:

• Custom manufactured in Melbourne with German engineered Kommerling uPVC profiles
• Fully reinforced with galvanised steel at every joint. Hot-plate welded. No mechanical joins.
• Double glazed as standard with a full range of glass and glazing options
• Stainless steel tracks and precision hardware for smooth, reliable folding every time
• Installed by our own trained team. No subcontractors. 10-year guarantee.

Bifold Window Configurations: Flexible by Design

Kitchen Servery Bifold:

• The most popular bifold window configuration in Australian homes
• Typically 2 to 4 panels that fold to one side, opening your kitchen bench to an outdoor entertaining area
• Fitted with a sill that doubles as a servery counter. Ideal for barbecues, parties, and everyday living.
• A great option that adds value, functionality, and style to any home.

Full-Width Bifold:

• 4, 5, 6, or more panels spanning a wide opening
• Fold to one or both sides depending on your space and preference
• Creates a completely unobstructed opening between inside and outside
• Perfect for living rooms, alfresco areas, and open-plan spaces where the outdoors becomes part of the room

Stacking Windows:

• Similar in concept to bifold windows, but the panels slide and stack behind each other rather than folding
• Great for wider openings where folding panels would project too far
• Panels stack neatly to one side, taking up minimal space
• Ideal for contemporary homes and commercial spaces where clean lines matter

Custom Configurations:

• Every bifold and stacking window from APS is custom made to your exact opening
• Choose the number of panels, the fold direction (left, right, or both sides), and the stacking arrangement
• Available in a variety of standard and custom sizes
• No matter the size of your project, we design configurations that suit your home, your space, and your lifestyle.

Key Benefits of Double Glazed Bifold Windows

Open Up Entire Walls:

• Bifold windows transform a solid wall into a wide-open space
• Fold all panels back to create an unobstructed opening between your home and the outdoors
• Or slide open halfway for a controlled connection. You choose how much opening suits the moment.
• No other window type gives you this level of flexibility with your spaces.

Flood Rooms with Natural Light:

• Multiple glass panels mean maximum glass area and maximum natural light
• Even when closed, bifold windows let more light in than most other windows due to their expansive glazing
• Bright, open, airy rooms all year round
• The ideal setting for kitchens, living areas, and entertaining spaces.

Energy Efficiency When Closed:

• Double glazed with argon gas fill and Low E coatings as standard
• When closed, the multi-point locking system compresses the seals for a tight, draught-free closure
• uPVC frames eliminate thermal bridging. No energy leaking through the frame.
• Warmer in winter. Cooler in summer. Lower energy bills. Even with all that glass.

Security You Can Count On:

• Multi-point locking systems on every panel. Stainless steel handles and hardware.
• Toughened and laminated safety glass options for enhanced strength and security
• Internally glazed. Glass cannot be removed from outside.
• Strong, secure, and built to protect your home.

Stylish and Contemporary:

• Slim uPVC profiles maximise the glass-to-frame ratio for a sleek, modern look
• Available in a selection of colours and finishes to suit your home’s style
• Bifold windows are as much an architectural statement as they are a practical product
• Whether your home is contemporary or traditional, bifold windows add value and visual appeal.

Built to Last. Easy to Maintain:

• uPVC frames won’t warp, rot, corrode, or need painting. Resistant to UV, moisture, and salt air.
• Stainless steel tracks and precision-engineered hinges ensure smooth operation for years
• Low maintenance. Just keep the tracks clean and the hardware will do the rest.
• Durable performance that handles daily use without losing its edge.

Where Do Bifold Windows Work Best?

• Kitchen servery — The classic choice. Fold open the bifold windows and your kitchen bench becomes an outdoor bar. Perfect for entertaining, barbecues, and summer living.
• Living rooms — Open your living space to the garden, deck, or patio. Create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that makes the room feel twice its size.
• Alfresco and entertaining areas — Blur the line between inside and outside. Bifold windows are the ultimate option for homes built around outdoor living.
• Studies and home offices — A compact bifold above a desk opens the room to fresh air and a view. Great for productivity and a change of scene.
• Pool areas and cabanas — Open wide for summer. Close tight for winter. Bifold windows suit pool-side structures and outdoor rooms perfectly.
• Commercial spaces — Cafes, restaurants, and retail. Bifold windows add flexibility, style, and customer appeal to commercial settings.

Bifold Windows vs Sliding Windows vs Other Windows

Bifold Windows:

• Multiple panels fold and stack to one or both sides
• Full opening. The entire wall can disappear.
• Best for kitchens, entertaining areas, and indoor-outdoor living
• Panels project when open. Ensure you have clearance.

Sliding Windows:

• Sliding windows, sashes slide horizontally within the frame. No projection.
• Maximum 50% opening (half the window stays fixed)
• Best for tight spaces where panels can’t project outward
• Space-saving but less dramatic than bifold

Stacking Windows:

• Panels slide and stack behind each other
• Full or near-full opening without panels projecting outward
• Best for wide openings where folding panels would take up too much space
• Clean, modern aesthetic

Note: Looking for something different? Explore our full range of double glazed windows, or contact us for suggestions on the best configuration for your project.

How APS Bi Fold Windows Are Built

Step 1 — Custom Design:

• Every bifold window is custom made to your exact opening and specifications
• Choose your panel count, fold direction, stacking configuration, and frame colour
• We design for your space, your style, and your practical requirements
• No standard sizes. No compromises. Every order is built from scratch.

Step 2 — Premium uPVC Frames:

• German engineered Kommerling uPVC profiles. UV stabilised for Australian conditions.
• Fully reinforced with galvanised steel for structural strength across wide openings
• Hot-plate welded at every joint. Airtight. Watertight. No mechanical joins.
• uPVC doesn’t warp, rot, or corrode. No painting required. No timber maintenance headaches.

Step 3 — Double Glazed Glass:

• Standard: 28mm argon gas filled insulated glass units with Softcoat Low E coatings
• Upgrade options: toughened glass, laminated glass, acoustic glass, or triple glazing
• All glass meets AS1288 requirements. All products manufactured to AS2047.
• Choose your glass to suit your needs. Thermal control. Security. Noise. Or all three.

Step 4 — Precision Hardware:

• Stainless steel tracks, hinges, and handles fitted to every bifold window
• Precision engineered folding mechanisms for smooth, reliable operation across the full span
• Multi-point locking on every panel for enhanced security when closed
• Built to handle the weight of double glazed panels without losing smoothness over time

Step 5 — Professional Installation:

• Installed by APS’s own fully employed and trained installers. No subcontractors.
• Correct fitting ensures proper sealing, smooth operation, and long-term weatherproofing, and we install to suit local building code requirements, including bushfire and cyclone ratings where required by geographic zone
• Full 10-year guarantee on product and installation
• Where screening is required, bifold windows use retractable screens so operation and appearance are not compromised

Why Choose APS for Your Bifold Windows?

• Custom manufactured in Melbourne. Every bifold window is made to measure in our own factory. Not imported. Not off the shelf.
• German engineered Kommerling uPVC profiles. UV stabilised. Multi-chambered. Fully reinforced with galvanised steel. Hot-plate welded at every joint.
• Stainless steel hardware throughout. Tracks, hinges, and handles built for long-term smooth operation and corrosion resistance.
• Double glazed as standard. 28mm argon gas filled insulated glass units with Softcoat Low E. Acoustic, toughened, laminated, and triple glazing upgrades available.
• Multi-point locking for security. Every panel locks at multiple points. Stainless steel handles. Enhanced security across the full opening.
• Installed by our own team. Professional installation by APS’s own trained installers. Consistent quality on every project.
• Available in a range of colours. Standard laminated colours plus an extended range of special colours upon request to match your home.
• 10-year guarantee. Covers the product, the frame, the glass, the hardware, and the installation. No exclusions.
• 50+ years of industry experience. 7,000+ projects. 4.9-star rating. Visit our showroom in Kilsyth South to see bifold windows in action before you order.

Ready to Open Up Your Home with Bifold Windows?

• Fold back the walls. Let the outside in.
• Custom designed. Locally manufactured. Professionally installed.
• Contact us today to discuss your bifold window project.
• Request a free quote from APS Double Glazing. Your home is about to get a whole lot bigger.

FAQs

What are bifold windows?

Bifold windows are multi-panel window systems where the glass panels fold back on themselves and stack neatly to one or both sides of the opening. Also known as bi fold windows or concertina windows, they create wide, unobstructed openings that connect indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a uPVC alternative to aluminium bi fold windows. APS bifold windows are custom made with double glazed uPVC frames and are often paired with doors in indoor-outdoor designs.

What’s the difference between bifold windows and stacking windows?

Bifold windows fold back on hinges and stack against themselves. Stacking windows slide along a track and stack behind each other. Both create large openings, but stacking windows don’t project outward when open, making them a great option for tighter spaces. APS manufactures both.

Are bifold windows energy efficient?

Yes. When closed, APS bifold windows use the same double glazing, argon gas fill, and Low E coatings as all our other windows. Multi-point locking compresses the seals for a tight, draught-free closure. uPVC frames eliminate thermal bridging. They keep your home comfortable in winter and summer.

Are bifold windows secure?

Yes. Every panel features multi-point locking with stainless steel handles. Glass options include toughened and laminated safety glass for enhanced strength. All APS bifold windows are internally glazed. Security is built into the product, not added as an afterthought.

Can I use bifold windows as a kitchen servery?

Absolutely. Kitchen servery bifolds are our most popular configuration. Two to four panels fold to one side, opening your kitchen bench directly to an outdoor entertaining area. A sill doubles as a counter. It’s practical, stylish, and a great way to add value to your home.

How many panels can a bifold window have?

APS bifold windows can be configured with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more panels depending on the width of your opening. Panels can fold to the left, the right, or both sides. Every configuration is custom designed to suit your space.

What colours are available?

Standard laminated colours include Golden Oak, Anthracite Grey, Signal Grey, Smooth Black, Ceylon, and Silver. An extended range of special colours is also available upon request to ensure your bifold windows match your home’s style. If you need help choosing, contact APS for a colour or finish selection guide and read it before finalising your options. Finish availability can vary by site and state.

Can bifold windows be fitted with screens?

Yes. Fly screens and security screens can be supplied and fitted as required. Options depend on the configuration and fold direction. Contact us for specific information about screen options for your project.

How much do bifold windows cost?

The cost of bifold windows depends on the size, number of panels, glass configuration, hardware, and installation requirements. Custom sizes and special options will affect the price. Contact us for a personalised quote based on your exact project.

Are APS bifold windows compliant with Australian standards?

Yes. All APS bifold windows are manufactured to AS2047. All glass meets AS1288 requirements. We are a registered building practitioner. Every installation is completed to Australian standards. Check with your builder or architect if specific compliance documentation is required for your project. Read Less