How much does a bifold door installation cost?

Even with the best of care, your patio or garden can still sometimes feel detached from the rest of your home. Installing bifold doors is a straightforward way to create a more cohesive living space, though not everyone knows how to choose the right type or what factors go into bifold door installation costs.

This guide breaks down the average cost of bifold doors in Australia, covering both supply-only and supply-and-install options, plus practical ways to keep your project within budget without compromising on quality.

How much does bifold door installation cost by city?

Open bifold doors leading to a dining room (Source: iStock)

The cost of bifold doors in Australia varies depending on where you live, the door type you choose, and how complex the installation is.

The following table details the standard installation costs in major cities across the country:

How much do different types of bifold doors cost?

Timber bifold doors open onto a sunny patio (Source: iStock)

Bifold doors, also called folding or accordion doors, are hinged panels that fold and stack neatly to one side along a track. While they’re commonly used to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, they can be installed for a variety of other applications.

Bifold doors are also available in different materials, and depending on which one you choose, installation, maintenance needs, durability, and overall cost can vary.

Internal bifold doors

As the name suggests, internal bifold doors are used indoors, where they help maximise space by sectioning off rooms without making them feel closed in. Because they fold against the wall instead of swinging outward, there’s no need for a wider clearance arc, making them an excellent pick for tight spaces like closets, laundries, pantries, and small bedrooms.

Since these are indoor installs, they don’t require weatherproof seals, heavy-duty locking systems, or thermal insulation. Installation is generally less complex and more affordable compared to external doors, with prices typically starting at around $1,650. That said, internal bifold door installation costs can reach up to $5,500, depending on the door style, material, and layout of the house.

External bifold doors (aluminium)

When people think of bifold doors, this is usually the type that comes to mind. Installed to connect indoor living spaces to a balcony, patio, or garden, external bifold doors are often made from aluminium.

Given its intended use, external aluminium bifold doors are built to be durable, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant. These benefits, however, come with a more involved installation process that includes fitting the frame, glazing, weather seals, tracks, and locking hardware. Costs for external bifold installation generally range from $2,950 to $5,350.

External bifold doors (timber)

Bifold doors can also be purchased in timber, uPVC, and composite. Among these choices, timber bifold doors are often considered the more premium choice, offering a natural finish best suited to traditional or high-end homes.

This refined look comes with a more demanding installation and upkeep, and a higher price tag, typically $4,000 to $10,000 for supply only, compared to aluminium alternatives.

What factors affect the cost of bifold door installation?

A handyman fitting hardware above a timber bifold door frame (Source: iStock)

The final quote will depend on much more than just your preferred door type. Everything from the installation site and its conditions to the materials, glazing, and labour can influence the cost of your bifold door installation.

Internal vs external

External bifold doors generally cost more to install because they require weather seals, thermal insulation, and a drainage system to prevent water from entering during heavy rain.

Internal doors don’t usually need these features, so installation is generally more straightforward.

Opening size and panel count

Larger openings need more door panels, tracks, rollers, and hardware, which increases both material and labour costs.

The same goes for installing in corner openings, which require specialised open-corner bifold doors, as standard doors can usually only accommodate straight tracks. Depending on the house layout, these open-corner bifolds may even have to be customised.

New vs existing opening

Installing bifold doors is often easier and less costly if your home already has an existing opening for them. Creating a new opening involves structural work, such as cutting walls and installing a lintel, which significantly adds to your overall bifold door installation cost, as it entails extra labour, materials, and compliance with local building requirements.

Door material

The material you choose affects both the purchase price and installation cost. uPVC is generally the most affordable option, followed by composite (which combines multiple materials, typically either timber and aluminium, or timber and plastic).

Timber is often the most expensive and requires more maintenance, while aluminium remains one of the most popular choices for external bifold doors in Australia.

Glazing and frame finish

Reinforcing bifold door glass panes can be done by either laminating or glazing. When glass is laminated, it stays in one piece if it breaks. Double or triple glazing, on the other hand, adds a sealed gap filled with gas between the panes to improve thermal insulation and energy efficiency.

Aside from securing glass panes, installers can also accommodate requests for custom powder-coated frame colours and premium finishes, which can increase the final quote.

Site conditions and access

Installation may take longer and cost more if the site isn’t easily accessible or the existing opening needs preparation, such as removing old bifold doors before the new ones go in, or levelling uneven floors.

Labour rates

The labour cost of bifold doors in Australia tends to vary by location. Installers in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne often charge 10% to 20% higher rates due to the equivalently higher cost of living.

Meanwhile, regional areas may have fewer available installers, which can also influence pricing.

What’s the difference between supply-only and supply-and-install?

Dark hardware detail on an aluminium bifold door. (Source: iStock)

You have the choice between getting bifold doors as a standalone purchase or availing both supply and installation.

Supply-only can be a good option if you’re working with a builder for an ongoing renovation or have already arranged an installer. This choice also gives you more flexibility when comparing different door brands and suppliers.

For most homeowners, however, supply-and-install offers the best value. The installer is responsible for measuring, fitting, adjusting hardware, and ensuring that the doors operate correctly — a package deal that can simplify the process, as you only have to manage a single cost for the entire bifold door installation instead of juggling separate expenses.

How to save money on bifold door installation

There are several ways you can cut down on your overall bifold doors cost without compromising the quality:

• Choose standard panel sizes unless your house layout demands customised bifold doors, such as for corner openings.

• Go for standard powder-coated frame colours instead of custom finishes.

• Combine the project with other window or door installations to reduce labour costs.

• Install the doors into an existing opening, if at all possible, to avoid extra costs on structural work.

• Choose standard glazing if premium acoustic or thermal performance isn’t required.

What to look for in a bifold door installer

Door installer in uniform working on an external bifold door (Source: iStock)

Your installer’s expertise directly impacts the bifold door installation and its cost. Before finalising your hire, it’s worth checking candidates’ qualifications, work experience, and any reviews from past clients.

Standard door installation doesn’t require licensing in every Australian state, but if your project requires structural carpentry or electrical work, it should be completed by appropriately licensed tradespeople. It’s also a good idea to confirm whether your installer has insurance before any work begins.

Before choosing an installer, ask the following:

1. Have you installed or repaired similar bifold doors before?

2. Is the removal and disposal of the existing doors included in your services?

3. Does the quote include all hardware and finishing?

4. What warranties do you offer?

5. How long will the installation take?

Get quotes from local door installers on Airtasker

While it’s possible to source tradespeople anywhere, Airtasker makes finding skilled installers easier. Simply post your task on the website with key information, including your budget, preferred door type, measurements, requested customisations, and, if possible, photos of the installation site.

Once posted, you’ll start receiving quotes from interested Taskers in the area, allowing you to compare profiles and prices before deciding. Ready to get started? Explore door installation services on Airtasker to learn more about what Taskers can do for you and your project.