Supply-only bi-fold doors: what you need to know

Buying bi-fold doors supply only means you buy the doors from us and arrange your own builder or installer to fit them. It’s a popular route for self-builders, renovators and trades, but there are a few things to get right. This guide explains how it works at Glazing Counter.

What “supply only” means

We make and deliver the doors. We don’t survey your property, measure the opening or install the doors. You, or your builder or installer, take care of measuring, preparing the opening, fitting, sealing and making good afterwards. Supply only can make good sense when you already have a builder on site for an extension, when you’re a trade customer fitting doors for clients, or when you want to choose your own installer.

What comes with the doors

Our bi-fold doors are supplied with standard hardware, including a lever handle and an Ultion high-security cylinder lock, so your installer doesn’t need to source handles or a cylinder separately. Bi-folds can also include a traffic door for everyday access. Note your preferred position in the order notes if the configurator doesn’t capture it.

Who is responsible for what

1. Measure carefully, or let your installer measure

Made-to-measure bi-folds are built to the sizes you give us, and they can’t be returned if they turn out to be the wrong size. The best protection is to have the person who will fit the doors take or check the measurements. Our guide on how to measure for bi-fold doors explains the process.

2. Choose an installer before you order

Line up your installer early. They can advise on the fitting tolerance, threshold choice, opening direction and any building work needed, and they can plan the fitting date around your delivery. Ask whether they’re happy to install doors supplied by someone else, and agree in advance who handles disposal of the old frame and packaging.

3. Think about building regulations

New and replacement doors and windows in England and Wales usually need to meet building regulations, for example on energy efficiency, safety glazing and ventilation. Replacement work is often signed off through a competent person scheme, which your installer may belong to, or otherwise through building control. Check what applies to your project with your installer or local building control before you start.

4. Plan the threshold and floor levels

Our bespoke bi-folds are available with a standard rebated, low (flush/level) or ultra-low weathered threshold with drainage. A level threshold looks great, but it depends on the finished floor level inside, the paving level outside and good drainage. Plan it with your builder at the design stage.

5. How ordering and payment work

1. Configure your doors in the bi-fold configurator and send an order request. No payment is taken online.
2. We check the specification and email an order confirmation and an invoice, including delivery to your postcode.
3. You check the confirmation carefully and pay by bank transfer.
4. Manufacture is booked once payment has cleared. Made-to-measure aluminium bi-folds typically take 3–6 weeks, and stock sizes are often 5–10 working days. We confirm the date with your order.

Before paying, always check our bank details by email with orders@glazingcounter.co.uk. We will never change our bank details by email without confirming in another way.

6. Delivery day

We deliver to UK mainland addresses, quoted by postcode. Delivery is to the kerbside or nearest accessible ground-floor point, and someone aged 18 or over must be present. Glazed bi-fold panels are heavy, so arrange enough people to unload safely, and tell us in advance about restricted access. Store the doors upright, protected and somewhere dry until they’re fitted.

7. Inspect before you fit

Check everything on delivery before signing, and note any visible damage on the delivery note. Report any damage, shortage or wrong item to orders@glazingcounter.co.uk with photos within 48 hours and before installation. Don’t fit damaged or incorrect goods, because that can make it impossible to assess or replace them.

Returns and your rights

Made-to-measure products aren’t covered by the 14-day cancellation right and can’t be returned unless they’re faulty or not as described. Stock-size items can be cancelled by consumers within 14 days of delivery. Your statutory rights are not affected. See our returns policy and terms.

Is supply only right for you?

If you have a reliable installer and you’re comfortable taking responsibility for the measurements, supply only gives you control over who fits your doors and when. Start by configuring your bi-fold doors, or browse all bi-fold doors.

What to check in your order confirmation

Before you pay, go through the order confirmation line by line with your installer if you can:

• Overall frame width and height, in millimetres.
• Number of panels, opening direction (in or out) and stacking side.
• Frame colour inside and out.
• Glass type and threshold.
• Delivery address, access notes and delivery charge.

If anything is wrong, tell us before paying. Once a made-to-measure order is confirmed and paid, it goes into manufacture to that specification.

Trade customers

Installers and builders can apply for a trade account. Trade pricing is arranged on approval.

Frequently asked questions