Bi-Fold Doors: The Installer’s Deep Dive

Explore bi-fold doors from The Trade Village. Installer-first features, performance, and options to help you fit faster and sell with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

How installer-first features speed up fitting on bi-fold doors
Which bi-fold doors balance reliability, slim sightlines, and value
Where premium specs make a difference on modern bi-fold doors
How to match bi-fold doors to project goals, budget, and timelines

(Estimated Reading Time: 10-12 Minutes)

Precision-engineered bi-fold doors creating a seamless, light-filled connection between home and garden

Introduction

Bi-fold doors are a staple for UK installers—and for good reason. They open up living spaces, flood rooms with light, and deliver that crowd-pleasing “wow” factor. In this guide, we unpack The Trade Village range in detail so you can choose the right bi-fold doors for each project. We’ll cover installer-friendly features, customer benefits, and the business case—so you can fit faster, minimise call-backs, and maximise profit.

Overview of The Trade Village Bi-Fold Range

The Trade Village has built its reputation since 2008 by supplying top-tier products to trade installers nationwide . Their bi-fold door selection exemplifies this ethos of quality. Instead of generic systems, TTV offers brand-name, proven designs that installers likely already know and trust:

Korniche Aluminium Bi-Folding Doors: A cutting-edge bi-fold known for being installer-friendly and robust. TTV describes Korniche as “a high-quality product at a competitive price” and even boldly states “we guarantee Korniche is going to be your new favourite bi-folding door” . Designed specifically with installers in mind, Korniche bi-folds incorporate multiple time-saving features, the most famous being the pre-gasketed “speed bead” glazing system . We’ll examine those features shortly.
Smart Visofold 1000 Slim Bi-Folding Doors: Smart’s Visofold range is arguably the most well-known bi-fold system in the UK trade . TTV now offers the new and improved Visofold 1000 Slim, an enhanced version of this workhorse door . The Smart Visofold has earned its popularity through reliability and versatility. The new Slim variant brings slimmer sightlines and other upgrades. If you’ve installed aluminium bi-folds in the UK, chances are you’ve come across a Smart system – making this a comfortable, “can’t-go-wrong” choice for many jobs.
Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus: This is a next-generation product from Cortizo (a global leader in aluminium systems) that “out-performs every other bi-fold currently on the market” . It’s brand new to the market and has effectively “set a new standard for the rest of the industry to follow” . In other words, Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus is the high-end option pushing the boundaries of what bi-folds can do – be it in thermal efficiency, slimness, or size. TTV touts it as a door that simply put, eclipses all others . We’ll see how, with features like 110 mm ultra-slim sightlines and U-values down to 0.8 with triple glazing .
Smart Heritage Bi-Folding Doors: In addition to the above, The Trade Village also lists a Smart Heritage bi-fold option (a variant designed for steel-look or heritage aesthetics) . This is essentially a stylistic offshoot – it uses the Smart system technology but with a classic industrial appearance (glazing bars, vintage hardware, etc.). We won’t cover it in full detail here, but it’s good to know if your client needs a heritage design, TTV has a solution without sacrificing modern performance.

Now, let’s break down each main bi-fold in TTV’s stable, focusing on what matters to installers (fit and features), to customers (looks and performance), and to your business (efficiency and upsell opportunities).

Korniche Aluminium Bi-Fold – Built for Speed and Simplicity

Installer’s Perspective (Fitters’ Angle): The Korniche bi-fold door has made a name for itself by streamlining the installation process like never before. Key features that installers love include:

Pre-Gasketed “Speed Bead” Glazing: The Korniche uses a patented clip-in beading system that comes with seals already in place . According to TTV, this eliminates the need to tediously fit wedge gaskets on site, saving a huge chunk of time . You can glaze the units in a snap – “tap-in beads for faster installation” as they put it . No more stretching and cutting rubber seals by hand, which every installer knows can be fiddly and time-consuming.
Integrated Sill and Threshold: Korniche bi-folds come with an integrated sill/threshold as standard . This means fewer separate components to align and fix during install – the frame base is one piece. It ensures the door sits perfectly and improves water tightness. Fitters don’t have to juggle a loose sill piece, making the overall frame installation more foolproof.
Hidden Hardware and Simplified Adjustments: The design hides gaskets within the profile , so you get larger visible glass area and a cleaner look without extra work. Korniche also uses high-quality rollers and an adjustable hinge system that typically arrives pre-set. Installers report that these doors require minimal adjustment out of the box because of precision manufacturing. Additionally, shootbolt handles are pre-fitted and are burglar-resistant , so there’s no complex multi-point lock to assemble – you just ensure they engage properly when you install the door.

Overall, Korniche was “designed specifically with installers in mind”, and it shows . Many fitters find they can install a Korniche bi-fold solo or with just one helper in a fraction of the time it might take for older bi-fold systems. Less time on site = more profit and fewer headaches.

Customer’s Perspective (Why Customers Love It): Despite its focus on making the installer’s life easy, the Korniche doesn’t skimp on homeowner benefits:

Sleek Aesthetics: Thanks to features like hidden gaskets (no black rubber lines in sight) and slim sightlines, the Korniche offers a very sleek appearance . Customers get more glass and less frame, which means brighter interiors and a modern look. The integrated threshold can also create a flatter floor transition for indoor-outdoor living, which clients appreciate for accessibility and visual continuity.
Competitive Price & Quality: TTV positions Korniche as “high-quality at a competitive price”, essentially giving customers premium looks and solid build without breaking the bank . This value proposition makes it easy for installers to sell – clients feel they’re getting an excellent deal (a top-notch aluminium bi-fold that might cost significantly more from other brands). And because TTV passes on their volume discount , trade installers can quote Korniche bi-folds attractively while still enjoying margin.
Security & Performance: Customers often ask about security on bi-folds. Korniche addresses this with secure shootbolt locking and robust frames. Those “burglar-resistant shootbolt handles” give peace of mind that the door can’t be easily forced open . On performance, Korniche is fully compliant with the latest building regs (TTV notes it’s “2022 Building regs approved” ). It’s engineered in the UK and built for the UK climate, so homeowners can expect excellent weather sealing and thermal efficiency.

In essence, customers end up very satisfied because Korniche doors look high-end, operate smoothly (thanks to precision engineering), and tend to be trouble-free. They love the wide-open feeling when it’s fully folded, and even when closed, the sightlines are slim and neat.

Profitability (Money Maker): For installers, Korniche hits a sweet spot:

It’s priced competitively for trade, meaning you can offer a great quote and still have healthy margins. Because it installs faster, your labor cost per project is lower – effectively boosting profit.
The “stock colours on the shelf” include popular Anthracite Grey, Black, White, and even Agate Grey, available for quick delivery . Fast delivery in as little as 10 working days for standard colours means you can turn around projects quickly , take final payment sooner, and squeeze more jobs into your schedule.
Korniche also allows for upsells like integral blinds, which many homeowners opt for. Offering blinds inside the glass (so they never get dusty or in the way) is an attractive upgrade and an extra revenue stream – and yes, Korniche has an integral blinds option . They also support large sizes and even corner bi-fold configurations, opening possibilities for bigger, more lucrative projects.
Lastly, having a satisfied customer with a Korniche bi-fold is great for referrals. As TTV’s case study quote suggests, “Mike successfully upsells Korniche Bi-Folds for their premium finish” – meaning homeowners are impressed enough to justify premium finishes, which can lead to more sales either through word-of-mouth or repeat business.

In summary, the Korniche Aluminium Bi-Fold is a win-win-win: installers save time and effort, customers get a beautiful and secure door at a good price, and businesses enjoy reliable profits and quick project cycles. It’s no surprise TTV calls it likely to be your “new favourite bi-folding door” .

Visit The Trade Village for Trade Bifold Doors. You can also browse our other products or simply find bifold doors trade prices

Smart Visofold 1000 Slim Bi-Fold – The Trusted Workhorse, Now Enhanced

Installer’s Perspective: Smart Visofold has been a staple in the trade, often considered the benchmark for aluminium bi-folds in the UK. Many installers have cut their teeth on the classic Visofold 1000. Now, the Visofold 1000 Slim offers some notable improvements while retaining the installer-friendly traits:

Familiarity & Reliability: One huge advantage for installers is that Smart systems are well-known and proven. As TTV notes, “The Smart Visofold bi-fold is probably the most well known bi-folding door system in the trade” . Using a system with which you’re already comfortable means faster installs and fewer mistakes. You likely know how the hinges adjust, how the locking mechanism works, etc., reducing any learning curve.
Quicker Glazing & Fewer Gaskets: Like Korniche, the new Visofold Slim incorporates Smart’s “Quick-Glaze” beads for rapid installation . It also shares the benefit of no wedge gaskets to cut on site . Smart has effectively modernized their system to keep up with trends, so installers can enjoy a simpler fit. This addresses one of the traditional pain points of older bi-folds and brings Visofold into parity with systems like Korniche in terms of install speed.
Slimmer Profiles: The “Slim” in the name signals a design tweak – slimmer sightlines of 122 mm at the panel junctions . For installers, this doesn’t change the installation process per se, but it does mean you’re delivering a more competitive product spec (since many rivals have been advertising slim frames). It’s a selling point that the trade can boast about without making installation any harder. The frame thickness reduction is engineered by Smart, so you still get the structural integrity needed, just with a leaner look.
Configurable & Adaptable: The Smart Visofold can be made in various configurations (from 2 panels up to 7+ panels, open in or out). It also offers an optional “steel-look” style with a fake horizontal mullion (lock stile) to mimic heritage steel doors . As an installer, this means one system can cater to many scenarios – you don’t need to source a different product for a heritage project, for example. Fewer systems to learn and stock, more versatility in sales.

Customer’s Perspective: Why do homeowners continue to love Smart bi-folds, especially the updated Visofold Slim?

Tried and True: Customers may not know the “Smart” brand name, but they often go by what their installer recommends. Installers trust Smart, and that confidence carries over to the client. You can truthfully tell a homeowner that “this system is the most popular bi-fold on the UK market” , which reassures them that it’s a safe choice that thousands of others have installed successfully.
Slimmer, Modern Look: With the new 122 mm sightlines, the Visofold Slim looks more modern and lets in more light than the older version . Customers get the benefit of more glass, less frame – enhancing their views and interior brightness. They also have lots of colour choices: Smart offers over 200 RAL colours and special finishes like textured or metallic . TTV mentions stock colors of Anthracite Grey, Black, and White readily available , which cover most tastes, but for those wanting something unique, the broad palette is a selling point. A homeowner can match the bi-fold to other joinery or choose a bold color to make a statement.
Functional Features: The Visofold Slim retains practical features that end-users appreciate. For instance, it can accommodate double or triple glazing – so those concerned about energy efficiency or noise can opt for triple. It also has an available ‘low threshold’ option (as typical with Smart bi-folds), allowing near-flush floor levels for easy access – something families with young children or older residents often request. If the project calls for it, Smart Visofold can even be used in a commercial setting (it’s quite robust), so in mixed-use or light commercial scenarios, you’re still using a familiar product.
Smooth Operation: Smart’s engineering emphasis is on smooth, effortless operation – they have years of refinements ensuring that even a 6-panel door can be opened and closed by a homeowner with ease. In the new Visofold Slim, the use of “Quick-Glaze” beads and absence of on-site gasket cutting also means less chance of installer error leading to issues like sash drop or misalignment. Customers are likely to get a door that glides nicely and locks securely from day one, and stays that way. The Smart bi-fold also offers an adjustable hinge that ensures a tight seal without excessive force – homeowners often comment on how solid yet easy the door feels to operate.

Profitability and Business Angle: Including Smart Visofold 1000 Slim in your offerings is advantageous:

Market Appeal: Given its status as a popular choice, many customers might already have Smart bi-folds in mind from their own research or seeing them elsewhere. When you quote a Smart Visofold solution, you’re aligning with a product that sells itself to a degree. It’s “our most popular sliding door system”, TTV says for sliders , and similarly, the bi-fold is extremely popular, implying a strong success rate in closing sales.
Competitive Pricing: Smart systems are known for delivering quality at a reasonable cost, partly due to local manufacturing (Smart is a UK company). The Trade Village offers very competitive trade prices on Smart bi-folds (thanks to volume buying) . This means you can often undercut competitors offering more niche or imported systems, without sacrificing quality. A well-priced bid with a reputable product increases your job win rate.
Fast Fulfillment: TTV can supply stock colours in 10 working days for Smart Visofold Slim bi-folds – similar to Korniche. This quick turnaround helps your cash flow and scheduling, as discussed. Also, TTV’s online quoting/ordering system is available 24/7 , allowing you to price custom configurations or place orders after business hours. That convenience can save you time (which is money).
Upsell Potential: Smart bi-folds come with options like integral blinds, different threshold types, and premium finishes . You can offer these as upgrades in your quote. For example, a client might start wanting standard double glazing but can be convinced that triple glazing (for better insulation) is worth it – the Smart can accommodate it, so you just increased the project value. Or maybe they’d like that “authentic steel-look” with a heritage grid – Smart has a solution and you can charge extra for the more complex glazing detail. The flexibility of the system thus translates to more opportunities for customization and additional revenue.

In a nutshell, Smart Visofold 1000 Slim is the reliable all-rounder every installer needs in their arsenal – now refined for the modern market. It’s easy to install, easy to sell, and delivers satisfaction on all fronts. It covers the mid-range and even high-end segment (with bespoke options) nicely. Many tradespeople will continue to use Smart as their go-to bi-fold because it’s a formula that works: straightforward, dependable, and backed by a manufacturer with decades of experience.

Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus – The High-Performance Game Changer

Installer’s Perspective: The Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus is a newer entrant that has been turning heads in the trade for its innovative features and impressive specs. For installers, this system might be the answer when a project demands the absolute best in a bi-fold door:

Clip-in “Easyfit” Beads – No Gaskets: Similar in spirit to Korniche’s approach, the Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus uses Easyfit clip-in glazing beads . TTV notes this as “clip in beads – no wedge gasket needed!” in the extended features . This means glazing the Cortizo is quick and error-proof – you snap in the beads and you’re done, with perfect gasket compression every time. It spares the installer from wrestling with rubber gaskets for each pane.
Adjustable Jamb System: A standout feature for installers is the adjustable jamb (frame leg) that comes as standard . This is somewhat unique – it allows you to tweak the frame after it’s in the opening to ensure everything is plumb and square. If the aperture is slightly off, or if you need to fine-tune the fit after packing and fixing, this adjustable jamb can save the day. It’s like having built-in shim ability and significantly eases installation in less-than-perfect openings (which is common in renovations).
Ultra-Slim Sightlines (110 mm): At just 110 mm sightline where panels meet , Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus is slimmer than even the new Smart (122 mm) and most other competitors. While that’s a design feature, from the installer’s angle it means you’re offering something elite. It’s a point of pride to install a system that you know outperforms others – it differentiates your service. The slim profiles are achieved with high-strength aluminium and clever engineering, but installation remains conventional (no special handling beyond usual care, despite the slim frames the door is very sturdy).
Large Panel Capacity: These doors can go up to 1200 mm wide and 3000 mm tall per panel , which is massive for a bi-fold. As an installer, having a product certified for such sizes means you can take on jobs that others might have to decline or switch to sliders. If a client has a very wide span, instead of saying “we need to use a sliding door for that width,” you could still offer a bi-fold solution using Cortizo’s capabilities. Handling these big panels requires care (and maybe extra hands or equipment), but Cortizo has you covered with options like crane delivery for large units (as seen with their slider) and the inherent rigidity to make big panels feasible.
PAS 24 and Quality Hardware: Installers will appreciate that security testing and certification is already done – “PAS24 Certified as standard” . You don’t have to fuss with additional security add-ons. The multipoint locking, robust hinges, and even details like flush threshold options are all part of the package . It’s a premium product that comes with everything needed out of the box, meaning fewer adjustments or aftermarket tweaks.

Customer’s Perspective: If you position the Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus to a customer, here’s what excites them:

Top-of-the-Line Performance: This door isn’t shy about bragging rights – U-values of 1.3 W/m²K with double glazing and as low as 0.8 with triple are class-leading . Eco-conscious customers or those wanting the best thermal insulation for their large glass doors will be impressed. It’s essentially as thermally efficient as a wall when triple-glazed, which is incredible for an opening door. That helps future-proof against rising energy standards and gives homeowners comfort (literally, less cold spots by the door).
Slimmest Aesthetics: With 110 mm sightlines, homeowners get more glass per frame than practically any other bi-fold on the market . This translates to a very sleek look and maximum daylight. The Cortizo’s design is very contemporary – square profiles, minimal visible hardware, and the ability to have a flush threshold for that seamless floor transition if desired . Clients who prioritize a modern, elegant style often choose this system once they see how minimal it looks compared to others. It basically delivers near-sliding-door slimness in a folding door that opens fully.
Flexibility and “Wow” Factor: Customers can do special things with Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus that might not be possible with lesser systems. For example, the mention of a “corner opening option” is a huge wow-factor – you can have a bi-fold that meets at a corner with no fixed post, so when open, an entire corner of the building disappears. If a client is building an extension with a wrap-around garden view, this product enables a true open-corner design, which will make their home unique. Even for more standard configurations, knowing you can go up to 3 m tall means customers can have dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass doors that flood the space with light. In terms of finishes, Cortizo (like the others) offers a wide range of colors, and given its premium positioning, customers might be more inclined to choose dual-colour (maybe grey outside, white inside) or a special finish, which you can accommodate.
Smooth and Secure: Despite being large and slim, the door remains smooth to operate, thanks to high-precision hardware. Clients get the best of both worlds – a statement piece door that is also user-friendly and secure. The integral blind option is available here too , adding convenience for customers who want built-in shading. Security-wise, the PAS24 rating assures them it’s tested against break-in attempts, and Cortizo’s pedigree as a global manufacturer gives confidence in overall quality.

Profitability for Installers: The Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus can be a jewel in your offerings:

Premium Pricing: This is a premium product, which means premium pricing. When you quote a Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus, you’re likely quoting a higher figure than for Smart or even Korniche. However, the value proposition is clear – you can justify the price with its unmatched features (slimmer, stronger, more efficient). Many clients who want “the best” are willing to pay for it. For you, that means higher revenue per project. If you source from The Trade Village, you’re getting trade pricing on it, so the margin can be substantial.
Expanding Project Possibilities: Because this product can handle big spans and special configurations (like open corners), you can take on ambitious projects that others might avoid. That can set you apart in the market. Perhaps an architect or developer specifically needs a high-performance door – if you can deliver Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus, you might win contracts in luxury developments. These jobs can be very profitable and lead to more referrals in the high-end sector.
Installation Time: Even though it’s advanced, it still includes the installer-friendly touches (Easyfit beads, adjustable jamb) that save time. Granted, handling large panels might slow a crew down a bit or require more manpower, but overall you’re not bogged down by tricky assembly. Getting a 5-panel, 3-meter tall bi-fold in place is always a task, but at least you’re not dealing with cutting gaskets or modifying frames on site – those parts are optimized. So, relative to its size and complexity, it’s still efficient to install.
Customer Satisfaction = Future Business: Installing a show-stopping door like this often garners a lot of attention. Homeowners will show it off; other tradespeople on site (like builders, architects) take note of the system. If you establish yourself as someone who can supply and fit such top-tier products, you gain a reputation that can lead to further high-end jobs. Even within a single project, there’s cross-sell potential – maybe they also need new windows or a slider somewhere else; having Cortizo in your catalog means you likely also have access to Cortizo windows or sliding systems , which TTV can supply, and you can bundle those in the project quote.

In sum, Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus is the door you offer when only the very best will do. It’s a bit like the sports car of bi-folds – requires skill to handle, but delivers top performance. As an installer, adding this to your repertoire can elevate your business. The Trade Village’s support (quick quotes, tech info, and reasonable lead times given it’s a high-end product) ensures you can confidently sell and fit it. It complements the rest of the range: you have good (Smart), better (Korniche), and best (Cortizo) essentially, for different client needs and budgets.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Bi-Fold for the Job

The Trade Village’s bi-fold lineup covers all bases. As an installer:

If speed and ease on site is your top priority (and the project is fairly standard in spec), Korniche might be your first choice. It’s literally built to make your life easy with features like the speed bead , and it still wows customers with quality and looks.
If you want a trusted all-rounder that you can use on almost any job and know it will perform, Smart Visofold 1000 Slim is a dependable pick. It carries brand credibility, has been improved for modern demands, and offers lots of configuration flexibility (including heritage style) to please various clients .
If the project is high-spec or demands the absolute cutting-edge, Cortizo Bi-Fold Plus is how you deliver that. You’ll impress architects and homeowners alike with its specs (slim sightlines, high thermal performance) and advanced capabilities (huge panels, corner bi-folds) .

Remember that each of these products comes with The Trade Village’s trade support – from 24/7 online ordering to dedicated account managers for any questions . They all are available with surprisingly fast lead times for stock colors , helping you keep customers happy with quick installations.

By matching the right bi-fold door to the right project, you’ll ensure a smoother fitting process, a delighted end-user, and a profitable outcome. Bi-fold doors are a significant investment for homeowners; when you supply a TTV-vetted product, you can be confident in the long-term satisfaction it will provide, which reflects well on your business.

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FAQs

Are bi-fold doors worth it for most projects?
Yes—bi-fold doors deliver wide openings, modern styling, and strong buyer appeal, making them a dependable choice for extensions and refurbishments.

How fast can bi-fold doors be installed?
Modern systems use clip-in beads, pre-fitted gaskets, and adjustable components, so bi-fold doors can be fitted quickly with fewer on-site tweaks.

Do bi-fold doors perform well thermally and for security?
High-quality aluminium bi-fold doors can achieve excellent U-values and meet PAS 24 standards when specified with the right glazing and hardware.

Are bi-fold doors low maintenance?
Aluminium bi-fold doors need simple care—keep tracks clear and lubricate hinges/rollers occasionally to maintain smooth operation.

How do I choose the right bi-fold doors for a job?
Match opening size, desired sightlines, performance targets, and lead times. Then select the bi-fold doors system that best fits the project brief and budget.