Bi-folding security gates

What are bi-folding security gates?

A bi-folding security gate is made of hinged leaves of vertical bars that fold against each other as they slide along a top track. It covers wide openings like a retractable grille but folds into fewer, flatter panels with no scissor lattice.

Bi-fold gates suit receptions, wide internal openings and loading doors where a crisp, architectural look matters. The leaves are rigid panels rather than a lattice, so the closed gate looks more like a screen than a concertina.

Gates can fold to one side or split to both sides. A bottom guide or floor pins keep the leaves in line, and the closing leaf carries the lock.

How much do bi-folding security gates cost?

Our guide range is £954 to £2,634 including VAT (£795 to £2,195 plus VAT) per opening, supplied and fitted. The exact figure depends on size, type, finish and locking, and your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the free survey. See all grille prices.

Specification and options

Rigid hinged leaves of vertical bars
Top-hung on a heavy track with bottom guides
Fold to one or both sides
Lock box on the leading leaf plus shoot bolts
Mesh or solid infill panels on request
Black, anthracite and RAL colours
Suits openings from a single door width to several metres
Neat folded stack for receptions and showrooms

Where bi-folding security gates are used

Office receptions and showrooms
Wide internal openings
Loading doors and goods-in
Garden room and orangery openings
Restaurant and bar frontages

What to decide before you order

Folded stack size

Leaves stack flatter than a lattice but each leaf has a fixed width, so the stack is planned with the room layout.

Floor guide

A bottom guide keeps the leaves aligned. Recessed guides keep the floor flush.

Look

Bi-folds read as a screen rather than a lattice, which suits modern interiors.

Infill

Add mesh or solid panels where you want to stop reach-through or hide the area behind.

Rules across the UK

The rules on planning, listed buildings and fire safety differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are the points most relevant to bi-folding security gates; local pages show the version for your nation.

England (similar principles apply in Wales, Scotland and NI)

Grilles inside the glass

A grille fitted inside the glass does not normally need planning permission, because it does not materially change how the building looks from outside. If the building is listed, listed building consent may still be needed.

Listed buildings and conservation areas

Listed buildings need listed building consent for works that affect their character, which can include internal grilles and their fixings. In conservation areas, councils look closely at anything fitted to the outside. We recommend speaking to the council's conservation officer before ordering.

Grilles across exits in business premises

In workplaces and other non-domestic premises, including the common parts of blocks of flats and HMOs, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes the responsible person keep escape routes and emergency exits available and easy to open while people are present. A grille across an exit should be unlocked and parked open whenever the building is occupied, and covered in the fire risk assessment.

How it works

Tell us what needs securing

Use the quote tool or form, or call. Sizes and a couple of photos help us give a guide price straight away.

Free survey

A surveyor measures every opening, checks the walls and fixings, and talks through type, colour and locks.

Fixed price in writing

You get a written quote with the grille schedule, the price and the lead time. Nothing is ordered until you accept.

Made, fitted and handed over

Grilles are made to measure, fitted by installers working under our contract with you, tested and explained.

Bi-folding security gates: questions

How much does a bi-folding security gate cost?

Most bi-fold gates cost between £795 and £2,195 plus VAT (£954 to £2,634 inc VAT) supplied and fitted, depending on width, number of leaves and finish.

What is the difference between a bi-fold gate and a retractable grille?

A retractable grille uses a scissor lattice that concertinas; a bi-fold gate uses rigid hinged leaves that fold flat. Bi-folds look more architectural; retractables fold into a narrower stack.

Can a bi-fold gate go outside?

Yes, with galvanised steel and an external-grade track, though most are fitted inside.

How wide can a bi-fold gate be?

From a single doorway up to several metres, split to fold both ways on wider openings.

Do bi-fold gates need a floor track?

They need some bottom guidance, which can be a recessed channel or discreet floor pins rather than a raised track.

Can bi-fold gates be powder-coated to match our frames?

Yes, in most RAL colours.

Find bi-folding security gates near you

Choose your county or region for local information and the rules that apply where you are.

Get your free quote