Aluminium bifold door configurations describe how many panels a folding door has and which way they fold: all to one side, or split in the middle to both sides. Getting the configuration right matters, because it decides where the stacked panels sit, how wide the opening clears and how you walk through. The configuration is chosen when the door is ordered, so this guide explains the options in the Coetz™ Vista Duo and Vistafold ranges and how to pick one.
In this guide
How a bifold door folds
Whatever the layout, all aluminium bifold door configurations work the same way: a bifold door is a row of hinged panels that concertina back along a track. When open, the panels stack together at the side of the opening, so almost the whole width clears. That is the big difference from a sliding door, where at least one panel always covers part of the opening. See sliding doors vs folding doors.
The configurations available
The Vista Duo and Vistafold ranges offer two families of aluminium bifold door configurations.
Stack to one side
All panels fold and stack against one side of the opening. This is the most common layout and suits an opening with clear wall space on one side.
- Vista Duo, 2 panel: 1 200 to 1 800 mm wide.
- Vista Duo, 4 panel: 2 100 to 3 600 mm wide.
- Vistafold, 3 to 10 panels: 1 800 to 7 200 mm wide.
Split in the middle (bi-parting)
The Vista Duo 4 panel bi-parting door breaks in the middle and stacks two panels to each side. It suits an opening centred on a room or a view, where a stack at both sides looks balanced, and where neither side has room for all four panels. It comes in 2 100 to 3 600 mm widths.
Comparing aluminium bifold door configurations
| Configuration | Range | Widths (mm) | Example price (White, excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 panel, one side | Vista Duo | 1 200–1 800 | R17 423 at 1 500 × 2 100 |
| 4 panel, one side | Vista Duo | 2 100–3 600 | R30 850 at 3 000 × 2 100 |
| 4 panel, centre split | Vista Duo | 2 100–3 600 | R31 808 at 3 000 × 2 100 |
| 3 panel, one side | Vistafold | 1 800–2 700 | R22 334 at 2 400 × 2 100 |
| 5 panel, one side | Vistafold | 3 000–4 500 | R33 313 at 3 600 × 2 100 |
| 7 panel, one side | Vistafold | 3 600–6 300 | R46 696 at 5 400 × 2 100 |
Prices are at the time of writing (October 2026). For every width and height, see aluminium folding door sizes.
Panel count and width
More panels mean each panel is narrower and lighter, which makes the door easier to fold and handle, but the stack at the side gets deeper. Fewer panels give a shallower stack but wider, heavier panels. As a rule, choose the panel count the size tables pair with your opening width; across aluminium bifold door configurations, that keeps each panel a sensible size.
Choosing the right configuration
- Look at the wall space each side of the opening. The stack needs somewhere to sit.
- Decide one side or both. One side keeps the other side clear; centre split looks balanced.
- Think about furniture and paving where the panels will stack.
- Match the width to the panel count using the size tables.
- Confirm at order stage, because the configuration is built into the door.
If you are unsure which of the aluminium bifold door configurations suits your opening, send us the width, height and a photo of the wall each side, and we will suggest a layout.
Locking and hardware
All aluminium bifold door configurations in the Vista ranges come with a hook lock and a flush pull handle. For a door that needs airflow more than a weather seal, both ranges also come with Y-Louvre inserts in place of glass; see aluminium bifold louvre doors.
Glass, colour and supply
Every glazed panel uses 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass, which must meet SANS 10400-N, published by the South African Bureau of Standards. All five finishes are available. Coetz™ supplies only, so your builder or installer fits the door; we deliver across South Africa. See aluminium folding doors.
Aluminium bifold door configurations: frequently asked questions
Can a bifold door open from the middle?
Yes. The Vista Duo 4 panel bi-parting door splits in the middle and stacks to both sides.
How many panels can a bifold door have?
From 2 (Vista Duo) up to 10 (Vistafold).
Do bifold doors come with a lock?
Yes. Vista folding doors come with a hook lock and a flush pull handle.
Can I change the configuration later?
No. It is built into the door, so choose it at order stage.
Which configuration is cheapest?
For the same width, a one-side Vista Duo door costs slightly less than the centre-split version.
Coetz™, Unit 2, 84 Ridge Road, Laser Park, Johannesburg. Call 010 412 0062, WhatsApp 076 613 4418 or use our contact page.
Related: aluminium bifold door locks and aluminium bifold door threshold.
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