Installing a bifold window costs an average of $2,000. Most homeowners pay somewhere between $500 and $4,000, depending on the size of the window, frame and glass options, and more.
The cost to install a folding window is around $2,000, but prices can range from anywhere between $200 to $200 based on a few cost factors, including the size, frame material, the type of glass, window brand, and more.
A bifold window (also called a pass-through window) has sashes that fold open, providing an unobstructed view of the outdoors and maximum ventilation. They’re especially popular leading out to outdoor entertainment areas, as the lack of screens and mullions makes it easy to pass food, beverages, and dishware between the indoor prep area and the outdoor space. In this guide, we’ll discuss what bifold windows cost and some factors you should consider to get an accurate estimate.
So, where does the money go when you install a folding window? Below is a breakdown of how different aspects of your bifold window installation will affect the cost.
As is the case with all types of windows, bifold windows will almost always be more expensive the larger they are. You’ll pay more for the materials and potentially the installation labor, as moving particularly heavy or bulky bifold windows into position could take multiple people.
Bifold windows tend to be larger than other types because the appeal is the wide open space they provide between indoor and outdoor areas, as well as the potential for unhindered ventilation and views of nature. This not only makes these windows more expensive, on average, than other types, but wide pass-through windows may require structural changes to your home to support the larger wall opening. This drives up costs significantly.
The table below includes average pricing based on your bifold window size.
| Window Size (W x H) | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 x 3 | $500–$1,000 |
| 5 x 3 | $800–$1,500 |
| 6 x 3 | $1,000–$1,800 |
| 4 x 4 | $800–$1,500 |
| 5 x 4 | $1,200–$2,000 |
| 6 x 4 | $2,500–$3,000 |
| 8 x 4 | $3,000–$4,000+ |
Bifold windows come with a few different options when it comes to how the sashes open and fold against each other. For the most part, the material cost among the different styles will be about the same. However, pass-through windows with sashes that fold to the sides tend to be wider than those that fold vertically. They may incur additional expenses if your window installer needs to widen the wall opening and make structural changes.
You can always opt for bifold windows with mullions between different folding sections to save money. Mullions provide some support for the wall opening, so they’re less likely to require structural changes to your exterior wall.
The window frame material you choose for your bifold windows will also play an important role in your total cost. You can choose from aluminum, vinyl, wood, composite, and fiberglass. Each of these materials comes with different upsides and drawbacks, including varying levels of durability, resistance to fading, resistance to warping, and insulation.
Aluminum bifold windows tend to be the most affordable, and fiberglass is often the most expensive but most insulating option.
| Frame Material | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $2000–$1,200 |
| Vinyl | $3000–$2,700 |
| Wood | $5000–$4,000 |
| Composite | $1,000–$3,500 |
| Fiberglass | $1,500–$4,500+ |
The brand of window you choose when purchasing your bifold windows will affect the cost, as well as the quality and durability of the window materials. Choosing a high-end brand like Andersen, Marvin, or Pella is likely to bring your cost per window to over the national average of $2,000 and closer to the high-end of the normal range, somewhere around $4,000.
Opting for a more affordable brand like JELD-WEN or American Craftsmen is more likely to keep your costs low, closer to $500 per window.
It’s important to consider the longevity and warranty you get with your window in addition to the upfront cost. In most cases, higher-end brands will cost more but could save you money on repairs and utility bills over time.
Labor can make up around 30% to 50% of your total window installation cost, or around $600 to $1,000 per window. The amount you pay for labor depends on a few factors.
First and most importantly, any structural changes required to support a wide bifold window will drive up labor costs significantly. You could pay $2,000 or more for the labor alone if your installer needs to add reinforcements to accommodate a larger wall opening.
Second, the location of your window matters. Bifold windows on the second floor of your home will cost more in labor because your installers will need to spend more time working up on ladders or lifts, and they might need additional safety equipment to get the job done.
Like all windows, you have a few options when it comes to the type of glass you choose for your bifold windows. Double-pane windows cost a bit more than single-pane windows but provide much better insulation. They sit around the average per-window cost of $2,000.
Single-pane glass is less common because it’s much less energy-efficient. Triple-pane glass is the most expensive option, but it will reduce your heating and cooling bills more than the other options. It can also block out more outdoor noise like traffic and landscaping equipment.
| Glass Type | Typical Window Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-pane glass | $500–$2,000 |
| Double-pane glass | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Triple-pane glass | $2,000–$4,000 |
In addition to thinking about the cost of the bifold window installation, you should consider the ongoing costs you might run into over time.
Bifold windows use a series of hinges to control sash movement, as well as tracks for the window contact points to slide in. You can expect to pay more for bifold window repair than most other window types with simpler opening mechanisms. Below are some average window repair costs you might run into over your window’s lifespan.
| Repair | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Cracked glass repair | $40–$100 |
| Broken window seal | $70–$245 |
| Latch repair | $75–$200 |
| Window frame repair | $175–$1,000 |
| Broken glass repair | $200–$400 |
| Opening mechanism repair | $200–$600 |
Bifold windows will also benefit from routine maintenance. Non-functional windows, like picture windows, just require a quick glass cleaning to keep them looking fresh, but bifold windows need a deeper cleaning to make sure no debris builds up in the tracks or hinges. Professional window cleaning services cost around $220 or between $4 and $15 per window. Bifold windows tend to be larger, so expect a total closer to $15 per window.
Luckily, cleaning your windows is something you can do yourself, so you can save a bit on ongoing costs here.
If you have the expertise to install a folding window yourself, you can save an average of between $500 and $1,000 on labor costs. Those savings go up if you install multiple windows at a time.
Installing any type of window isn’t a job for beginners, and bifold window installation is often much more complicated. The larger, wider window sizes standard with bifold windows may require structural changes to your wall. Having a professional window replacement contractor carry out the work for you will not only ensure your home’s structural integrity will stay intact, but most municipalities don’t allow for structural changes by anyone who isn’t a licensed contractor.
Since your windows are a first line of defense against drafts and water damage, it’s always a good idea to hire a window company near you to install windows That goes doubly for bifold windows, which are much more complicated to install properly.
Folding windows create a big “wow factor” for any home. Bundling this project along with the following add-ons can ensure you’re enjoying your new window to its fullest potential.
Outdoor bar: Folding windows are great for gaining easy access from your kitchen (or other room) to the outdoors. Installing an outdoor bar underneath the folding window makes for a great entertaining space. This is a pricey project, though with outdoor kitchen costs averaging around $16,000.
Window tinting: Bifold windows are perfect for letting in fresh air and gaining easy access to an outdoor area, but they also let a lot of natural sunlight into your home. If you live in a warm, sunny climate, having your installer add window tinting can help reduce the solar heat gain in your home when your window is closed. Window tinting costs an average of $600 per project.
Low-emissivity glass coatings: Low-E coatings are another great addition in warmer climates. They reduce the amount of heat that transfers through the window from sunlight, helping to keep your living space cool and comfortable when your window is closed. Low-E coatings cost between $300 and $1,000 per window, in most cases.
Window screen installation: If you have bifold windows that open inward, you can ask your professional to install screens that keep pests and debris out while you enjoy the fresh air. Window screens cost around $250 per window, but the cost could be higher if you have a large bifold window.
You can still save money even if you don’t feel comfortable DIYing the installation. Here are some ideas:
You can save money on window installation by comparing a few different quotes from contractors. However, don’t just go with the lowest bid—that may cost you in the long run. It’s wise to read the online reviews and get references before making a decision.
When contractors are busy, they will be more expensive. Plan the installation of bifold windows during slower periods, especially during the colder months, to ensure you’ll get the most competitive bids possible from contractors.
Instead of going with fiberglass frames and premium, triple-pane glass, go for a more moderately priced option. Vinyl and double-pane frames are much more affordable and still provide good energy efficiency. However, keep in mind that if you downgrade too much and choose a single-pane glass, you may cost yourself more in the long run due to higher energy bills.
D.P. Taylor contributed to this piece.
Installing bifold windows can take anywhere from three or four hours to several days. Smaller bifold windows that open vertically and fit inside your existing wall opening should take just a few hours and no longer than a day. Larger bifold windows, especially wider ones, may require structural work before your professional can install the window. The installation could take two to three days, depending on how much work your wall needs.
Yes, bifold windows can open inward or outward. Your window manufacturer will label windows as “in-swing” or “out-swing,” which indicates the direction they open. If your installer is ordering windows for you, make sure they know which direction you want them to open. In-swing bifold windows will preserve as much space in your outdoor area as possible. Out-swing bifold windows are great on the second floor, where obstructions outside aren’t a concern.
Bifold windows work by using a track that allows panels to slide to the side and "stack" so they take up minimal space, leaving a large opening. The sashes connect with butt hinges or concealed hinges and to the window frame with the same type of hinges you’d find on a casement window. Some manual bifold windows also have casement stays or another piece of hardware to keep your windows in place when they’re open.
