Origin bifolds provide a completely uninterrupted view when open, and the flexibility to enjoy your indoor and outdoor space as one.

The Origin bifolding door comes in two model types, the OB-72 and OB-49. You now have the choice of two products with the unique Origin quality and guarantee. We would like to explain to you about the differences in these two products. We also have some practical advice on considerations to help you choose the most suitable model of door for your home.

Firstly, only Origin make Origin products. They are made in origin’s hi-tec Buckinghamshire factory.

The benefits of an exclusive manufacturer are that you will get - consistent quality, reliable lead times and extensive product support from us as Origin Premium Accredited Suppliers.

When choosing your Bifold door it comes down too many factors, but for brand reputation, few doors beat the ones made by Origin.

You get the same insulated aluminium profiles, durable powder-coated finishes and an expertly crafted bi-fold door with whichever model you decide to choose. The paint and manufacturing warranty remains the same too.

For peace of mind, both the OB-72 and OB-49 doors offer you the same. Choosing between these products comes down to configuration, sizes, colours, handle options and aesthetics. Above all, both products remain suitable for replacing old patio doors and are especially useful in a new extension or a new build project.

Too explain - the OB-72 model remains the Origin product with a new name. The OB-49 is new but uses the existing Origin outer frame and hardware.

Bifold door sightlines.

With a Bifolding door, sightlines are important so you will want to know what choices you have. The OB-72 isn’t the thinnest bifold on the market, but it remains one of the best-selling doors. The OB-49, amongst similarly designed bead-glazed doors is now one of the slimmest bifold doors around.

The 154mm sightline at the meeting stiles of the OB-72 is drastically reduced to just 110mm on the OB-49.You need to compare the two doors side by side to see the differences in visible aluminium.

If the visible sightline thickness of the closed doors matters to you, the Origin OB-49 is the one to choose. It’s also a worthy contender on sightlines to the other excellent brands mentioned.

The Origin door gives you much better components, handles and more customisation options than other brands. The lead times are also fast with standard colours on the 'Your Lead Time Not Ours' service.

Contemporary doors vs Classic looking doors.

The next difference between the doors is of overall appearance. The OB-72 gives you a 72mm wide door sash with a chamfered bead. This means the door has a flat aesthetic outside and slightly rounded on the inside.

The OB-49 uses a 49mm sash with the same flat appearance outside and a square flat bead on the inside. For you, this means you’ll get a flatter interior look with the slimmer model, but both doors look great in both traditional and contemporary houses, new extensions and new builds.

As with any major investment in the home, come & see the doors, and compare the differences yourself. We don’t think the classic styling of the OB-72 has ever affected sales or the product. You may also find the original bifold are more suitable for you if your property has traditional aluminium or even PVCu windows with a chamfered design on the inside.

Your bifolding door configuration and sizes

Both Origin OB-72 and OB-49 bifolding doors work for all standard sizes and different configurations. The OB-72 model will be your only choice when designing open corner doors or for doors taller than 2500mm high.

The slimmer OB-49 model comes with the same maximum 1200mm width but isn’t as tall. A while back, Origin increased the height of their larger model up to 3m high. Fixed corner posts are fine with the slimmer door, moving/open corner posts only with the OB-72.

Customising Origin OB-72 and OB-49 bifolding doors.

Personalising an Origin product remains one of the strengths of the product. Both products come with excellent options, although the newer bifold has fewer colour and hardware options. It’s easier to explain what you don’t get with the OB-49 that you do with the OB-72. Not available with this door are:

• The range of woodgrain finishes
• The traditionally styled Yale door handles with a one-piece lever/escutcheon plate or key locking slave handles
• The bigger range of colours on fast lead times
• The midrail option
• Gold door furniture
• 24mm glass thickness, only 28mm as standard

Generally, the OB-72 provides more colour options and more ways to colour match or contrast the bifold door hardware. Although, for most standard colours and designs, the OB-49 meets your needs just as well. Best of all, the great feature of these Origin doors is that both models offer colour coded seals. Offering the choice of Seven different gasket colours lets you move away from the traditional black gaskets of other doors.

Steel-look bifolding doors

It’s also worth mentioning that several Origin installers customise the OB-49 as a steel-look bifold. The steel look also applies to the single and double hinged door options too.

Adding aluminium glazing bars to the outside and inside faces of the glass, neatly joining the vertical door sashes, creates a steel-styled bifolding door. Steel look windows and doors in aluminium create the look of heritage, Industrial & Art Deco glazing.

Origin bi-folding doors | Motherwell | Dalziel Home Design (dalzielonline.co.uk)

Choosing between Origin OB-72 and OB-49 bifolding doors

You will get an excellent product with either option. The 20-year guarantee, fast lead times and Origin windows, sliding doors and front doors will complete your home improvement project.