Bi-Fold or Sliding Doors: Choosing the Right Option for Your Extension

One of the best decisions you can make when planning an extension is adding large glass doors that connect your indoor space to the garden. They flood your home with natural light, make rooms feel bigger, and on a nice day, you can open them up and bring the outside in.

But here's the question we get asked all the time at DB Construction: Should you go for bi-fold doors or sliding doors?

Both options look fantastic and do a similar job, but they work in quite different ways. We've installed hundreds of both across Hull and East Yorkshire, so let's break down the pros and cons of each to help you make the right choice for your extension.

What's the Difference?

Before we dive into the details, let's quickly explain how each type works.

Bi-fold doors are made up of multiple panels that fold back on themselves, a bit like a concertina. When you open them, the panels stack neatly to one side (or both sides), creating a wide opening to your garden.

Sliding doors have large glass panels that slide along a track. Typically, you'll have two, three, or four panels, and one or more of them slides behind the others to open up the space.

Both do the job of connecting your extension to the outdoors, but the way they operate makes each better suited to different situations.

Bi-Fold Doors: The Full Opening Experience

The Benefits

The biggest advantage of bi-fold doors is the opening they create. When you fold them right back, you get a completely open space from one side to the other. There's virtually nothing in the way – it's like the wall disappears.

This makes them brilliant for entertaining. If you're having a barbecue or a summer gathering, you can open up the whole back of your extension and create one continuous space between your kitchen and garden. It completely changes the feel of your home.

Bi-folds also give you flexibility in how you open them. You don't have to fold them all the way back – you can just open one or two panels if you want a bit of fresh air without fully opening up the space.

Things to Consider

The main thing to think about with bi-fold doors is where the panels stack when they're open. They need to fold back somewhere, which means they'll take up a bit of wall space on one or both sides. This isn't usually a problem, but it's worth considering if you're planning to put furniture right up against that wall.

Bi-fold doors also have more moving parts than sliding doors, which means there are more seals and hinges. They're perfectly reliable when installed properly (and we make sure they are), but they do require a bit more maintenance over the years to keep them running smoothly.

Cost-wise, bi-folds tend to be a bit more expensive than sliding doors, especially if you're going for larger configurations with more panels.

Sliding Doors: Sleek and Simple

The Benefits

Sliding doors have a wonderfully clean, minimalist look. Because the panels slide rather than fold, there are fewer frames and seals visible, which means more glass and less obstruction to your view.

They're also incredibly easy to use. Just slide them open – no folding, no fiddling with multiple panels. This simplicity makes them particularly popular with families who have young children or older relatives. There's less that can go wrong, and they're straightforward for everyone to operate.

Maintenance is generally easier with sliding doors, too. Fewer moving parts mean fewer things that need adjusting over time. They're tough and reliable, which is important in a door you'll be using every day.

And here's something practical: when sliding doors are open, they don't protrude into your room or garden. The panels simply slide behind each other, which means you don't lose any space.

Things to Consider

The trade-off with sliding doors is that you can't open them quite as wide as bi-folds. Because the panels slide behind each other rather than folding away, you'll always have at least some of the door visible when it's open.

For most people, this isn't an issue – you still get a lovely big opening. But if you really want that "wall disappears completely" effect, bi-folds might be the better choice.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here's how we usually guide our Hull clients through this decision:

Choose bi-fold doors if:

• You want the maximum possible opening to your garden

• You love entertaining and want to create one seamless indoor-outdoor space

• You've got the wall space for the panels to stack when open

• You don't mind spending a bit more for that "wow" factor

Choose sliding doors if:

• You prefer a clean, minimalist look with less visible framework

• Simplicity and ease of use are important to you

• You want something that's low-maintenance and reliable

• You're working with a tighter budget

• You want to keep as much usable wall space as possible

What About Your Extension Size?

The size of your extension can also influence which option works best.

For smaller extensions (say, three to four metres wide), sliding doors often work brilliantly. You can have two or three large panels that give you plenty of light and a good-sized opening without overwhelming the space.

For larger extensions, bi-fold doors really come into their own. If you've built a sizeable kitchen-diner or open-plan living space, having five or six bi-fold panels that open right up can create something really special.

The Practical Stuff

Whichever option you choose, there are a few practical considerations to think about:

Security is equally good with both options when you buy quality doors. We only install doors with multi-point locking systems and toughened glass, so you can feel safe and secure.

Energy efficiency is also similar between modern bi-fold and sliding doors. Both can achieve excellent thermal performance with proper double or triple glazing. The key is choosing quality doors and having them installed correctly – which is where working with experienced builders like us makes all the difference.

Weather protection works well with both types, but it's crucial that they're installed with proper drainage and seals. We always make sure water drains away properly and that the thresholds are fitted correctly to prevent any draughts or leaks.

Our Honest Take

After installing both types hundreds of times across Hull and East Yorkshire, here's what we've noticed: both bi-fold and sliding doors are fantastic additions to an extension. We genuinely don't think one is "better" than the other – they're just different, and the right choice depends on your specific situation.

If you want that real "wow" factor and the budget stretches to it, bi-folds create something pretty special. But if you prefer something sleek, simple, and a bit easier on the wallet, sliding doors are a brilliant choice that you'll love just as much.

Come and See Them in Action

The best way to decide? See both types in person. We're always happy to show you examples of our previous work, or you can visit showrooms to get a feel for how each type operates.

When we come round to give you a free quote for your extension, we'll talk through both options and give you our honest opinion on what would work best for your home and how you use it. No pressure, no sales pitch – just straightforward advice based on years of experience.

Ready to start planning your extension in Hull? Give us a call on 07934 237607 or email dbconstructionhull@outlook.com. Let's create a space that connects your home to your garden in exactly the way that works for you.