Bi Folds V Sliders V Swing?

Methods of bringing more light, space, and function into your home are numerous, and one of them is rear extension. The most important decision you will have to make in doing this is the choice of doors to your extension. Your choice will define the aesthetics, usability, and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces from that point on. Here is a comprehensive guide to choosing between bi-folds, sliders, and swing doors.

Bifold vs Sliding Door: Which to Buy?

Planning a rear extension is an exciting but complex task. Among the many decisions you’ll face, the type of doors you choose to connect your garden to your home is crucial. You might be drawn to bi-fold doors for their sleek, expansive look, or perhaps sliding doors appeal for their smooth operation. Maybe the classic appeal of swing doors feels right for your home. But how do you know which option is truly best for you?

This decision isn’t just about aesthetics. Factors like space, budget, and lifestyle all come into play. At this stage, you might wonder when you need to make this choice. It’s essential to know that your decision should align with your planning application. Although changes to the door style after approval are typically allowed (as long as the opening size remains the same), it’s wise to consider this early on.

However, if your home is in a conservation area or is a listed building, you may face restrictions that limit your flexibility. Non-material amendments, such as changing door styles, are usually permitted, but it’s important to check with local planning authorities to avoid surprises later on.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each door type:

• Bi-Fold Doors:

  • Pros: Completely open up your space; ideal for indoor-outdoor living.
  • Cons: Can be expensive and require more maintenance.

• Sliding Doors:

  • Pros: Provide uninterrupted views; easier to maintain.
  • Cons: Only part of the opening can be used at a time.

• Swing Doors:

  • Pros: Timeless and easy to use.
  • Cons: Not ideal for smaller spaces.

This decision is not just about practicality—it’s about how you envision your living space flowing into your garden. Whether you’re in North London or elsewhere in the UK, choosing the right doors could completely transform the feel of your extension.

Using Bi-Fold Doors – A Modern Approach. 

Multiple panels which can be folded all to one side, allowing the wind to blow through between the indoor and outdoor environment are the definitions of bi-fold doors. It then becomes:

These are great for opening up the rear of your house, inside out side connection we have all seen on the TV programs. It really is nice. 

Things to think about. How often will I open them? Does your kitchen have a separate door that is convenient on a daily basis for rubbish and garden access? Or will you have to go through the bi fold system.

The bi fold system will have a single door then the rest will fold the other way. So think where you need that door. Are you and your family ok if this is the only door?

The look of bi folds creates lots of doors to your rear extension. The doors are all connected so they can fold back on each other. This means lots of frame. It has a track at the top and bottom. Think about curtains or blinds? Is your extension south facing? Privacy issues?

Bi folds usually fold so they stick out side, so your normal curtain rail should be ok. Also some companies offer in glass blind system.

Cost: £800-1000 per leaf, if you use this its a good guide. Quality and price can vary a lot.

Consider manufacture time and who will install.

Advantages: 

The total opening spans an opening width that is maximum when fully opened, affording the straightest access outdoors. 

Style Appeal: Sleek and fast-channeled modernity adds an element of cool contemporariness to any room. 

They provide several options: available in all different sorts of materials, colors, and finishes to fit into the philosophy of the different homes. 

Disadvantages:

They need to be totally cleaned on tracks for movement to be smooth when operating. When stacked panels need stacking space, they limit placing furniture adjacent to the doors.

Bi-fold Door Manufacturer

Bi-fold Door Manufacturer – Top End

Sliding Doors: Simple Yet Classy

Sliding doors are those large glass plates that move horizontally on a track, making them a perfect minimalist design.

So  similar to bi folds but instead of folding they slide one in front of another. This means you can not completely open up the opening at the rear of the extension. Do think if you really need to open the full amount. Its a romantic notion to open the full amount, do remember the UK climate.

You can get sliders unto about 3m wide. So think if you had just two pieces of glass to your opening what the experience is like. In contrast to the bi folds the slider do not have all the vertical elements. It produces a much stronger connection to the garden and more light and in/outside experience.

The slider do have a track each so have a look at some examples of this. Some people think this can be unattractive. Some systems you can have the track flush with the floor so makes the transition from inside to out very nice. Especially golden age. The outside paving can be raised to suite. Do remember a correct drainage detail to take the water away from the threshold.

Advantages:

The Glass Panels Enable View-from-the-Outside: Big glass panels give near-maximum views to the outdoors even when closed.

Space Advantage: Sliding doors do not require additional space for opening or stacking.

Energy Efficiency: They have usually the latest glazing options that help in great thermal insulation.

Drawbacks:

Width of Opening Limited: Typically only one side can open, making them less accessible than bi-folds.

Track Cleaning: Should be done regularly like bi-folds to prevent debris build-up.

Sliding Door Manufacturer

Sliding Door Manufacturer – Top End

Cost: similar to bifold.

Consider manufacture time and who will install.

Swing Doors : Eternal and Classic

Normally hinged at the top or bottom of the frame, swing doors swing open in a very general and traditional yet modern design either inside or outside the area, so called French doors.

So this maybe the new kid on the block. This is like a cross between slider and bi fold. Each of the  door panels are not connected to each other. This allows you to individually slide but also to swing them out free from the others. So you can slide and then swing, it is good for tight situations where a bifold may hit furniture or objects outside. Best to check the website to see them in action.

Swing Type Doors

Cost: £800-1000 per leaf, if you use this its a good guide. Quality and price can vary a lot.

Consider manufacture time and who will install.

Pros: 

Classic Charm: Ideal for any period property or traditional type home.

Ease of Use: Simple to operate: no tracks to maintain.

Flexible Design: Can be customized with glazing bars or other decorative elements. 

Cons:

Space Requirements-open interiors cannot swing open, thus preventing some types of furniture arrangement. 

Smaller Openings: They do not typically provide that wide open feel, as a bi-fold or sliding door.

General

You will spend most of your time with which ever system closed. So do think about most of the time rather than the 4 days a year that is perfect weather on the weekend.

What experience do you want on a normal day, what is the feeling you want to create.

Bi Folds Security

When looking at various manufacturers, ask about the security of bi fold system. Does it have a rating on a known system? 80% of break-ins happen at the rear of the property? Visible wifi camera a good idea?

Air Tightness and Weather Resistance.

If you new windows are not as tight as you would like, its going to create a draft which will affect your internal comfort. This will affect you even if the room is really warm. As manufacturers about air tightness and how it does that. Also how it keeps the rain out. Compare answers from various manufacturers.

How to Choose Bi Folds

Well it will come down to price and quality. Suggest you visit show rooms so you can get a feel for pushing pulling, opening and locking etc. Will it be easy for the whole family? You can then tune into the price. Chose the best product at your price point.

Builders have favourite suppliers, so do ask. Friends, family and neighbours with a system can be helpful. Ask about any issues of bi fold, cost and install issues and how the company was to deal with. If there was an issue with install, thats fine, but how did the company respond.

Factors To Consider While Choosing Doors

1. Functionality:

How often do the doors go back and forth?

Do you need pet or child access without difficulty?

2. Space Available:

Check what space you have for a door’s operation as well as stacking.

3. Aesthetic Fit:

Match an aesthetic of door types to that of the home; contemporary, traditional, and somewhere in between.

4. Budget:

Once again, swinging doors tend to be cheaper than pocketing and bi-fold doors, as will cost differences obtained under high-end materials.

5. Energy Efficiency:

Keep an eye out for double or triple-glazed configurations to help in keeping their good comfort in and minimal energy bills.

What Makes Yoop Architects the Best?

For us at Yoop Architects, every detail matters regarding improving a home. We spend time surveying the preferences of clients and studying their premises so that the right door can be chosen for that rear extension.

Individual Design Solution: Show tailored solutions that marry your stylistic needs and functions.

Material Advisory: Advice on the most appropriate materials for property life, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.

Harmonised Seamless Transition: Doors, which harmoniously distribute the inside and outside.

All-Round Service: All associated stepwise, with precision-much planning, design, and installation.

Ready to Change Your Home?

Let’s make the right doors that will comprise a seamless indoor-outdoor living ambience you’ve always dreamed of. Yoop Architects will lead you to make the wisest choice for your lifestyle and home design.

Call us now for a consultation, and let’s begin creating your perfect rear extension!

Got another question or experience? Let us know in the comments below.