Bi-folding doors or sliding doors?
When designing an extension, one of the most common questions clients ask is: Should we go for bifold doors or sliding doors? And, as with many things in architecture, the answer is: it depends.
Both options have their pros and cons — and your choice will come down to how you plan to use the space, how you want it to feel, and what matters most in terms of access, views, and flexibility.
Bifold Doors
Bifold doors allow the full rear wall to open up, creating a seamless flow between inside and out — ideal for summer days and social gatherings. This can be a great option if you want that full ‘wall of glass’ effect with maximum physical access to the garden.
Pros:
Can open up completely — ideal for entertaining or indoor-outdoor living
Often useful when there’s no other access to the garden, as you can open just one panel like a regular door
Flexible opening configuration (you can choose how many panels fold)
Cons:
Multiple panels mean more vertical frames, which can interrupt the view
Slightly bulkier visual presence compared to sliding doors
More moving parts = more potential maintenance
Tip: We never recommend timber bifolds — over time, the natural movement of timber makes them prone to swelling, sticking, and alignment issues. Aluminium is more stable and much lower maintenance.
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors offer a much cleaner, more minimal aesthetic, with larger panes and fewer vertical interruptions. You typically have one or two large panels that slide behind each other.
Pros:
Slimmer frames and larger glass panels = better views to the garden (we spend most of our time in Scotland looking out at our garden!)
Sleek, contemporary look
Fewer moving parts and generally more robust long-term
Cons:
You can never open the entire wall — part of it will always remain closed
May require a separate garden access door if you want to let pets out quickly
So… which is better?
There’s no definitive answer. The right choice depends on how you live, what you value, and how you use your home. Some clients prioritise having an open, flowing space; others care more about clear views, minimal framing, or day-to-day access for pets.
In terms of cost, there’s usually not a significant difference — especially when comparing high-quality aluminium systems.
At MDA Studio, we always help our clients weigh these choices in context — factoring in the layout, the garden, the budget, and what matters most to them.