French doors or Folding Sliding Doors?

[Deleted User]

We're having an extension built, 3.2m x 4m with doors, similar to this one

http://www.dscons.com/rte_img_large_1017.jpg

My dilemma is do I choose French doors or Folding Sliding Doors? I like the idea of sliding folding doors because they 'bring the garden into your house', but in my case they opening would be on the side wall (like in the pic) so is it worth it? Also, I am not sure they are as durable as French doors. Please help me decide. :beer:

rando

I think the folding doors you are talking about are bi-fold doors. I too have been looking at having these fitted between our kitchen/diner and conservtory. We currently have the normal type patio doors but thought that bi-fold doors would really make it a more open space. The quotes I am getting for bi-fold doors are approx 2k (fitted) for a '3' panel opening door . The qoute for french doors are approx £850 fitted so a big difference. As ours is not a very big opening and the bi-fold doors having 3 panels in they will consist of a fair amoiunt of upvc frames thus blocking out some light so I am currently leaning towards the french doors.

vansboy

I asked similar Q in
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=411225&highlight=folding+sliding+doors

After seeing some demonstrated at The Home Improvement Shows, they do seem rather clumsy & I still think there'll be more trouble, with keeping a good seal, or maintainence problems, in the future.

The prices are getting better, though, so maybe some brands will improve, too.

In theory, they would have been super in our place, but ther double width 4panel patio type, do a great job, for us.

But for your xtension, I think the more traditional door suits it best, anyway!

VB

TomsMom

If you'd said on the side facing the garden I would have agreed that folding sliding doors would indeed have "brought the garden into your house" but with the doors on the side I think french doors would look better.