Anyone with experience with flush bifold kitchen diner/ patio threshold?

[Havaword]

Hi, I’m consider having a flush threshold between our extension and patio area. I love the look and as our garden is on the smaller side I think it would help create that inside/outside space. Our builder didn’t sound massively keen on the idea and said that there are sometime complications so he wouldn’t recommend. I guess the complications would come with keeping rain water out? Does anyone have this arrangement and can give me an idea on any pitfalls, whether you would recommend or not or any other information or tips on doing this? Thanks

Anyone?

I thought of this , but in the end had a step down because I was not convinced that during a huge rain shower rain would not come in through the patio - bifold doors. ( we have a teeny tiny paved garden )

I absolutely know where you are going with this idea , but over the last 10 years there are times when I am glad we have one step down to the tiny patio garden. When there is a huge shower - rain from patio can't get into the kitchen.

If you can make the patio tiles similar to kitchen tiles , it will look a bit indoor / outdoor. & one step down I do not think is a compromise too far.

Your choice but I agree with your builder

We have this and it is fine. We have a grate/drain that runs the length of the bifold doors about half a foot away from the threshold. Never had any problems and we have had monsoon like rains…I did it for the same reason you are saying - we have a small garden and we had similar tiles for kitchen and outside and it creates feeling of one big room…

We are putting in similar atm, I wanted flush but the builders and bifolds manufacturers recommend at least a small upstand on the frame of the bifolds.

It is north facing and rain would def get in. So I’m getting my head round it.

Putting in matching inside and outside tiles and a metal drain along the outside too.

Building regs may not sign off on a flush threshold but if you aren’t involved in the getting them in you might be ok.

Thanks the comments are really helpful, maybe a small step instead of completely flush might work?

This website www.originbifolds.com/media/default/information-for-professionals/section-drawings/ofdl_2.127.1%20rebated%20threshold%20detail%20with%20concealed%20drainage.pdf

Shows info and also a video that explains a bit. I think they recommend a lip that’s about 2cms tall.

Our builders are about to dig out several tonnes of soil to make sure we have a small step up to our bifold doors. They were insistent it was a sensible move to prevent future issues with rain coming in and we're East facing

Building control wouldn't let us do this when we did our extension. They insisted on a considerable lip which ruined the whole seamless idea of the slate we used inside and out.

We have flush from our wooden kitchen floors straight out onto wooden decking. We’ve had no problems whatsoever and absolutely love it. It’s in every magazine, why on earth can’t it be done? Our builder, building control and architect had no issues

Dd has one, no problems. I think there’s a very narrow drainage channel just outside the bifolds.

She had very little dcs at the time and wanted a level surface, since they would always be in and out, often on wheels, too.

We toyed with the idea, and it would have looked lovely….but went with a step. Don’t even really notice it now.

I did a self build and wanted flush thresholds and it’s fine. Have a small drainage strip along the edge and no problems at all. I jet wash it and nothing comes into the kitchen and living rooms. It’s great. I also have the same flooring outside so runs straight through.

It’s interesting that some building control officers don’t like it. Maybe that’s why our builder isn’t keen.
I’m hoping we can get it flush with the internal floor then a small step down in to the garden at the very least.
Thanks for the link @WithCatLikeTread very useful.