TL;DR: Are sliding doors or hinged doors more expensive? Generally, sliding doors are more expensive than standard hinged doors when choosing fitted wardrobes. This is because sliding systems require complex track mechanisms, heavier reinforced door panels (often featuring large mirrors or glass), and precise installation. However, high-end bespoke hinged doors (like solid wood Shaker styles) can match or exceed the cost of entry-level sliding wardrobes. Ultimately, the price depends on the size of your space, the materials chosen, and the internal storage features.
If you are planning a bedroom renovation, choosing the right wardrobe doors is one of the biggest design decisions you will make. It impacts not only how your bedroom looks, but how it functions—and importantly, how much your project will cost.
Below, we break down the price differences, pros and cons, and cost factors of sliding doors vs. hinged doors to help you make the best choice for your budget and your home.
Sliding doors require tracks and reinforced frames. Source: Strachan furniture
The Average Cost Comparison
While exact prices will always depend on the dimensions of your room and the materials you choose, here is a general breakdown of how the costs compare for a standard fitted wardrobe in the UK.
Hinged Wardrobe Doors:
Base Price: Generally lower.
Hardware: Rely on standard hinges, which are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and replace.
Materials: Commonly use MDF, MFC, wood veneer, or solid wood.
Space Required: Require clear floor space in front of the wardrobe to allow the doors to swing open fully.
Sliding Wardrobe Doors:
Base Price: Generally higher.
Hardware: Require top and bottom tracks, rolling wheels, and heavy-duty soft-close mechanisms, all of which carry a premium.
Materials: Often feature large panels of coloured glass, full-length mirrors, and heavy-duty aluminium frames to prevent warping.
Space Required: Require zero outward clearance, making them ideal for compact rooms or spaces where the bed is placed close to the wardrobe.
Why Do Sliding Wardrobe Doors Usually Cost More?
If you are comparing quotes and wondering why the sliding option is coming in at a higher price point, it usually comes down to three main factors:
1. Complex Hardware and Mechanisms
Hinged doors rely on a simple mechanism that has been used for centuries: the hinge. Even high-quality, soft-close hinges are relatively cheap to manufacture. Sliding doors, however, require high-quality top and bottom tracks, robust roller wheels, and heavy-duty soft-close dampeners to ensure the doors glide smoothly and safely.
2. Heavy-Duty Materials
Sliding doors are typically much wider and taller than individual hinged doors. Because of this large surface area, they require reinforced frames to prevent warping over time. Furthermore, sliding doors are frequently fitted with large, floor-to-ceiling mirrors or glass, which are premium materials that drive up the overall price.
3. Precision Installation
Installing a track system requires absolute precision. If the floor or ceiling is slightly uneven (which is common in most UK homes), the fitter must build a perfectly level sub-frame for the tracks; otherwise, the doors will not roll correctly. This extra labour time can slightly increase the installation costs.
When Can Hinged Doors Be More Expensive?
While sliding doors take the crown for base costs, hinged doors can quickly become the more expensive option depending on your design choices:
Bespoke Carpentry & Shaker Styles: If you choose a highly detailed, traditional solid-wood Shaker style door, the material and craftsmanship costs will easily surpass a standard mirrored sliding door.
Number of Doors: A large wall-to-wall wardrobe might require six or eight hinged doors (each needing handles, hinges, and alignment) compared to just two or three large sliding panels.
Premium Handles: Beautiful hardware is the jewellery of your bedroom. Upgrading to solid brass, knurled metal, or designer handles for multiple hinged doors can significantly add to the final bill.
Which Door Style is Best for Your Bedroom?
Price shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Here is a quick guide to choosing the right doors based on your room layout:
Choose Hinged Doors If:
You love a traditional, classic, or Shaker-style aesthetic.
You want full, uninterrupted access to your entire wardrobe all at once (you can open all the doors simultaneously).
You want to add internal storage accessories directly to the back of the doors (like tie racks or mirrors).
You have plenty of floor space in front of the wardrobe.
Choose Sliding Doors If:
You have a small bedroom, a narrow layout, or the bed is placed very close to the wardrobe.
You prefer a sleek, ultra-modern, and minimalist aesthetic.
You want large, built-in full-length mirrors to make the room feel brighter and more spacious without taking up wall space.
The Verdict on Wardrobe Door Pricing
When it comes to the price of sliding doors compared to hinged doors, expect to pay a premium for the space-saving convenience and sleek look of a sliding track system. However, a fitted wardrobe is a long-term investment that adds measurable value to your property.
The best way to get an accurate price is to have your space measured by a professional who can provide a quote based on your exact dimensions and material preferences.
Ready to find the perfect fit for your home?
Book a free consultation today to get an exact quote for your dream space.