I couldn't tick one or the other of the boxes – I think the choice has to be made contingent on so many variables. In fact we have painted timber, double-glazed bifolds (with a fabulous retractable pleated fly-screen) at the end of the dining room leading out onto a terrace and a painted timber, double-glazed slider (with a timber-framed sliding fly-screen) on the other side of the kitchen (but on the same axis) opening onto a raised timber deck. Each works really well in terms of function and aesthetics but they would not be interchangeable as the different locations determined which was more suitable – but they have been made by the same highly skilled window craftsman and have given us nothing but pleasure. And on a hot, steamy evening with both open we have the most wonderful cross ventilation.

Oklouise and Sirius, thanks for the ideas. Actually the first one could work us very well, removing part of the wall and having a partition instead of a door. A lot more work but we are pretty handy. Regarding the barn door, most of the people I talked to agreed it might date quickly, unless I use a different mechanism than the ubiquitous black one you see everywhere,maybe.

I once had a similar layout in my first house, and a suitably sized and styled (cane in my case) linen basket prevented the worst collisions. However, i'd probably go for a stainless floor mounted door stop with a rubber pad. As far as the waterproofing goes, once the pilot hole is drilled and cleaned, fill the hole with silicone before installing the mounting screw and your waterproofing integrity will be upheld. Same as how grab rails and shower shelves are installed.

If it is bare particleboard then my short answer is probably no, it is not worth paying double for better quality doors. Like I said, I haven't seen unfinished particle board inside cupboards in a long time. If it is laminated particleboard then it might be worth it. Like The Joinery Store said, laminated interiors are typical. Plywood is not unheard of (and I think it is more common in some other countries) but it would be unusual if you did not specifically request it. Just to be clear, the cupboard has been built and has laminate doors, and you are getting quotes to change the doors? For what reason are you thinking of changing them? What do you want the doors to look like from the outside? Do you want them to match any other doors or features in the room which are timber or poly?