Extensions
Rear vs wraparound extensions
Two of the most common configurations, compared.
A rear extension adds space directly behind the house, usually to open up the kitchen. A wraparound extension combines a rear and side extension into one L-shaped space, adding significantly more floor area but using more of the garden and generally costing more.
Last updated 17 August 2026
Rear extensions
A rear extension is the most common configuration, extending the back of the house into the garden. It's typically used to create a larger kitchen or kitchen-diner and to improve the connection between the house and the garden.
Because it's a single, contained addition, a rear extension is often more straightforward to plan and build than a wraparound, and it uses less garden space.
Wraparound extensions
A wraparound extension combines a rear extension with a side extension, wrapping around the corner of the house into an L-shaped space. This typically creates the largest single-storey floor area of the common extension types.
The trade-off is scope: a wraparound extension uses more of the garden, involves more structural work, and generally costs more than a rear extension alone.
Which one fits your home
The right choice depends on what's available. A wraparound extension needs both a rear garden and side access or a side return to extend into; without that, a rear extension is usually the only single-storey option.
It also depends on what you're trying to achieve. If the goal is simply a bigger kitchen-diner, a rear extension may be enough. If you want a genuinely open-plan kitchen, dining and living space in one, the extra width of a wraparound often makes the difference.
Have a question about your own project?