Superior Options to Create A Functional, Seamless Environment

January 26, 2023

It’s no surprise that folding doors have become increasingly popular in the architecture and design industry. Folding doors deliver both an elegant appearance and practical uses. They provide a unique solution for expanding living spaces and creating an open, airy feel in any room.

Types of Folding Doors

When considering folding doors, it’s important to understand the different types available.

Bi Fold Door

Bi fold doors, also known as bi folding doors or bi fold closet doors, feature two or more panels that fold on top of each other, allowing the door to open on one side.

Single Bi Fold Door

Single bi fold doors, also referred to as concertina doors, are the smallest type of folding doors available. This type of door features only two panels that are connected by hinges in the middle. They are mainly used inside the home as bi fold closet doors or laundry room doors.

Multi-Panel Bi Folding Door

Although the name suggests that all bi folding doors contain only two panels, this is not always the case. Bi fold doors can also describe a type of folding door that contains more than two panels. Similar to single bi fold doors, the panels fold on top of one another. They are commonly used as room dividers or to connect indoor and outdoor spaces as with patio bi fold doors.

Multi-Sliding Doors

Multi-sliding doors, also called multi-folding or multi-panel doors, consist of several panels that slide on a track, enabling the door to open in both directions. Multi-sliding doors are not a true folding door because when opened, they slide together and stack on top of one another rather than folding together but are considered to be a similar alternative to Folding.

Folding Door Uses and Examples

Folding Closet Doors

A folding closet door or bi fold closet door is a great option for those looking to save space, as they take up less room when open than traditional swinging doors. They also provide easy access to items stored in the closet and can be a stylish addition to any room. While Panda does not manufacture closet doors, many current clienteles incorporate Panda doors to other areas of their space to flow effortlessly with closet door designs and more.

Bi Fold Barn Door

A bi fold barn door is a stylish, modern option for those looking for a unique, rustic look. These doors are particularly popular in homes with open floor plans, as they add a decorative touch to any room.

Folding Patio Doors

Folding patio doors are an attractive option for anyone looking to bring the outdoors inside. Folding patio doors provide a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living space and are ideal for entertaining. They also provide improved natural light and ventilation and make it easy to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Folding Sliding Doors

Folding sliding doors provide an excellent solution for anyone who enjoys the aesthetic of folding doors with the mechanics of sliding doors’ tracks.

Material options for Folding Doors

Folding doors are available in a range of materials, including wood, aluminum, and vinyl.

Wood Folding doors

Wooden folding doors offer an elegant and traditional look but may require more maintenance than other options. Unlike other companies, our solid wood folding doors are built to last. Plus, we guarantee that all of the wood is sustainably harvested.

Aluminum

Aluminum folding doors are lightweight and durable but may be more expensive than wood. However, they are great for large openings and large panes of glass. We offer a range of aluminum folding doors including our residential all aluminum ultra folding doors.

Vinyl

Vinyl folding doors are the most cost-effective option, but they do not have the same aesthetic appeal as wood or aluminum. Plus, vinyl folding doors are less environmentally friendly than wood and aluminum folding doors.

Click here to browse our aluminum and wood folding door options. You’ll find that we offer wood/aluminum folding doors so you don’t have to choose between two great materials!

Benefits of Folding Doors

Folding doors can be an excellent addition to any home or commercial space.

Improved Natural Lighting

If you’re big on natural light and getting your allotted vitamin-d, then you’ll love how exterior folding doors like folding patio doors open up your home to the outdoors and sunlight.

Improved Ventilation

Having easy access to ventilation is crucial in any home. Whether you burn something on the stove and you need to air out your home or you just want to let a cool summer breeze in, folding doors can help. They easily open your home up to the outdoor air to let your house breathe.

Increased Energy-Efficiency

The ease at which you can ventilate and let sunlight into your home with folding doors will increase the energy efficiency of your home. During the winter, sunlight can help keep your house warm and during the summer, you can open the doors instead of running your AC.

Plus, Panda Windows & Doors provides thermally-broken options that are ideal for extreme environments.

Versatile

Folding doors are the perfect solution for both residential and commercial options. Also, they can be used in the interior or exterior of a home or building in several ways from bi-fold closet doors to bi fold patio doors and folding sliding doors. While Panda does not offer closet options for our Folding doors, other options on the market can help to suit your needs.

Durable

Like all of our products, our folding doors are designed to last. They are all made from high-quality materials that can stand the test of time and the toughest environments.

System Alternatives

If Folding doors are not right for your vision, Panda offers a variety of door types to choose from. From Sliding to Pivot, Panda Windows and Doors never shies away from making every effort to be the best in custom products. Your volume in choices includes:

Lift and Slide

A proprietary system of levers and wheels allows individual panels to drop securely into the bottom track and double v-gaskets located at the top, bottom, and sides of the sleek glass panels create an airtight and watertight seal that is remarkably weather-proof and maximally secure.

Multi Slide

Also known as sliding doors or telescoping doors, Multi slide glass door systems are ideal for opening up large expanses. Panels can slide to one or both sides of the opening, and our pocket door designs can hide the individual door panels entirely from view. The number of panels included in one system is virtually unlimited.

Horizontal Sliding Wall

The system is top-hung and comprised of multiple individual panels. Featuring completely customizable parking areas, the panels slide and stack anywhere – even in a closet around the corner.

French

French doors, also known as egress or terrace doors, are a popular choice for entryways and patio applications. French Door Systems can be fabricated with sidelights and transom windows for added glass and design purposes. High-capacity in terms of weight and endurance, the panels in this line can support large swing-doors that may exceed 40 sqft. using a single panel.

Pivot

Panda Windows & Doors has the best options if you’re looking for a new entryway door. Becoming more popular in recent years, residential luxury pivot doors are one of the most intriguing door designs. Typically used in doorway areas that are larger than normal-size home entrances, our pivot doors can be very large, accommodating sizes up to 16 feet by 8 feet. However, they’re still available in custom sizes just for you. Each unit we build is integrated with a concealed self-closer in either the subfloor or the header, helping to add to the sleek design factor we worked so hard to create. Depending on the particular designs and features you want to include in your residential luxury pivot door, we can build doors that include sidelights and transom windows for added glass and design purposes.

Voyage Select Pivot

Soaring up to 18′ tall and 9′ wide, the Voyage Select Pivot Door comes in 15 unique designs, or the option to choose from a variety of tracks, panel profiles, glass options, and hardware to customize your own system.

Final Thoughts

Folding doors are an innovative and versatile solution for expanding living spaces and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any room. Whether you are looking for bi folding doors, multi-sliding doors, folding patio doors, or closet bi fold doors, we have the perfect solution for your home or business. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and to schedule a consultation.

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