Types of Folding Doors

Folding doors are types of doors that fold open instead of swinging open like the normal ones do. It is for this reason that folding doors are ideal to use in areas of limited space or where you need to use the space right beside the door. While most folding doors come in the form of bifold doors, there are the multiple folding ones referred to as accordion doors as well.

interior glass bifold doors

Bifold doors are the most common types of folding doors that you will find in most homes. These are ideal for installation in spaces that are too small to fit an ordinary sized door. As such, you will find these types of doors being commonly used in laundry rooms, closets and pantries, as well as for separating two different rooms.

BIFOLD DOORS

These bifold doors comprise of two narrow doors which are attached at the centre by a hinge. Bifolding doors, as they are also known, are installed along a track which enables them to slide open. Once opened, you may fold the two doors along the hinges and slide over them to one side. You may also use your bifold doors in pairs. In this case, two bi-fold doors will be placed together on a single track and once opened; each door will fold open on either side of this track.

On the other hand, the multi-folding doors are also referred to as accordion doors and these fold to one side, just as the bifold ones do. However, accordion doors consist of multiple panels which fold together in a manner similar to an accordion. Because of this unique design, multi-folding doors take up less space than their bifolding counterparts. What's more, this design entails that thin materials are used in their construction. You may have your accordion doors either rolled away from one point to another or installed onto a track.

Another option for your bifolding doors would be to go for the acoustical ones whose main purpose is to provide insulation against noise. Acoustical versions are typically found in office buildings and churches or in other areas which require soundproofing - for instance where speeches and presentations are given. Even though acoustical doors do provide a certain degree of soundproofing, they cannot guarantee this seeing as they are constructed from thin materials.

For your exterior doors, you could also go for the bifolding versions that are made from glass. The glass bifolding versions resemble your traditional French doors but allow for space saving as they can be folded away. With glass folding doors, you are able to enjoy unobstructed view of the outdoors, as well as make use of as much space as you can in your home.

For a more creative way to store your book collection, you may opt for these types of door bookcases. These bifolding door bookcases resemble the traditional bookcase but only when you take a closer look will you discover that these doors are in fact able to fold up and reveal rooms, closets or even wall safes.

Types of Folding Doors

BIFOLD DOORS

Wooden Bi Folding Doors

Many people are choosing to enhance their homes or business properties by installing a bi-folding door. These doors are made up of glazing panels set in hinged frames that can span large entrance ways. The frames can be made from different materials, but one of the most attractive and versatile materials used is timber. Wood has a natural and traditional appearance that is highly desirable and suitable for most properties. Some people are wary of wooden exterior products, such as windows or doors, due to the many problems associated with wood. Some of these problems are shrinking or expanding, warping and rotting, each which lead to further problems in functionality and eventually the demise of the window or door.

louvered bifold doors

These problems are no longer a great issue in high quality bi-folding doors, due to the treatment of the wood. Firstly, the wood is laminated. This is a process where the wood is split into several parts and then placed back together with the grains in different directions and then glued under high pressure. Because wood tends to warp and twist with the grain, this process stabilises and reduces the chances of the wood changing shape during seasonal heat changes. Once the laminating process is complete, the wood is dipped into special treatments which prevent the wood from rotting or growing mould. The result is a stable, strong and damp resistant frame. The build up of condensation is prevented by giving the frame a water trap and outlet, further reducing the chances of damp-related issues.

BIFOLD DOORS

Different types of timber can be used to make a folding door. Choosing between them depends on your preference or the existing wooden windows and doors in your property, i.e. if you already have oak windows, it would look more uniform to also choose an oak bifold door over a pine bifold door. The selection offered by most folding door companies includes softwoods and hard woods, generally a range like pine, meranti and oak.

Wooden folding doors can be supplied with a range of different finishes, including an unfinished door. This is good if you already have a paint or stain you wish to apply (again, to match other windows or doors). Otherwise, you can choose between a stain and factory-sprayed paint finish. Although there are only a few different stains to choose from, they are preferable due to their translucent quality. They protect the wood and enhance or add to the colour, while allowing the natural grain to show through. Factory-sprayed paint finishes are, as the name suggests, paints applied by a factory spray. These differ from brush applied paint as it creates a more even finish without visible brush strokes. On top of this, each coat of factory-sprayed paint is the equivalent of 15 brush coats. The result is a very long-lasting and low maintenance finish that protects the wooden frame. There are hundreds of different paint colours to choose from, so it is easy to get exactly what you want.

The wood frames are highly energy-efficient, with the highest energy rating of A. Coupled with the right double glazing, the wooden bifold doors can help to reduce energy bills.

Wooden Bi Folding Doors

BIFOLD DOORS

Bathroom Folding Shower Doors

Folding shower doors have become more popular, as many homeowners are looking for ways to increase the value of their homes through updates. Updating your bathroom can be as easy as changing the depth of glass in your shower doors, or even changing from framed to frameless. Remember that when your home is appraised with folding shower doors, the frameless versions can add up to ,500 in equity overall to the home.

bifold doors interior

Folding shower doors have many options including framed and frameless, differing depths of glass as well as designs in the glass or even upgraded materials. Framed doors sit on a track much like sliding doors. The difference between the sliding and the folding types is that there is a hinge in the center of each piece of safety glass. The safety glass in folding doors comes in depths of 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8 inch variations. This makes a difference as to the type of frame that can be used, and the largest difference is in the prices. Retailers charge more for thicker glass, as well as differences in length of the hinged areas. The average width of one panel of safety glass used in hinged shower doors that only have two panels is 24 inches, while larger areas may require more doors panels be used to cover the area. For tubs or stalls that are wider than 48 inches, it is recommended that a professional be sought to complete the work as custom doors will be required.

BIFOLD DOORS

Glass used for these bifold doors ranges in designs from obscure glass, frosted glass to clear glass or even custom design etching. Smoked glass and unfinished glass are commonly found in more modern frames, while frameless models generally use clear glass. Framed doors have options for materials, as many less expensive models are made of anodized aluminum. Brushed nickel, brass, wood appearance or even plastic can be found as well as gold tone surfaces. For frameless doors in your tub or stall, there is no enclosure but the hardware used for support at the top and bottom of the doors can also be purchased in these same finishes and materials. However, the tracks used for the top and bottom of the frameless doors will be sealed, and therefore the interior of the shower tracks should be protected. The enclosure options vary, as many people opt to use the magnetic enclosures for folding doors. These enclosures consist of a magnet on the inside track and metal on the inside of the door matching up correctly to provide a secure match. Even when wet, these magnets work as well as they do in any other environment.

Folding shower doors add a new appearance to an otherwise updated bathroom, and the investment made to improve the bathroom will be seen for years to come. This style of shower door offers reliability found in the sliding glass doors, but is also good for those that do not have a lot of room in the bathroom. Using folding doors allows for a wider open area in small bathrooms, and still holds the same reliability and safety.

Bathroom Folding Shower Doors

BIFOLD DOORS

Prices and Options For Folding Shower Doors

The replacement of shower curtains with folding shower doors will not only add equity to the home, but also improves the appearance and safety of the bathroom. For those who use shower curtains, water on the floor around the area is common, but when using folding doors, the water can be completely eliminated when professionally installed correctly. Small bathrooms are a feature in many older homes, and there is no room to have sliding doors or even the thought of an enclosed bathing area. With folding shower doors, you are able to utilize the space you do have, while keeping a safe environment for children and those prone to falls.

bifold doors interior

Prices for folding shower doors will vary based on the materials used in the framed or frameless models, as well as the depth of glass or width of glass used. The types of glass used range from smoked and pebble glass to clear glass or frosted. Many can offer personalization such as names or even portraits being etched into the glass prior to installation. The availability of this service will vary based on the area and company. Retailers will generally have information on what companies offer these services and general prices as well.

BIFOLD DOORS

Framed folding bathroom shower doors are much like the sliding variety, in that they both require tracks for the top and bottom of the tub or stall. Frameless doors still require a top and bottom track, but there is no frame around the glass panels in the doors. These models offer special hardware that holds the glass in place, and then sits inside the tracks and becomes a waterproof seal when closed for use. The cost of the frameless doors can be much higher than the framed doors, as this combination of frameless and folding doors is rare.

Finishes on folding doors include brass, brushed nickel, brushed aluminum, wood tone and gold tone. These can all be found at local retailers, along with glass panels for each job. There are folding shower door kits that are sold together, that only offer specific materials. Most of these kits include the simple silver finish or brushed aluminum finish and clear or frosted glass models of framed folding shower doors. There are frameless shower door kits available, but they are extremely hard to find therefore it is easier to find a professional to complete this task for you.

Hinges on folding doors can be found in the same materials and finishes as the rest of the hardware and framing for both models. Since hinges are made into the doors for the folding effect, it is best to match the hinges to the tracks for a more uniform appearance if you are buying the doors piece by piece. For those that feel as though they can complete this job from start to finish, many home improvement retailers do have professionals on staff that are able to answer questions you may have, as well as instructions on the installation process.

Prices and Options For Folding Shower Doors

BIFOLD DOORS

Why Choose Closet Folding Doors?

Contemporary-designed closet folding doors feature multiple panels that fold back when you open them. Folding doors, also called accordion doors, are very useful nowadays because of their space-saving feature. They are very popular in hotels, condominiums and other areas where interior space is limited.

bifold doors

Folding doors are not only ahead over other replacement doors in terms of functions but also in aesthetic aspect. The doors come in various materials such as glass, wood, plastics or aluminum and can be custom-built to reflect your own choice of design, color or size. This makes them a perfect addition to any modern room or home.

BIFOLD DOORS

Furthermore, these doors come in affordable prices provided that you take some time to check out various online retailers. Here are some that you may consider for your comparison shopping.

Folding Accordion Shutter Series 140:

This door is ideal for both commercial and residential applications. Because of its good looks and superior durability, they are popular choices for use in college dormitories, homes or assisted living residences. They are made of either hardwood or Vinyl-Lam panels that measure 4 and 1/4 inches in width by 1/4 inch thickness. They are designed for closet, wardrobe, utility room, shutter or other uses that require only front side finish. The manufacturer guarantees the door to be precision engineered that trimming it to fit is not necessary. And because the door is suspended, there is no need for pivots or floor clips. It features nylon wheels, Lexan axle, color-coordinated sweptwing handle and connectors and magnet catch with strike plate.

Folding Door by Danny Plastics Co. Inc.:

This door features a laminated wood grain, double-wall vinyl panel for a distinctive and noble look. It is flexible because it can be used at offices, homes and recreational vehicles. It's foldable with partitions that are movable and space savers. It features soft hinges, and laminated double walls. The dimensions include 100mm full panel width and 6mm thickness. Sizes available are 32 by 80 inches and 36 by 80 inches. The door is available at allproducts.com under model number DHD-LP10.

PVC Folding Doors by Carrot Industrial Co. Ltd.:

This folding door is available in polyester louver, PVC, aluminum and wooden materials. Each panel measures either 1-inch or 2 inches.

Popular Accordion Horizontal Plisse Screen Door:

This plisse door by Tianjin Jiegao Construction Material Co. Ltd. has been updated which makes it small and simple for easy maintenance. It comes with aluminum handle bar, aluminum rails, aluminum housings and accessory unit. It is available in different water-washable colors ideal for striking decoration. The retraction tension is easily adjustable.

TCZ Big Folding Door Series:

This series by Foshan Tianchuang Aluminum Industry Co. Ltd. is constructed with glass in aluminum frame. You can request the pattern, color and size of your choice. The doors are environmentally friendly and easy to install. They do not deform and are known to be moisture proof, heat resistant, corrosion resistance and durable.

Why Choose Closet Folding Doors?

BIFOLD DOORS