Doors
Choosing between sliding hinged and folding doors
GP Aluminium
Before you choose a door from a photo, picture it open in your own home. Where will the sofa be? Can someone pass when the door is open? Those answers can help you choose between sliding, hinged and folding doors.
Sliding doors when you need room around the opening
Sliding panels move sideways along a track rather than swinging into the room or onto the terrace. That makes them worth considering where a swinging door would get in the way of furniture or people passing.
Check how much of the doorway will actually open. In a typical sliding arrangement, the panels overlap when open, so the full width of the frame is not the width you can walk through. Ask to see the proposed panel layout, both open and closed.
Hinged doors for a familiar way in and out
A hinged door swings open. Think about which side the hinges should be on and where the open door will sit. A door that swings towards a chair, a narrow walkway or another door needs a second look.
Picture ordinary use too: coming in with shopping, stepping out to the balcony or letting someone through. Check whether the handle is comfortable to reach and use. The direction of opening needs to suit the space, not just look right on a drawing.
Folding doors when you want to open up more of the space
Folding doors have connected panels that fold and stack together. They are worth considering if opening the living room towards a terrace is a priority.
The folded panels still need somewhere to sit. Check the stacking side against your outdoor chairs, plants and walking route. Also ask how you would step outside briefly without opening the whole arrangement; that depends on the design.
Compare them against your room
| Door type | Check this before choosing |
|---|---|
| Sliding | How wide is the usable opening once the panels overlap? |
| Hinged | What is in the path of the door as it swings? |
| Folding | Where will the folded panels sit? |
Look at the bottom of the doorway too. Ask about the track or sill, any step between inside and outside, and how rainwater will drain. Mention anyone who uses a wheelchair or walking aid so access can be considered from the start.
There is no need to choose a type just because it looks more expensive. Start with how you want to use the room, then compare designs that fit it.
GP Aluminium's product range includes sliding, hinged and folding doors. To discuss which arrangement may suit your home, call GP on +234 916 786 0000.
