Folding doors are so named because they fold open instead of swing open like a normal door does. These doors are best used when space is limited or when a person needs to use the space right beside a door. Many types of folding doors are bi-fold doors, but there are also multiple folding doors called accordion doors.
One type of these doors commonly found in homes is a bi-fold door. They can be installed when space is too small for an ordinary door. For this reason, these are the type of doors used in closets, laundry rooms, and pantries. They can also be used to separate two rooms in a home.
Bi-fold doors are two narrow doors attached by a hinge in the middle. These doors are installed along a track so that the door slides open. When opened, the two doors fold along the hinges and slide to one side. A bi-fold door can also be used in pairs. Two bi-fold doors are put together on one track and when opened, each door folds open either side of the track.
Multi-folding doors are also called accordion doors. Like bi-fold doors, accordion doors fold to one side. However, accordion doors have multiple panels that fold together like an accordion. Their unique design means that they use less space than a bi-fold door, but it also means that they must be made of thin materials. Accordion doors can either be installed on a track or can be rolled away from one place to another.
Some doors, called acoustical doors, are used in order to insulate against noise. These types of doors are used in churches and office buildings or where ever soundproofing is needed because of a speech or presentation. Though they do provide some soundproofing, these acoustical doors are still made of thin material and cannot provide total soundproofing.
Folding doors can also be used as exterior doors and can be made with glass. Some of these doors emulate French doors but save space by being able to fold away. Having such a door allows the homeowner the benefit of an unobstructed view as well as enabling them to utilize as much space as possible.
Manufacturers of folding doors are coming up with new and unique ways to market their products. One of these products is a folding door bookcase. Such doors look like a normal bookcase at first glance but are able to fold up and reveal closets, rooms, or even a wall safe.
