Getting Started with Sliding Doors
Choosing the Right Sliding Doors for Your Home.
Sliding doors are a popular choice for easy access and great views. They open by sliding on a track or hanging from rollers above. This design saves space because the doors don't swing open, allowing you to place furniture in front of them. It also creates a strong connection to the outdoors and provides wide views.
While all sliding doors serve the same purpose, there are many options to consider. Each type of sliding door has its own features and advantages. Understanding these differences will help you select the best sliding door for your home and your needs.
Sliding Door System Choices
In many homes, sliding doors typically consist of one door that slides while the other remains stationary. However, there are also designs available with multiple panels that offer more light, fresh air, and versatility.
A standard sliding door unit is commonly 72 inches wide and 80 inches tall, but custom sizes are becoming more popular. When the sliding panel moves in front of the stationary one, it creates an opening around 36 inches wide, with slight variations depending on the design.
The sliding panels usually glide along a metal track at the bottom of the door. Some doors are suspended from rollers at the top, with the bottom tracks primarily serving for alignment purposes.
Explaining Multi-Slide Doors
If you have a wide opening in your home, you might consider multi-slide doors with several panels. For example, a three-panel or four-panel system consists of multiple moving panels that slide in separate tracks. These panels can stack in front of a stationary one, creating an opening that is a fraction of the total width. You can even add more panels and tracks to cover openings up to 50 feet wide.
Within the multi-slide category, there are pocketing doors that are less common but offer additional space-saving benefits. These doors disappear into a wall pocket when opened, maximizing space compared to the stacked panel design.
Another type of multi-slide door system involves doors sliding out from the center in both directions. In a standard four-panel system, the middle panels slide to the sides and stack in front of the end panels, creating a passage that is half the width of the door opening.
Simplified Explanation of Lift-and-Slide Doors
If you're looking for a user-friendly door option, consider a lift-and-slide system. With this type of door, lifting the handle raises the door off the tracks, reducing friction as it smoothly slides along a top-mounted track.
These doors can be easily moved from side to side with a gentle touch. Lowering the handle securely locks the door panel in place at your desired position.
Similar to multi-slide doors, there are pocketing options available for lift-and-slide doors. Your architect, designer, or DEMED dealer can help you select the best choice for your specific needs.
