Door to Door Blog
Bifold vs Accordion Doors
Bi-Fold Door Basics
If you don't know what bi-fold doors really are, you're not alone. According to a recent 2017 survey by bi-fold manufacturer Origin, just 27 percent of its 925 survey participants knew what a bi-fold door was. Some individuals perceived bi-fold doors as either "folding glass," "accordion" doors or even French doors. But there's a big misconception behind these references. Bi-fold doors function differently from these doors, and it makes a difference when you're looking for the right door to buy. Thus, it's important to know the uses and benefits of a bi-fold door to make sure you're getting a door that fits your needs. Read on to learn the basics about bi-fold doors.
Bi-Fold Doors Defined
A bi-fold door is a door that folds as you slide it open. It has many components, too. Some common parts of a bi-fold door include the pivot plate, aligners, door pull, leading door, jamb-side door and the track hanger. Because these types of doors have so many parts, they're often more difficult to install than your typical closet door. That means you may require a professional installation to get it done right.
Bi-Fold Door Applications
The great thing about bi-fold doors is that they can be used in several ways. One of the most common ways to use these types of doors is in the kitchen. You can use it as a door for your pantry for easy access to your dry or canned foods. Bi-fold doors are also often used as closet doors. They are designed to fold back. You can also have them fold back on both sides of the wall or just one. So, you can have the bi-fold doors designed to open and close based on your preference and access needs.
Similarities and Differences with Other Door Styles
Bi-fold doors also share similarities to sliding doors since they are on a track. They also fold open like accordion-style or folding doors. Similar to French doors, bi-fold doors can be used inside the home as closet doors and can be designed to open outwards. However, they have some differences, too. The key difference is how they open. Bi-fold doors fold back as they open. On the other hand, French doors usually swing open and outwards. They are also made of two separate doors.
Final Thoughts
It's also worthwhile knowing how they function differently than other doors. It's not hard to confuse bi-fold doors with other popular styles. That's why it's important to understand how they can fit your design needs. Consider your needs before and understand the value that bi-fold doors bring so you can choose the right doors for your home.
- Door Man
Why You Should Buy Solid Wood Interior Doors and Not Hollow Core
When you're giving your bedroom a makeover or considering making changes to your interior doors, it's important to consider what you need. Hollow core doors may seem like an inexpensive and great way to quickly update the look of outdated rooms. But solid wood doors have a whole host of benefits that outweigh those of hollow core doors. Here's what you need to know.
Premium Quality
Doors made of solid wood are made of quality natural wood. The wood is constructed as one whole unit. Because of its premium quality makeup, solid wood is versatile enough to be used as either an interior door or an exterior door. The sturdy wood adds weight, which makes the door easy to close, thick enough to block sound, and strong enough to hold custom framed mirrors.
Enhanced Look
Your interior doors play an important role in your interior design. The door can enhance the decor of an entire room or accent the style you're trying to achieve. If you're going for a historical or traditional aesthetic, solid wood interior doors are ideal. Solid wood interior doors may also add resale value to your home, and can easily replace existing hollow core with a pre hung or slab option.
Long-Lasting Wear
The durability of your door depends on the material used. Unlike solid wood interior doors, hollow core doors do not have a filling, so they're easy to damage. On the other hand, solid wood doors last longer because they resist wear and tear.
Investment Piece
Cost is always a factor when you're deciding on which interior door to buy. However, buying cheaply made interior doors can actually cost you more in the long run since you'll have to eventually replace them. Unfortunately, this is usually the case for most hollow core doors that are cheaply made. These types of doors break down over time. While solid wood doors generally may cost more than hollow core doors, they are worth the investment because they stand the test of time.
Final Thoughts
When you're deciding on what interior door to buy, consider the door's quality, price and durability. Hollow core or cheaply made doors may work for a quick fix or for a temporary situation to help you save money as you make renovations, but they won't last long. If you want your doors to last a long time, opt for the premium quality of solid wood doors.
- Door Man
5 Interior Door Style Trends That are Popular Right Now
As symbols of both form and function, doors significantly affect how a house is lived in. If your own doors are reminding you of their inadequacies, it's might be time to rethink your interior doors and the impression they make on all who pass through. I've noticed some trends in the marketplace lately that might inspire you.
1. Shaker
The simple lines of Shaker doors are a popular choice for today's interior doors. I would choose from a palette of whites or go for wood. Wide planks of pine, maple, cherry and oak stain beautifully and make your rooms warm and inviting. Shaker doors show your appreciation of fine craftsmanship and should complement the architectural details of your home's interior.
2. Glass & Frosted Glass
When you need a little privacy without blocking light, a glass door might be in order. The marketplace is brimming with new styles that include etched panels, stained glass effects, translucent tints and frosted glass ranging from completely opaque to nearly transparent. I've noticed that glass doors are often used for offices, kitchens and transitional spaces.
3. Solid Wood
If your home has hollow core doors that feel cheap, invest in solid wood doors and enjoy quieter rooms that are more enjoyable to enter and exit. They can be stained, painted in bold colors or attached to sliders for the popular "barn door" look. Dress them up with decorative hardware, or go modern with smart locks you can control from a phone or home assistant.
4. Knotty Woods
The rustic look of real wood is a pleasing contrast against solid colors of all hues, and that's why architects are increasingly working with the visual interest of knotty woods like pine and cherry when designing new homes. A knotty pine door with arched panels, inset panels, or shaker style can complement a bedroom fireplace, add inspiration to a tiny kitchen, and looks great with dark brass or bronze hardware.
5. Modern Mirrored Doors
Just as mirrored furniture has gained popularity, so have modern-era mirrored doors. They create the illusion of space, bring in light, reflect interesting artwork on the walls, and allow you to practice your workout moves (or just check yourself out)! In my opinion, mirrored doors are too often delegated to bedrooms. Try them in the family room, the office, or in a basement craft room.
If you've got an idea for your new doors, trendy or not, take the plunge and order. If worries about installation are holding you back, ask a home improvement store for references to reputable contractors in your area. It's worth the extra to ensure each door hangs properly.
- Door Man
Everything You Need to Know About Knotty Pine Doors
There's nothing like the look of real wood to add warmth, texture and architectural detail to your home. Knotty Pine Doors are a wonderful way to get the look while using a species of wood native to the United States to ground your home in its environment. Real wood doors are an upgrade over hollow core doors and composite materials that have a textured "grain" but must be painted to hide the synthetic material. Real wood, by contrast, allows you to choose a finish that highlights the beauty of the wood and works with your taste in interior design.
What Make Knotty Pine "Knotty"?
"Knotty" pine isn't a particular species of tree. Rather, it's a description of the look of the wood based on the number of knots that are visible. When it comes to wood, a knot is a circle that breaks up the grain of the wood. It's usually textured and may be darker in color. Knots in wood are evidence of branches that once grew out of the tree but dropped off over the course of the tree's lifespan. The tree continued to grow and the grain continued around the knot leaving behind interesting texture and patterns.
Like snowflakes, no two knotty pine boards are the same because you are looking at the individual growth patterns of a unique tree. The more knots you have in your pine, the more curves and waves you'll have in the grain, which makes for a beautiful overall door pattern.
The Beauty of Pine
Pine is one of the hardest softwoods, which makes it easy to work with durable enough to stand up to daily use in your home. Because it's naturally light in color, it blends well with a wide range of color schemes in the home. It also take satin well if you prefer a deeper brown or a translucent color that will still allow the grain to shine through. It's also possible to enjoy unfinished pine doors or to simply protect them with a clear coat. Over time the natural color of the wood will deepen into a golden hue as the wood is exposed to sunlight and oxygen.
Styles of Knotty Pine Doors
Because pine is such a versatile wood, it can be used in many ways. Knotty pine looks wonderful on traditional paneled doors, whether your prefer a classic raised panel or an arched panel design. For a more casual look with some country flair, consider knotty pine doors with a grooved panel that is reminiscent of headboard wainscoting. Knotty pine doors come in many shapes and sizes, including bifold doors for tight spaces.
- Door Man
