Avoiding Folding Door Landmines

When planning folding doors for residential use, it’s crucial to anticipate functionality—not just aesthetics. Always include a “day door” that allows secure entry and exit from the outside. If your design uses an even number of panels, ensure one pair is configured to open like a swing door—not just fold.

I once consulted on a speculative build where the developer insisted on an 8-panel folding door that stacked entirely to one side—with no operable day door. Despite my strong recommendation to add one, they declined. The house sold for $12M, but the homeowners quickly discovered the flaw. Without a dedicated entry door, daily access became a constant frustration—and replacing the entire system would have been costly and disruptive.

Lesson learned: even the smallest detail—like the configuration of one folding door panel—can make a huge difference in how a home functions.