If you’re currently shopping for a set of brand-new folding doors for your home, then you may be a bit overwhelmed with all of the different options on the market. There are quite a few reputable manufacturers on the market as well as a number of companies that produce so-called “off-the-shelf” folding doors.

When shopping for folding doors, your first decision will be between working with a company to order fully customized doors or whether you want to take the simple route and order pre-fabricated door systems.

Both custom and off-the-shelf folding doors have their own perspective benefits and drawbacks. So, if you’re unsure which type of folding doors are right for you, then we recommend giving this post a thorough read-through. Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of pre-fabricated folding doors and how they compare to custom folding door systems. It’s time to clear the confusion.

What Are Off-The-Shelf Folding Doors?

If you walk into your local hardware store, there’s a decent chance that you’ll find some pre-fabricated bi-fold doors sitting on the shelf for sale. These bi-folds are usually simple vinyl folding doors that are designed to fit in standard-sized home doorways. You can also purchase pre-fabricated folding doors online from a number of manufacturers.

Custom folding doors, on the other hand, are made to order just for you. After you find a company to craft your customized doors, you’ll work with your sales representative and discuss your options.

Your rep will typically guide you through the process of customizing your doors and will usually start by asking you a few key questions about your home, such as:

• What’s the climate where your home is located?
• What type of doorframe material do you prefer (wood, aluminum, vinyl)?
• Do you need privacy glass on your doors?
• What color or stain would you like on your doors?
• How big is your folding door system going to be?
• Do you need hurricane-proof or shatter-proof folding doors?
• … and more.

As you can see, the options for customization are virtually limitless. On the other hand, pre-fabricated doors are a lot simpler to purchase as there’s nothing to customize in the first place.

Pros Of Off-The-Shelf Folding Doors

So, now that we’ve gone over the main difference between custom folding doors and pre-fabricated doors, let’s take a few minutes to discuss some of the key benefits of off-the-shelf folding door systems.

No Complicated Decisions

If you’re a busy individual, then you may not have hours to spend on the phone customizing your folding door system. Pre-fabricated folding doors are a lot simpler as you can literally buy them off of the shelf at your local hardware store or order them online.

If customization isn’t all that important to you and you just want a basic set of folding doors, then this is the most hassle-free way to buy them.

They’re More Affordable

Another reason why off-the-shelf folding doors are popular is that they’re generally quite affordable. Custom folding doors generally use higher-quality materials, which can be more expensive. They also have to employ designers to help you customize your doors, and the time they spend working with you is typically billed into your final price.

They’re Delivered Faster

One of the biggest complaints regarding custom folding doors is that they can take a long time to get delivered. Part of this is due to the time it takes to manufacture your doors. The company you’re working with may be backed up and running behind on their existing orders, which means they’ll need to finish those before they start working on your project.

Once the doors are finished, the manufacturer will need to work with a shipping company that’s capable of transporting and delivering the large, heavy, and fragile door system to your front door. All of this takes time and money, especially given COVID-19 complications. Sometimes, it can take between 30 and 60 days for your custom doors to be delivered.

Conversely, pre-fabricated folding door systems are ready-to-ship direct from the factory. The company likely already has a reliable shipping service and can provide fast, secure, and efficient delivery.

Standardized Installation Procedure

Last but not least, another good reason to go with pre-fabricated folding doors is that they’re fairly easy to install. When it comes to custom folding doors, you’ll generally need to hire a skilled contractor and possibly even an architect to help you knock down and restructure the installation wall in your home.

Since pre-fabricated folding doors are typically designed to fit into existing doorways, it makes the installation team’s job a lot easier and faster. This, in turn, means that you won’t have to shell out as much money for their services.

Cons Of Off-The-Shelf Folding Doors

As you can see, ordering pre-fabricated folding doors certainly has its perks. However, there are also several notable drawbacks that you should be aware of before you jump into ordering your doors.

You Can’t Customize Colors

The most basic drawback is that you won’t be able to customize the colors of your door. Most off-the-shelf folding doors come in basic shades of white, black, grey, or brown. If you purchase wood of wood-laminated doors, they’ll generally come in two or three basic stains.

However, with custom folding doors, you’ll be able to choose between a wide range of colors, stains, and laminate options. So, if you’re trying to match the doors to your existing home decor and design, then you’ll definitely want to consider custom doors instead.

Lower-Quality Materials

Another con of purchasing pre-fabricated folding doors is that they typically use lower-quality materials. This means that the doors may be lightweight and feel a bit flimsy. The glass also might not be quite as energy-efficient or shatter-proof.

Of course, if you just need a basic doorway for a basic home, then this probably doesn’t matter too much. However, if you live in an area that’s prone to heavy storms, flooding, or break-ins, then custom doors give you the option to weatherproof your doors with high-quality glass and high-tech track systems.

Not Good For Custom Doorways

If you’re trying to install an extra-wide panoramic set of folding doors or if you’re going for an L-shaped setup that spans across two walls of your home, then pre-fabricated doors simply won’t be able to accommodate these types of custom doorways. As we mentioned, they’re designed to fit into existing standard-sized openings and doorways in your home.

The Verdict: Custom Folding Doors Vs. Off-The-Shelf Folding Doors

So, now that you’ve had a chance to compare and contrast the pros and cons of custom and off-the-shelf door systems, you’re probably wondering, “What’s better?”

Ultimately, we would have to say that ordering custom folding doors is a lot better of a choice. Not only will you be able to customize every design aspect of your doors, but you’ll have 100% confidence in your purchase. From the high-quality doorframe to energy-efficient glass, and more, everything is in your control.

Granted, custom folding doors do cost a little bit more. However, they can substantially increase the value of your home, more so than cheaper pre-fabricated door systems, making them a great investment into your property!