Shopping for custom folding doors can be more than a bit stressful, especially if you’re somebody who has a history of being indecisive. With so many different options for customizing your folding doors, it can be hard to figure out what you really want. This is why it can be a good idea to work with an interior designer who can help make the tough decisions for you.

We aren’t interior design professionals by any means, but we can help you with one particular aspect of choosing your residential bi-folds today. Namely, how many folding door panels do you want in your system?

In today’s post, we’ll show you the minimum and the maximum number of panels that you can have in your folding door system. We’ll also explain the pros and cons of both small and large folding door systems to give you some food for thought and help you make the most informed decision. Take a look and ease your indecisive brain!

What Is The Minimum Amount Of Panels That Bi-Fold Doors Can Have?

Most bi-fold door systems have at least 3 folding door panels. However, there are a few companies that offer extra-small 2-panel folding door systems. There needs to be at least one swinging door that functions as the everyday entrance, and at least one folding panel. The average size of a folding door system is between 3 and 5 panels, though.

Benefits Of Smaller Folding Door Systems

There are several notable benefits of smaller folding door systems, so let’s start there!

They’re Affordable

For one, small folding door systems are very affordable. If you’re looking for an entry-level door system that won’t break the bank, a small 3 or 4-panel folding door system may only cost a couple of thousand bucks. Plus, smaller folding door systems can often be purchase pre-fabricated, which drives the price down even more.

They’re Easy To Install

The smaller the folding door system is, the easier it is to install. Large folding door systems often require considerable renovation to the supporting structures of your home. Conversely, small folding door systems may be able to fit in an existing doorway, which makes your installation costs more affordable.

You Still Get Your Privacy

Small folding door systems won’t open up your entire home for the outside world to see inside. If you want to maintain a higher degree of privacy, then a smaller folding door system may be the right choice for you.

Drawbacks Of Small Folding Door Systems

Small folding door systems aren’t without their drawbacks, though. Let’s take a look.

They Don’t Let Much Light In

For one, they won’t let as much light into your home as a larger set of panoramic folding doors would. If your main goal is to brighten up your home and make it feel more spacious, larger doors are the way to go.

They’re Not Very Impressive

If your main goal is to impress your guests and visitors, then a small 3-panel folding door system isn’t going to make much of a difference. Sure, it will still look nice, but they may not be able to tell the difference compared to a normal swinging door or sliding glass door.

What Is The Maximum Amount Of Panels Folding Doors Can Have?

When it comes to folding door systems, there really isn’t a limit to how many panels a system can have. There are some mansions and commercial facilities that have ultra-wide panoramic folding door systems consisting of upwards of 20 panels or more. As long as you’re working with a high-quality folding door company, the only real limits are those imposed by the building’s structure.

That being said, the general rule of thumb is that you’ll need a new track for every 8 to 10 folding door panels (depending on the manufacturer). To ensure that the system operates smoothly, you don’t want to connect too many panels to one track.

Benefits Of Large Folding Door Systems

As before, let’s start by discussing some of the benefits of a larger folding door system.

You Get An Amazing View

The best reason to get an extra-wide folding door system is so you can take advantage of the view and the surrounding scenery. If you live on an elevated plain or you’re surrounded by mountains or an ocean view, a full-glass wall is a great way to feel closer to nature.

Plenty Of Natural Light

The larger your folding door system, the more natural light your home will benefit from. Natural lighting is healthy for the mind and the body and will encourage you to spend more time inside of your home.

Increased Home Value

If you’re looking for another good reason to purchase a pricey set of folding doors, an extra-wide folding door system can significantly increase the value of your home. For every dollar you spend on your folding door system, expect to see a return of at least $1.25.

Drawbacks Of Large Folding Door Systems

While large folding door systems are certainly beautiful and let in tons of natural light, there are a few notable drawbacks that are worth considering.

They May Require A Lot Of Maintenance/Cleaning

Firstly, that’s a lot of glass. Unless you have a maid service, you’ll have to spend a good bit of time cleaning all of the extra glass. Keep in mind you’ll need to clean both sides of the glass. If you have kids or pets in the house, then you’ll spend even more time cleaning.

They’re Very Expensive

Large folding door systems can be quite expensive. You won’t just have to pay for the doors, but you’ll also need to pay for the extensive structural work to your home needed to accommodate the larger doorway.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, both small and large folding door systems have their benefits and drawbacks. If you have the money and the space, then an extra-wide set of panoramic folding doors will always make an excellent addition to your home. However, if you’re on a budget or working with a smaller space, then there’s nothing wrong with a smaller 3 to 5-panel folding door system.