Renovating your home is a big step. On one hand, you’re excited to finally have a new centerpiece in your home; on the other hand, trying to decide between options can be overwhelming!

This is especially true when it comes to folding doors. While all folding door systems pretty much use the same technology and accomplish a similar effect (opening up your home to more light and fresh air), the sheer variety of customization options can make for a daunting decision.

The most commonly used folding doorframe materials are going to be:

• Aluminum.
• Hardwood.
• Vinyl.
• Stainless Steel.

In some cases, manufacturers utilize a hybrid combination of two different materials.

So, to help make your decision faster and easier, we’re going to give you an in-depth breakdown of the differences between the different folding door materials. We’ll explain which material is best for different environments/climates, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions we receive from our readers regarding folding door materials. It’s time to get your thinking caps out!

The Most Commonly Used Doorframes

When it comes to folding door systems, the sheer amount of customization options can make even the most decisive person grimace. Sure, there are some manufacturers that only have a few options to choose from. There are also some manufacturers that only offer their doors in one material.

However, the majority of high-end folding door manufacturers offer folding doors in multiple sizes, multiple doorframe materials, and also allow for custom colors/stains, custom glass, custom door hardware, custom sliding tracks… the list goes on, but you get the point.

If you’re interested in some of the other options for customization, then we recommend checking out some of our other blog posts that cover those topics. Today, however, we’re going to be discussing the most important decision that you have to make. Namely, the difference between the most commonly used doorframe materials.

Aluminum Folding Doors

Aluminum folding door systems are arguably the most popular type of folding door systems. This is thanks to aluminum’s versatility as a building material. It features an excellent strength to weight ratio and weighs only 1/5th the weight of stainless steel while maintaining 1/3rd of the strength of stainless steel. This is why it’s used to design aircraft, RVs, boats, cars, and everything in between!

Thanks to its solid structural integrity, this allows for a low-profile doorframe that takes up minimal space. Compared to a lighter-weight material like vinyl (which takes up a lot of space), aluminum can be used to create a truly beautiful system.

If you’re somebody who’s concerned about eco-friendly manufacturing, then you’ll be pleased to find out that aluminum is also one of the most abundant metals on earth, making up a whopping 8% of the earth’s crust. This means that using aluminum is sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Wood Folding Doors

Throughout history, wood has been the choice material for almost all doors. In fact, the first archeological remains of wood doors date back as far as 3,000 B.C. Needless to say, purchasing a set of hardwood folding doors will definitely contribute to that “timeless” look, if that’s your style.

There are few materials that can match the appearance of a freshly stained hardwood door. You can stain these doors light or you can stain them dark. As long as a thick initial coat of stain is applied to the door, then it will be impervious to water, so you won’t have to worry about rain too much.

Of all of the different doorframe materials, wood is easily one of the strongest. It’s also an excellent insulator material. Unlike aluminum and vinyl, which require “thermal breaking” to prevent your house’s air from escaping through the thin material, wood naturally keeps all of the air inside of your home and keeps outside air from getting in.

The main disadvantage of wood folding doors is that they require the most maintenance. Compared to metal or vinyl doors, which are relatively low-maintenance, wood folding doors will need more frequent cleaning and re-staining. If you allow the stain on your wood doors to fade or weaken, then your doors can quickly absorb water and become warped or damaged.

Vinyl Folding Doors

If you’re purchasing a smaller folding door set, then vinyl doors are likely going to be your most cost-effective option. Vinyl is typically used for smaller 3 to 5-panel door systems. However, it can be used for larger door systems when it’s combined with an aluminum skeleton to act as the support for the doorframe.

Compared to all of the other doorframe materials, vinyl is definitely requires the least maintenance. It will never have to be re-painted or re-stained, and it’s super easy to clean. This is because the vinyl itself is dyed while it’s in its liquid form, which means that the color should never fade.

The main disadvantage of vinyl folding doors is that they aren’t very strong. For this reason, they’re not commonly installed in regions where hurricanes, tornadoes, and tropical storms are frequent. Vinyl doors are most commonly seen on the West Coast and the Mid-West, where the climate is milder and less temperamental.

Vinyl doorframes are also a lot bulkier than aluminum and wood doorframes. While they are super-lightweight, the frames must be made larger so that they have enough strength to support the glass window panes. This means that they’re not a good choice if you want a low-profile look.

Stainless Steel Folding Doors (Commercial-Grade)

Last but not least, you may come across stainless steel folding door systems. These are rarely used in residential buildings, due to the fact that the material is both heavy and expensive. However, if you’re purchasing a set of commercial folding doors for a large retail space or showroom, then stainless or aluminum are going to be the industry standard.

What’s The Most Affordable Folding Door Material?

If you’re looking to save money on your folding door system, then vinyl is going to be your cheapest option. It’s a synthetic plastic that can easily be poured into pre-existing molds to create simple, reliable, and energy-efficient folding doors.

Admittedly, vinyl isn’t the prettiest doorframe material. But then, the cheapest option is rarely the best option…

What’s The Longest-Lasting Folding Door Material?

If you’re looking for a folding door system that’s designed to last you a long time, then aluminum is going to be your best bet. Not only is aluminum a strong and reliable building material but it’s also corrosion-resistant. This means that you’ll never have to worry about rust or decay.
As long as you take care of your doors with routine cleaning, and avoid slamming the doors or treating them roughly, your aluminum bi-folds can easily last a decade or longer.

Are Folding Door Systems Covered By A Warranty?

Almost all newly installed folding door systems are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. This is designed to cover any manufacturer defects, that aren’t the result of misuse or abuse. If there is a problem that was caused by the manufacturer, then they’ll either replace the door panel or send an authorized repair service to fix the problem.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this article has been able to help you make up your mind and decide which doorframe material is the best for your needs. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, we generally recommend against that.

After all, your folding door system is going to be the centerpiece of your home for years to come. Plus, every dollar that you invest into your folding door system will increase the value of your home, allowing you to sell it for more down the line. All of that being said, it’s worth investing in a high-quality folding door system engineered with quality materials by a reliable manufacturer!