04 march, 2025
Exterior doors are the gateways to our homes, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. As architects and builders, it’s crucial to understand the various types of exterior doors available and their unique benefits. In this article, we’ll explore four main types of exterior doors: sliding doors, bifold doors, swing doors, and pivot doors. We’ll discuss their advantages, where they are typically used in homes, and why you might choose them for specific rooms.
Sliding Doors
RAM sliding doors, also known as patio doors or gliding doors, consist of large glass panels that slide horizontally on tracks. They are a popular choice for connecting indoor spaces to outdoor areas like patios, decks, or gardens.
Benefits
Typical Use in Homes
Sliding doors are commonly used in living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens to create a seamless connection with outdoor spaces. They are also popular in master bedrooms with access to balconies or private patios.
Why Choose Sliding Doors?
Choose aluminum RAM sliding doors manufactured in Texas if you want a sleek, modern look with a space-efficient design. They are ideal for creating a visual and physical connection with the outdoors, making them perfect for rooms that lead to outdoor entertaining areas.
Bifold Doors
RAM bifold doors consist of multiple panels that fold together like an accordion. They are mounted on a track system and can be opened fully to create a wide opening.
Benefits
Typical Use in Homes
Bifold doors are often used in living rooms and dining rooms that open to decks, patios, or gardens. They are also common in sunrooms and home offices, where large openings are desired.
Why Choose Bifold Doors?
RAM bifold doors are ideal if you want to maximize the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. They are perfect for entertaining, allowing you to open an entire wall to create an expansive indoor-outdoor environment.
Swing Doors
RAM swing doors are the most traditional type of door, typically hinged on one side and swinging open. They can open inward or outward, depending on the design and layout.
Benefits
Typical Use in Homes
Swing doors are commonly used as front doors, back doors, and side doors. They provide a more traditional look on your home.
Why Choose Swing Doors?
Choose RAM swing doors if you prefer a classic look and are working with a smaller opening. They are suitable for traditional entry and exits and offer a range of security features.
Pivot Doors
RAM pivot doors are unique in that they rotate around a pivot point rather than being hinged on one side. This design allows for larger doors and creates a striking visual impact.
Benefits
Typical Use in Homes
Pivot doors are often used as grand entrances, making a bold statement at the front of a home. They can also be used in modern living spaces, leading to outdoor areas or within open-plan layouts.
Why Choose Pivot Doors?
Choose RAM pivot doors if you want a unique, contemporary look that makes a bold design statement. They are ideal for creating a grand entrance or for use in modern homes where large, dramatic doors are desired.
Meet Ray Watson, RAM engineer, who has has completed two desert races through Las Vegas, NV. In our interview, Ray talks about what it’s like being an engineer for RAM.
Exterior doors are the gateways to our homes. As architects and builders, it’s crucial to understand the types of exterior doors and their unique benefits.
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