When working on a multifamily project, specifiers and designers know that preserving real estate and square footage is essential to improving occupant flow and maximizing usable space. With development costs at a premium, frequently repeated and heavily used assemblies such as doors can have major project ramifications. Because of this, design teams are continually looking for the right specialized door system to use in large-scale, multi-unit projects. Lean and space-efficient, it’s no surprise that surface-mounted sliding barn door systems have become a popular solution.
While traditional swing doors typically impede on a room’s already limited space, interior sliding barn door systems can preserve 15-30 usable square feet by gliding along top-hung tracks, improving access in halls and opening up interiors for better living units. Beyond space savings, these doors also incorporate sleek and modern looks to meet nearly any design style and building aesthetic. With this in mind, all it takes is a little consideration upfront for design teams to further maximize performance outcomes. Here are a few of our top specification considerations.
Ensure Quality is Not Compromised by Quantity
When specifying sliding doors in large quantities for repeatable units, it’s important to verify that a product’s quality is not jeopardized for volume. This is especially true when it comes to a door’s operating features and hardware. In this case, it’s best to consider sliding doors systems with commercial-grade hardware. Such hardware makes it easy to maintain visual consistency with adjacent swing doors while still adhering to code. On the operations side, sliding barn doors with “soft close” dampening systems can prevent slamming and preserve a peaceful environment. Some manufacturers now offer custom frame extrusion features with dual soft gasket seals that compress to ensure the frame is plumb even in cases where uneven wall conditions are present.
Additionally, since a product’s quality can be measured by its specific design features, it’s important that a door system supports both aesthetic and functional project goals. Consider sliding barn doors available in a range of standard and custom finish options, such as those with a variety of veneers and wood species to full-lite glass infills and privacy indicators. These ready options make it easy to pull daylight into rooms, create spa-like bathrooms or evoke high-end comfort with little extra effort. Bonus points for doors with concealed sill guides and flush pull hardware to help uphold interior design standards.
Specify a Better Barn Door
In multifamily construction, barn doors typically refer to the use of a simple top rail and door leaf, sometimes with a privacy latch. This can leave much to be desired when it comes to performance, particularly with regards to visual and acoustic privacy. Owing to their surface mounted design, these barn doors can be plagued by large perimeter gaps that are prone to light leakage, which can compromise privacy. Specifying a sliding door that incorporates a perimeter frame to close this space can make a significant improvement in the visual privacy the door offers. It also gives the openings a more finished aesthetic.
Another way to ensure a better barn door in multifamily applications is to look for designs that can incorporate door guides. These keep the doors tracking in a straight line and prevent them from pulling up and away from the wall. Systems are also available with privacy locks, if that is a desired feature.
Look for Single-Sourced Sliding Door Systems
With resilience and quality in mind, it’s important to consider how sliding barn door components work together. A single-sourced approach is a great way to ensure that consistent finish and function are uniformly upheld in all applications. With only one vendor for sliding doors, frames and hardware, this integrated approach can also simplify logistics, streamline design processes and consolidate the supply chain.
Not only does this approach clean up and maximize design efficiencies, but it also champions financial savings with its cost-effective value. Since everything is executed by one vendor, building owners can rest easy without the stress of having to individually pay each service provider, many of which may differ in pricing. Specifiers save time typically spent sourcing each individual component and verifying they work together. The installation process is also expedited, as everything arrives together, in one unit. For these reasons, a single-sourced approach is ideal for projects with repeatable units, including senior living, multi-unit residential and hospitality. Integrated sliding barn doors are also well suited for prefabricated bathrooms and units, as they support lean design goals and soften the squeeze caused by the skilled labor shortage.
Ready to Get Started?
All things considered, specifiers should take into account the above variables when looking for the perfect sliding barn door system for their commercial multi-unit project. If you’re a specifier, designer or project architect looking for products with unmatched efficiency and high-caliber functionality, check out AD Systems’ newest product offering, SuiteSlide™. The single-source sliding barn door system offers cost-effective space-saving design for senior living, multi-unit residential and hospitality applications.
