Bi-Fold Door, Bi-Folding Door, Slide & Fold Doors

Currently I'm doing research for my new home. As the space is kinda tight and small, I've been toying with the idea of hacking down 2 walls and installing fold-able doors.

This will help to create the illusion of space. I can either tuck the doors away when I need more space for entertaining guests or close it up for privacy. I think I am likely to go with glass or transparent looking doors to let the light in and keep the space looking more sparse.

 

In addition, I would like to add blinds behind the bi-folding doors, to add more privacy if there are guests sleeping over. Either from the wall behind the doors, or on the doors itself.

But I know nuts about the kind of Bi-fold doors that are out in the market and what the price range are.
I don't want to be ripped off.

I'm also uncertain of the maintenance and life span of these doors. Will they get rusty and creaky? Would it be hard to clean?

A quick search on the net, I would this link with a pretty nice looking option:

http://kowyee.blogspot.sg/2012/06/renovation-of-shop-front-bi-fold-door.html

Option 1: White Framed Bi-Fold Door with Clear Glass Panes. Lockable. 

Option 2: http://www.sapphire.com.sg/doors/slide---fold--bi-fold-.html

Option 3: http://www.pddoor.com.sg/latest_design.htmlDark Wood and Lockable. Opens 2 sides. No Floor Track.

Update 26 May 2013:

Went to PD Door Showroom yesterday.
The staff were friendly. And they had  a lot of sample doors for testing.
Staff were not pushy and allowed a lot of freedom for roaming and testing.

After testing, I found the PD range of doors very light and easy to move around.
Even a little 5 year old kid can move it.

Definitely impressed with the flexibility and range of motion.
However, they did not have black frames and most of the materials are synthetic and don't have the wooden old school look that I prefer.

I asked for a rough quote.
The lady replied it depends on the area required.
It's around S$39 to S$52 per square metre area.
Additional S$2 per square metre for tempered glass.
So for a full balcony area, it costs from S$3,000.

 I went to test try another similar kind of sliding door at Jurong East IMM 3rd Floor's "Alumnium Grill"

The quote was from S$1,500.

It was cheaper, but it was much more difficult to move and keep the doors frequently.
Looks wise, it's about the same as PD Door.
I think it really depends on your budget and if you have more upper body strength.

Option 4: http://www.window.sg/unique_features.htm

Aluminium, Easy to Slide, Fully Collapsible. No Floor Tracking. 

Update 26 May 2013:

Went to Decorille Pte Ltd/Windows.sg Showroom.

The lady was not as friendly as I had hoped and seemed reluctant to share information.
She mentioned that it's not possible to install their special window systems on new flats.
And that the Sliding Door with the similar system would also be unsuitable as it had a thick track.
And shared that I needed to get approval to do such door installs with HDB.
I asked for a rough quote. And she said it would depend on the area or dimensions.
She said it would be better if I could give her the actual dimensions when my flat was ready.

She did not seemed interested to answer more queries thereafter.
Maybe she was trying to genuinely help me make a better choice based on my new flat.

Nonetheless, their special system windows/door systems looked pretty cool.
The windows series if I remember correctly from the visit, costs from S$3000 onwards.
My guess is that the door systems will cost higher.

They sold bi-fold toilet doors (Around S$300) and invisible window grill as well.

Update: 7 July 2013:

Found another foldable door vendor on the web at:
http://www.homehubandliving.com/stylish-designed-modern-kitchen-counter-top-island-with-frameless-door-system-designs


To Find Out More and Request for Budgetary Quote
Enquiry Consultant: Contact: +65 8223 4550
Email: Enquiry@HomeHubAndLiving.com

I think the pricing listing on the web was betwen S$1000 to $9999.
Best to enquire for more accuracy.

Mistakes to avoid:

1. Avoid choosing heavy wood doors.

http://www.renotalk.com/forum/topic/2805-bi-fold-glass-door/

"The size of the area that you want this glass determines what type of door control mechanism you need. Common mistake is the use of heavy wood, and the rolling mechanism is not strong enough to move the wood/glass panels after awhile. (mistake at my sister's house a few years ago)"

2. Choosing an expensive retail looking doors

http://www.renotalk.com/forum/topic/2805-bi-fold-glass-door/

"Most banks and shops use the slide and park system, where each glass is a standalone. Slide each piece of glass one by one, and push them to a parking bay, and then they close the swing door to conceal the glass....No one should even think about using Dorma unless you have deep pockets. EACH glass panel is estimated to cost $1,500. "

Will add more to this post when I get more information.

(Blog Post In Progress)

Update 9 June 2016:
We've finally got our flat. And did the relevant research for doors as we did not opt in for it.
Here are some Door Retailers/Manufacturers we've visited or have intended to visit for sharing:

1. SNK Doors
http://www.snkdoor.com/
(Great Pricing for Toilet Bi-Fold Doors and Standard Veneer Doors)

Cons: Its located around Jurong Industrial Area and kinda hard to get to.

2. Doctor Doors
http://www.doctordoors.com.sg/
Located at Admiralty.
Nice showroom with a grand entrance stairway.
They have some nice customized black industrial looking grilles here. 

3. Ministry Of Doors
http://www.ministryofdoor.com.sg/
Located at Ang Mo Kio.
Didn't make it here. But wanted to check it out.

4. PD Doors

http://www.pddoor.com.sg/
Located at Paya Lebar/Eunos area.
Good for browsing for balcony type of bi-fold door options.

5. My Digital Lock

http://www.mydigitallock.com.sg/Located at Yishun.
More choices for doors, locks and gate/grilles available here.
You can even get concrete laminates for your main and room doors!
Liked the modern interpretation/designs and laminate customization available here.
Lots of examples on their FB Page.

6. Contat Doors
http://www.contatdecor.com/
Located near Simpang Bedok.

You can get standard veneer and solid wooden doors here.
Even specially designed wired mesh barn doors that's all the rage now!
A mix of old and new.  Hidden gem.

7. Yong Fang
http://www.yongfang.com/
Nice show room. Good customer Service.
Located at Beauty World area.
You can get timber doors and even Peranakan Looking Doors customed here.
They've also jumped onto the customised barn door sliding door trend.
Checking out their promotions via walk-in or webpage.
There are some good deals available.

8. Yon Tat 

http://www.yontat.com.sg/
Located at Eunos Area.
Central Location. Standard Veneer Door Options.

9. Belglas

http://www.besglas.com/
Located at Toa Payoh Industrial Area.
Good for browsing combination of walk-in wardrobe system
And bi-fold doors. Laminated Glass Doors are also priced reasonably.

Lots of examples on their FB Page.

• [HI SEOUL][B2890] 2-tier Hanger-WhiteWash
• S$48.99