What kind of door for sunroom?

secutanudu · 10-07-2011, 12:46 PM

Some friends of mine have a sunroom off the back of their kitchen. Due to the open framing & number of windows, there is no great way to get insulation in the walls. The room has its own gas fireplace for heat, nothing else.

We want sort of glass door to close off that area but still be able to see in. They would prefer not to have a normal sliding glass door, as it cannot be opened fully. Also, if something could NOT have a track on the floor that would be idea, and t something that would take up as little room as possible when open. So I am thinking some sort of exterior-grade bifold door orsimilar.

Even better would be something (easily) removable for the summer.

Pics are attached, any ideas? Thanks.

DexterII · 10-07-2011, 01:02 PM

My first imprrssion is that I would probably consider some multi-pane or full pane french doors, probably treated with curtains that tied back in the center, but able to be released to fully cover the panes on cold days. The area looks very nice, but just a bit busy, so there will be a trade-off someplace, in regard to which way the doors open, but I think you will find that it may be less resticted with a full size door than with a bi-fold.

secutanudu · 10-07-2011, 01:10 PM

What about some type of door with tracks that hold it on the wall (above and below the opening, inside the sunroom), instead of the floor. Maybe they could slide left and right? Sort of like one of those automatic doors when you go into walmart....Like...this:

DexterII · 10-07-2011, 04:05 PM

I don't know what might be available as a packaged unit, but I have seen some very nice installations similar to that, for dens, etc., and since the room appears to be a little bit "rustic", in that the siding is in place and it looks like the walls and ceiling may be paneled and/or stained, you might be able to pull off something with decorative shed type door hardware. I doubt that the big boxes carry what you want, but am certain that you can find it through a lumber yard. As for the doors themselves, maybe you just order slabs with whatever size and window configuration is desired, and go from there. Maybe some sweeps along the top and sides of the jambs, and strip tacked to one of the doors to provide an overlap when both are closed. Just some thoughts.

Ron6519 · 10-07-2011, 08:50 PM

Hinged french door, opening out from kitchen.

secutanudu · 10-07-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron6519

Hinged french door, opening out from kitchen.

only problem it'd be tough to open them all the way with the tv and couch in the way.

Ron6519 · 10-07-2011, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secutanudu

only problem it'd be tough to open them all the way with the tv and couch in the way.

Rearrange the room.

secutanudu · 10-16-2011, 12:48 PM

Do they make french doors that are...split and hinged up the center of each one. So each door would actually be 2 panels that are hinged together, and the whole thing does not run on a track.

Ron6519 · 10-16-2011, 02:59 PM

They have bifold doors. You can get them in glass. They can be interior or exterior doors. You might need a top track to carry the weight of an exterior door.

1910NE · 10-17-2011, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secutanudu

What about some type of door with tracks that hold it on the wall (above and below the opening, inside the sunroom), instead of the floor. Maybe they could slide left and right? Sort of like one of those automatic doors when you go into walmart....Like...this:

I like this idea. You could actually build them as pocket doors if you wanted to (framing out into the porch area) to protect the doors and give it a more finished look.