Sliding, Swing or Telescopic: Which Automatic Door Is Right for Your Building?
Choosing the right type of automatic door depends on your building, the space available and how people use the entrance. Here is a simple comparison.
Automatic sliding doors
Sliding doors move sideways along a track. They are the most common choice for shops, offices and public buildings because they save space, give a wide opening and suit busy entrances. They need room beside the opening for the door panels to slide. See our automatic sliding doors.
Automatic swing doors
Swing doors open outwards or inwards like a conventional door, driven by a motor. They suit places where there is no room for a track, and are common on internal routes, accessible entrances and older buildings. They need a clear area in the swing path. See our automatic swing doors.
Automatic telescopic doors
Telescopic doors have multiple panels that slide over one another. This gives a wider clear opening than a standard sliding door in the same width, which is useful where the frame is narrow but traffic is heavy. See our automatic telescopic doors.
Questions to ask before you choose
- How wide is the opening, and how much space is there beside and in front of it?
- How many people will use it, and will they have trolleys, wheelchairs or luggage?
- Is it part of an escape route?
- How secure does it need to be when closed?
- What look and glazing suit the building?
- What are the long-term maintenance needs?
If you are not sure, we can survey the entrance and recommend the best option. Our sector pages show the door types we typically fit for different kinds of building.
