Swing Door vs Horizontal Sliding Wall: Which Is Better?

October 26, 2024

Key Takeaways

Swing doors have a traditional, classic look and are generally more affordable.
Horizontal sliding walls are a modern, minimalist aesthetic and optimize space usage.
Swing doors require clearance space to open while sliding walls can be moved around to merge or separate spaces.
Panda offers a range of customizable swing doors and horizontal sliding wall systems.

What Are Swing Doors?

Swing doors are mounted on hinges and can be opened either inwards, outwards, or both. They are a good choice if you’re looking for a more classic look – and they come in a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes.

Operating a swing door is simple – it opens and closes with a single push. This simplicity is part of the reason why swing doors have been around for centuries.

Pros of Swing Doors

Swing doors have a classic look that can complement various home styles – from colonial to contemporary.
They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, glass, and metal.
Generally, swing doors are more affordable compared to horizontal sliding walls.
Installing a swing door is relatively straightforward, which can save on labor costs.

Cons of Swing Doors

They need clearance space to open fully, which can be a limitation in smaller rooms.
The width of the door frame can restrict the opening – less ideal for wide spaces.
Furniture or other objects placed near the door can obstruct its swing path.

Commercial Swing door design by Panda Windows & Doors.

Founded in 1991, Panda Windows & Doors specializes in state-of-the-art custom glass wall systems for both residential and commercial spaces through Panda Windows & Doors. Operating from our manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, we have been at the forefront of innovation for over 30 years. Our extensive product lineup includes over 80 high-end offerings, such as pivot doors, French doors, folding doors, lift & slides, multi-slides, horizontal sliding walls, and operable windows. These systems are available in materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, solid wood, and aluminum-wood clad.

We are renowned for our award-winning designs, engineering solutions, and fast lead times, delivering in just 6-10 weeks to customers throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. Trusted by leading architectural firms and glaziers nationwide, we stand as the premier manufacturer of custom luxury windows and doors in the United States.

Explore Custom Solutions from Panda Windows & Doors Today

What Are Horizontal Sliding Walls?

Horizontal sliding walls, also known as sliding panels or HSW systems, are a modern alternative to traditional doors. The system is top-hung and is comprised of multiple individual panels that slide open on metal rails.

HSW systems are great for when you want to create an open floor plan – whether for residential or commercial buildings but are especially useful as interior partition walls.

Pros of Horizontal Sliding Walls

Since they slide rather than swing, these walls require no clearance space – ideal for smaller areas.
They have a sleek, minimalist look that can enhance the contemporary feel of your home.
Sliding walls can create expansive openings, perfect for blending indoor and outdoor spaces.
Due to the individual multiple panels, these systems can be configured in many different ways to meet your design requirements.

Cons of Horizontal Sliding Walls

Horizontal sliding walls are generally pricier compared to swing doors.
The tracks and rollers may need regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation.

A horizontal sliding wall system by Panda Windows & Doors.

Swing Doors vs Horizontal Sliding Walls

Aesthetic Comparison

Swing doors are stylish, even with their traditional, classic look. They can be designed to match your home’s architectural style – and are available in a variety of materials, including wood, glass, and metal.

Horizontal sliding walls, on the other hand, offer a modern, minimalist appearance. They feature large expanses of glass that create a seamless flow between your living spaces or the outdoors.

Functional Comparison

Swinging door systems are easy to operate – though they require clearance space to open, which can be a limitation in smaller rooms.

HSW, however, won’t take extra space. In spaces where views are a priority, the sliding wall doors open up to 100% and are stored outside of the opening for maximum, unobstructed sight lines.

Cost Comparison

Generally, swing doors are more affordable – especially standard models. Prices tend to start around $100, reaching over $500 for custom-made options with specialized materials and features.

Horizontal sliding walls cost more, usually due to the high-end materials and design complexity involved. The final amount you pay will depend on several factors, such as the size of the opening, the number of panels needed, and the level of customization requested. You can expect to pay anything from $1,000 to $5,000 per linear square foot.

Ideal Uses For Each Door Type

When to Choose Swing Doors

Use swing doors if:

You’re looking for a cost-effective door solution.
Your home has a classic or traditional design and you want a door system to complement the overall aesthetic.
You want a simple door system with little to no whistle.

Patio double swing door system by Panda Windows & Doors.

When to Choose Horizontal Sliding Walls

HSW systems are suitable for:

Creating a sleek, contemporary look that’s a hallmark of modern minimalist designs.
Maximizing space, whether you’re looking to merge, separate, or reconfigure your living rooms.
Smaller areas with no clearance for swing doors.
Creating a smooth flow between living spaces or bringing the outdoors in.

All aluminum horizontal sliding walls by Panda Windows & Doors.

Characteristics	Swing Doors	Horizontal Sliding Walls
Aesthetics	Traditional, classic look. Variety of material options (wood, glass, metal). Can be designed in diverse styles.	Modern, minimalist, and streamlined appearance. Large expanses of glass create a sleek, contemporary look. Well-suited for spaces with a modern or industrial design.
Function	Require clearance space to swing open. Provide a defined entryway and separation between spaces. Can be manual or automated.	Offer a 100% unobstructed opening when fully open. Maximize indoor-outdoor connection and flexible use of space. Often automated for convenient operation. Can provide improved energy efficiency and noise insulation.
Cost	Generally more affordable, especially for standard models. Custom designs may be more expensive Straightforward installation.	Tend to be more expensive due to custom engineering and specialized hardware. Cost can vary significantly based on size, number of panels, and level of customization. Complex installation may require specialized expertise.
When to Use	Spaces with enough clearance for the door to swing open. High-traffic areas like entryways and hallways. Situations requiring accessibility and emergency egress. Areas prioritizing security and privacy.	Maximizing transparency and views by providing a fully open space. Creating flexible indoor/outdoor spaces and room dividers. Enhancing the modern, contemporary aesthetic. Spaces with available lateral space for the panels to stack when open. High-traffic commercial applications like store entrances.

Comparison table between swing doors and horizontal sliding walls.

Making the Right Choice With Panda Windows & Doors

Swing doors and horizontal sliding walls offer distinct benefits, but the right choice for your build will depend on several factors – including the space you intend to cover, budget requirements, and the architectural style of your home.

At Panda Windows & Doors, we understand that it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect door solution, which is why our technicians are always ready to guide you in making an informed decision. Our extensive range of high-quality systems means you will find the perfect solution to meet your needs.

The Panda Process

Design: Share your vision with us – whether you want to swing doors or horizontal sliding walls – and our experts will help you select from over 80 customization options to meet your design, function, and performance requirements. Once your order is confirmed, we’ll create a detailed engineering plan for your approval before manufacturing begins.

Manufacturing: A project manager reviews your order and makes all materials needed for fabrication available. Precise milling and cutting are initiated with a CNC machine. Our skilled technicians will carefully assemble finished products while adhering to stringent standards.

Quality Control: Each product undergoes rigorous testing on our Test Wall. We operate the product multiple times, making final adjustments to ensure smooth functioning. Once it meets our quality standards, we provide photos and videos before packaging.

Packaging & Shipping: Products are carefully wrapped in protective materials and placed in custom-built crates, so they arrive intact, whether shipping domestically or internationally.

Delivery & Warranty: Upon receiving your order, inspect all items and register the product to activate the Limited Warranty. Apply a high-quality finish to all wood surfaces within seven days to prevent swelling and warping.

Care & Maintenance: Maintaining your Panda products is straightforward with our Care & Maintenance Guide. By following the recommended cleaning procedures and schedules, your products will retain their beauty and functionality for a lifetime. Note that we do not offer installation services.

Contact us to learn more about our swing doors and horizontal sliding walls for both residential and commercial purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are swing doors more secure than sliding walls?

Both swing doors and horizontal sliding walls come with security features that make them secure. At Panda, all our door systems come with the latest multi-point lock system for enhanced safety.

Do horizontal sliding walls provide better insulation?

Sliding walls, especially those with double or triple glazing, offer excellent insulation. They help maintain indoor temperatures by reducing heat transfer. Swing doors can also be energy-efficient if they are well-insulated and have proper seals.

How do I maintain horizontal sliding walls?

Maintaining horizontal sliding walls involves regular cleaning of the glass panels and tracks. Use our detailed Panda product maintenance guide to see how to best care for your swing doors or horizontal sliding walls.

Can swing doors be automated?

Yes, swing doors can be automated. We offer a wide range of customization options, including automation solutions to enhance the efficiency and convenience of your entryways.

What are the main differences between swing doors and horizontal sliding walls?

Swing doors are hung on hinges and open inward or outward when pushed. They have a traditional, classic look and need an arc radius to open. In contrast, horizontal sliding walls slide open on a rail track. They have a modern, minimalist appearance and are perfect for maximizing space.