Architect's Guide to Doors

Door is not only an elegant transition of space, but also a fusion carrier of intelligent technology and artisanal design. Each door is precisely calculated and aesthetically considered, giving the architectural space a perfect balance of safety, functionality and artistic value.

The choice of door is a delicate balance of aesthetics, functionality and safety - it directly defines the quality of the project and at the same time becomes a silent expression of the personality of the designer and the user.

Since 1994, we have been rooted in Foshan, the 'Capital of Windows and Doors of China', we have been connecting the global architecture and human habitat with customized windows and doors.In the past 30 years, our products have covered 30+ countries in Europe, America, Southeast Asia, etc., and have served more than 100,000 architects and homeowners - from the intelligent panoramic windows of the Dubai mansions to the energy-saving systems of the Singapore green apartments. In the past 30 years, our products have covered 30+ countries in Europe, America, Southeast Asia and other countries, serving more than 100,000 architects and homeowners - from the intelligent panoramic windows in Dubai's luxury apartments to the energy-saving systems in Singapore's green apartments, each window and door carries the mission of 'making life better'. Relying on ISO 9001 international certification and Foshan's industrial cluster advantage, we continue to redefine the dialog between space and nature with our diversified categories (covering 8 series of intelligent, soundproof and energy-saving products).

The guide details the key elements of high-end door systems: material selection, design considerations, technical standards and sustainable solutions, demonstrating a commitment to professionalism and innovation to support selection decisions for residential, commercial and public building projects.

Materials

We offer door system solutions in all material systems: from classic French patio doors and modern swing doors to large landscape doors that push the boundaries of space, meeting the full range of customization needs for residential, commercial and remodeling projects, including flexible sizes, multiple configurations and individual designs.

Exterior Applications

Solid wood: Commonly used for exterior doors, offering exceptional flexibility and customization options. Features natural finishes in materials including oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, maple, cedar, and pine. Additionally, a variety of paintable solid wood doors in softwood species such as pine and western hemlock are available.

Steel: Steel doors are the best choice when security and durability are the primary design considerations. Steel doors are stronger than wood and fiberglass doors and will neither crack nor warp. All steel doors have a wood or steel inner frame. The cavity inside the frame is filled with high-density foam insulation.

Aluminum doors offer two surface finishes: smooth and woodgrain. The enamel-coated version provides superior rust resistance, making it suitable for long-term use in humid environments.

Fiberglass Composite Doors: Durable and maintenance-free, their woodgrain texture perfectly replicates the appearance of wood. They can be stained to match various wood tones such as oak, cherry, and walnut. Beneath the molded surface lies a concealed wooden door frame and handle assembly, including wooden edges for the lock mechanism. The door frame cavity is filled with polyurethane foam insulation.

Our exterior doors include beautifully designed, craftsman-quality construction and the widest range of shapes, styles, sizes and options. In addition, the door product line is comprised of extruded aluminum interiors and high-density fiberglass exteriors that meet the strict principles of modern design. The basic line uses fiberglass interiors and exteriors with streamlined finishes and options available. This flexibility and product range allows us to meet the changing needs of consumers.

Types of Doors

There are a variety of door types that should be selected based on material preference, type of operation and security considerations. Marvin offers nine main door types:

Sliding Doors: Sliding doors have one or more panels that open by sliding or hanging rollers. They save space and help open up a room. Sliding doors come in a variety of styles, including multi-slide, French, barn, pocket, lift-and-slide and patio doors (sometimes called glass sliding doors). The recently introduced Ultimate Sliding Door breaks new ground in this category with its streamlined aluminum clad door that complements the beauty of a flush door.

The new Ultimate sliding door, with its streamlined design that makes vinyl invisible on the inside and outside when closed, and symmetrically aligned stile, eliminates shadow lines by having no interior glass presses, jamb liners, or shaped interior baffles, opening up new horizons for aluminum products.

The YAJI sliding door system offers seven standard configuration options.

MULTI-SLIDING DOORS: Multi-sliding doors have multiple movable panels that can be stacked or hidden in wall pockets when open. They serve to increase wide views and openings. Multi-slide doors are sliding doors with multiple moving panels arranged in a row. When open, the panels can be stacked side-by-side near the edge of the door frame or hidden in a wall pocket. Because of the many panels, multi-slide doors have very large openings, some as high as 12 feet and over 50 feet wide.

Bi-Fold Doors: Also known as folding doors or accordion doors, these doors feature two or more folding hinged panels. They are one of the most popular patio door styles. They consist of multiple panels that are hinged to each other and can be folded open and closed like an accordion. Interior bi-folding doors are often used in closets or storage rooms and usually have two panels. Exterior bi-folding doors have many floor-to-ceiling glass panels that open to reveal up to 55 feet of access space.

ENTRY DOORS: These doors are usually the passageway between a home and an outdoor space or garage. These doors feature one or more panels that open and close on hinges. Entry doors utilize more durable construction. Common panel materials include aluminum, composite, fiberglass, steel or wood. Unlike interior swinging doors, entry doors have weather stripping and thresholds to withstand harsh weather conditions. Many entry doors also feature glass panels or transoms and sidelights to allow for natural light and improved sight lines.

INTERIOR DOORS: YA JI offers a wide variety of interior and entry doors, all built to order. Using the highest quality materials from the start and offering the most flexible design opportunities, we are committed to creating the best interior doors in the industry.

Lift & Slide Doors: Can be used with large door panels that are lifted off the track by a carefully designed slider system for gravity-defying operation and effortless fingertip operation. They include wood interiors, wood or aluminum-clad exteriors, and doorways up to 47 feet wide and 12 feet high. You can choose from 22 operating configurations.

Flush Doors: Flush doors are the most common type of door and feature one or more hinged panels that swing open and closed. Casement doors are available in both single and multiple panel designs. The direction in which the door swings (to the right or to the left) is referred to as the “handle”. Exterior swing doors can also be differentiated based on whether the door opens inward or outward toward the building, i.e., “inward” or “outward”.

GARAGE DOORS: Coastline garage doors complement any contemporary style. You can design a showpiece with clear glass or block the view with tinted glass or decorative glass coatings while retaining natural light. It is made of durable, low-maintenance extruded aluminum and impact-resistant glass. It measures over 18 feet wide and 14 feet tall with a maximum area of 229 square feet.

Aesthetics

As a key architectural component, doors directly influence spatial visual continuity. Their design must harmonize with the overall architectural style while serving as a visual transition between interior and exterior spaces.

SIZE: Be sure to indicate the height, width and desired thickness of the door. It's also important to note that the clear width of the door must be at least 32 inches, according to ADA standards.

Paint: Some door products come with a primer already applied, making them the perfect choice for painting. Depending on the door you choose, ask your dealer what type of paint they recommend, or choose an interior finish where the door is painted/finished by the manufacturer. Marvin offers white, black or clear coat options.

Hardware: Door hardware (handles/hinges/door knockers) is available in brass, bronze, copper, chrome-plated, nickel-plated, and black finishes. Supports textured embossing, oil-rubbed, matte, satin, distressed, and antique finishes, enabling layered texture designs through combination.

Door Frames: Door frames are a sometimes overlooked component that is a critical factor for both security measures and insulation. Common materials include vinyl, wood, aluminum extrusions and composite door frames.

Design Details

Square Tape: Square Tape creates a clean, square transition on the inside edge of the window or door where the glass meets the jamb, ideal for a sleek, modern look.

In windows and doors, authentic divided-pane grilles (ADL) feature each grille mullion independently separated by glass; simulated divided-pane grilles (SDL), as a more energy-efficient option, permanently affix the grille mullions to both sides of a single pane of glass.

Smothered Roofs: Large window walls that open the space to the outdoors can create impressive views. We have a wide range of mulled arc capabilities that allow us to use larger areas of glass for larger certified assemblies.