They’ve been used in residential applications such as patio doors for decades, and are now increasing traction in new markets thanks to many advantages compared to traditional swinging doors.
Some of the early adopters in commercial spaces were hotels utilizing sliders for restroom doors, and architects and designers are now implementing them into other applications as they realize the benefits.
Take a typical three-foot-wide door: although the overall operating space wanted isn’t a perfect square, when the lost space behind the hinge jamb (where the door frame is offset from the adjacent wall) is accounted for, it occupies about nine square feet.
Sliding doors are typically wider than swing doors, which results in ease of passage or traffic.
For privacy, you could use either a flush or stile and rail solid wood door.
Combining the full glass sliding door with a window wall maximizes daylighting, clear views and promotes the open design concept – even with the door closed.