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Home / Industrial Swinging Doors / How to Choose the Right Door for Your Backroom, Breakroom, or Prep Area

How to Choose the Right Door for Your Backroom, Breakroom, or Prep Area

Choosing Doors for Workplace Areas

Commercial kitchen setup with cream-colored double swinging doors representing how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area

Slow workflow, slamming doors, and sanitation issues can disrupt any workspace. This guide explains how the right swinging door improves speed, noise control, and cleanliness. It also helps you choose the best model for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area with expert insight from us.

Built for Smarter Business Flow and Function

Traffic Swinging Doors infographic showing How to Choose the Right Door for Your Backroom, Breakroom, or Prep Area, with labeled features including vision panel, sealed frame, durable core, and kick plate

Every workspace has different needs, but the right swinging door makes them all run smoothly. Whether it’s a breakroom, prep area, or backroom, we offer models designed for easy movement, lasting durability, and quiet performance. Explore our PE-series doors to find the perfect fit for your team and create a workspace that’s faster, cleaner, and built for long-term efficiency.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Door

Now that you understand how swinging doors improve workflow and comfort, it’s time to look at what factors matter most before choosing one for your space. The right door doesn’t just fit the frame, it fits your team’s pace, cleanliness standards, and daily workflow needs.

Staff member using commercial swinging doors in an office breakroom illustrating how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area
Employee entering a backroom through double swinging doors in a warehouse showing how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area

Choosing the Right Door for Your Environment

Traffic and Usage

Think about how your space operates day to day. Breakrooms with light foot traffic work best with lightweight doors that open smoothly and quietly.

Prep areas or storage rooms with frequent movement need sturdier models built to handle carts, equipment, and continuous use without slowing your team down.

Hygiene and Cleanability

In kitchens or sanitation zones, surface materials matter most. Choose smooth, nonporous doors that resist moisture and are easy to wipe clean.

This helps maintain a professional appearance while supporting high hygiene standards, keeping your workspace sanitary and safe for staff and customers alike.

Performance and Long-Term Value

Performance and Comfort

A well-designed swinging door improves everyday comfort in busy spaces. Look for features that minimize noise, stabilize room temperature, and support smooth movement. Insulated cores help regulate airflow, while soft-close hinges prevent slamming and reduce distractions.

These details keep your workspace quieter, more efficient, and pleasant for staff and customers throughout the day.

Durability and Maintenance

Long-term value comes from materials that last. Reinforced panels, kick plates, and sealed edges protect your door from wear and impact in high-traffic areas.

Low-maintenance finishes make cleaning quick and easy, saving time on upkeep. Choosing durable materials ensures reliable performance for years.

Best PE-Series Swinging Doors for Your Business

After considering your workspace’s needs, it’s time to match those details to a door that fits perfectly. The PE-series swinging doors are built for different environments, offering dependable performance, easy cleaning, and quiet operation suited for every type of commercial space.

PE-620ALC – Lightweight and Quiet

The PE-620ALC is a lightweight option that combines simplicity with style. Its aluminum-clad design ensures smooth movement while adding a professional touch to customer-facing or staff areas.

• Ideal for breakrooms, staff corridors, and light retail spaces
• Lightweight construction supports effortless entry and exit
• Quiet operation promotes a calm, comfortable atmosphere
• Modern appearance complements clean interior designs
• Durable finish maintains its polished look over time

More Info
Stainless-steel double swinging doors in a staff breakroom example of how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area

PE-710 – Balanced for Daily Use

The PE-710 delivers dependable strength and flexibility for daily commercial use. Designed for spaces with steady activity, it blends performance and comfort while maintaining a polished look.

• Ideal for restaurant prep areas, stockrooms, and service corridors
• Medium-duty construction withstands frequent opening and closing
• Quiet swing mechanism supports a smoother work environment
• Impact-resistant panels reduce wear and tear in busy areas
• Attractive surface choices complement any professional layout

More Info
Black swinging door separating prep room from kitchen showing how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area

PE-720 – Heavy-Duty for Busy Workflows

Built for the busiest commercial environments, the PE-720 delivers exceptional strength and durability. Its reinforced ABS construction keeps up with fast-paced operations and constant foot traffic.

• Ideal for restaurant kitchens, backrooms, and service corridors
• Reinforced build withstands heavy impact and repeated use
• Soft-close hinges reduce noise and prevent slamming
• Two-way swing design supports quick, hands-free access
• Reliable long-term performance for demanding spaces

More Info
Clean commercial kitchen with double beige swinging doors demonstrating how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area

PE-8000 – Industrial-Grade Strength

For large-scale facilities and high-impact areas, the PE-8000 delivers unmatched toughness. Its insulated foam core provides both durability and temperature stability in challenging environments.

• Best suited for warehouses, stockrooms, and industrial areas
• Impact-resistant core endures carts, pallets, and equipment use
• Insulated design helps regulate temperature between rooms
• Smooth surface allows quick cleaning and maintenance
• Built to deliver long-lasting strength and consistent performance

More Info
Heavy-duty red swinging doors installed in a warehouse storage zone example of how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area

Which Door Fits Your Space Best?

Still unsure which model fits your specific space? Here’s a quick reference guide to help you decide. Each area of your business has different demands, so choosing the right door depends on how that space is used and how much traffic it handles every day.

Area Recommended Model Ideal Features Why It’s the Best Fit
Breakroom PE-620ALC Quiet, light, and modern Keeps staff areas calm and professional, making daily movement easy and comfortable.
Prep Area PE-710 or PE-720 Sanitary, durable, easy-swing Supports constant movement and easy cleaning in busy kitchens or food prep zones.
Backroom / Stock Area PE-720 or PE-8000 Impact-resistant and insulated Handles heavy cart traffic and temperature changes in high-activity storage areas.

Each workspace has unique demands, and this quick guide makes it simple to see which door fits yours best, from quiet breakrooms to high-traffic backrooms.

How Swinging Doors Improve Speed, Noise & Convenience

After seeing how each door fits different spaces, let’s explore how real businesses use them to solve everyday challenges. These examples show how the right swinging door can make a noticeable difference in workflow, comfort, and overall efficiency.

Use Case Problem Solution Benefit
✔ Restaurant Kitchens (PE-720) Constant movement between prep and dining causes noise, bottlenecks, and temperature swings. Reinforced ABS door with soft-close, double-acting hinges supports quick, hands-free passage and reduces slamming. Faster service lines, contained kitchen noise, and smoother workflows during peak hours.
✔ Convenience Stores (PE-710) Staff must restock quickly without holding doors open or blocking aisles. Lightweight, double-acting swing enables seamless, hands-free movement between storage and sales floors. Faster restocking, clear walkways, and a quieter, more organized shopping experience.
✔ Warehouse Breakrooms (PE-8000) Heavy cart traffic and loud equipment disturb staff and damage nearby doors. Insulated foam core and reinforced surface absorb impact and help block noise transfer. Quieter break areas and a door that stands up to years of industrial use.
✔ Retail & Office Break Areas (PE-620ALC) Noise from corridors or stockrooms disrupts staff breaks and meetings. Lightweight, aluminum-clad door with quiet, gentle close preserves privacy and comfort. Calm, professional spaces with easy movement and a polished look.

In any industry, the right door can be more than just a barrier, it’s part of the workflow. From improving staff flow to maintaining cleaner, quieter spaces, these real-world examples show how swinging doors make everyday operations smoother, safer, and more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Swinging Doors

What is the best swinging door for a restaurant prep area that needs durability and easy cleaning?

The PE-710 and PE-720 are perfect for food prep areas. They feature smooth, nonporous surfaces that resist moisture and are easy to sanitize, ensuring cleanliness in your kitchen.

How do commercial swinging doors help reduce noise in busy workplaces?

The PE-720 and PE-8000 use soft-close hinges and insulated cores to absorb sound and prevent slamming, which helps maintain a quieter, more comfortable work environment.

Are swinging doors easy to install in existing openings?

Yes, most PE-series swinging doors come pre-hung or sized for standard door frames, making installation fast and simple for any commercial space.

Can swinging doors help control temperature between rooms?

The PE-720 and PE-8000 feature insulated cores that regulate airflow and temperature, helping maintain consistent conditions between rooms such as kitchens or storage areas.

How long do PE-series swinging doors usually last?

With regular cleaning and maintenance, PE-series doors last 10–15 years or more, even under heavy commercial use, ensuring long-term durability.

What makes swinging doors better than standard hinged doors for commercial spaces?

Unlike hinged doors, swinging doors open both ways and close automatically, offering hands-free movement, quicker workflow, and improved hygiene in shared spaces.

Are these doors safe for food-grade or sanitation-required environments?

Yes, the PE-710 and PE-720 have smooth, nonporous surfaces that meet hygiene standards, making them ideal for use in kitchens, grocery prep zones, and washdown areas.

Can I customize my swinging door to fit specific dimensions or styles?

Yes, PE-series doors can be customized in size, color, and finish to fit your specific needs, matching your brand and the layout of your facility.

What door model works best for light-traffic areas like breakrooms?

The PE-620ALC is ideal for breakrooms or lounges. It’s lightweight, quiet, and has a modern aluminum-clad design that blends well with staff or customer areas.

Are swinging doors energy efficient?

Yes, the PE-8000 includes insulated foam cores that reduce air exchange between temperature-controlled zones, helping to improve energy efficiency.

How do swinging doors improve efficiency in retail or restaurant spaces?

Models like the PE-710 and PE-720 feature double-acting designs that allow hands-free, two-way traffic, improving staff movement between areas without disrupting operations.

Which swinging door is best for offices or quiet lounge areas?

The PE-620ALC offers a silent swing and a modern design, making it the best choice for low-traffic zones where comfort and appearance matter.

Can swinging doors handle carts, pallets, or trolleys?

The PE-720 and PE-8000 are reinforced for impact resistance, allowing carts and heavy equipment to pass through without causing damage to the door.

Are PE-series swinging doors rust-resistant?

Yes, PE-series doors are built with durable materials and sealed edges that resist corrosion, making them ideal for humid or washdown environments.

How do I maintain my swinging doors for long-term performance?

To keep PE-series doors in top shape, simply wipe surfaces with a mild cleaner and check hinges regularly. Their low-maintenance finishes make upkeep quick and easy.

Do PE-series swinging doors meet commercial safety standards?

Yes. All PE-series doors come with clear vision panels to improve visibility and reduce the risk of collisions, meeting commercial building safety requirements.

How do swinging doors help maintain hygiene in food service areas?

The seamless surfaces on PE-series doors prevent bacteria buildup and are easy to sanitize between shifts, making them ideal for food service environments.

Can these doors be used in cold storage or refrigerated spaces?

Yes. The PE-8000 is designed for cold storage and refrigerated environments, with its insulated foam core ensuring temperature stability.

Can I replace an existing hinged door with a swinging door?

Yes, most swinging doors are compatible with standard openings, requiring only minor frame adjustments during installation to retrofit an existing hinged door.

Where can I explore available models or request a quote?

You can explore full details of the PE-series swinging doors or request a custom quote directly on our website: [link to website].

Photo Gallery

Clean commercial kitchen with double beige swinging doors demonstrating how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area
Employee entering a backroom through double swinging doors in a warehouse showing how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area
Heavy-duty red swinging doors installed in a warehouse storage zone example of how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area
Stainless-steel double swinging doors in a staff breakroom example of how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area
Staff member using commercial swinging doors in an office breakroom illustrating how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area
Black swinging door separating prep room from kitchen showing how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area

The Right Door Keeps Your Business Moving

The right swinging door doesn’t just improve how your team moves, it transforms how your workspace functions. From quiet, comfortable breakrooms to efficient prep areas and durable backrooms, each PE-series model is engineered to make daily operations seamless. Built for performance, safety, and longevity, these doors help your business stay organized and professional year after year. Explore the PE-series swinging doors or request a custom quote today to find the perfect model for your space.

Choosing the Right Door for Your Space

Isometric illustration of a backroom workspace showing staff organizing boxes and using swinging doors, representing how to choose the right door for your backroom, breakroom, or prep area

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Filed Under: Industrial Swinging Doors, Kitchen Swinging Doors, Resturant Swinging Doors, Retail Swinging Doors

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"PAYLON had the quality that was lacking with our previous industrial door supplier. We run a fortune 500 company that relies on zero downtime. The PAYLON industrial door system just lasts longer and is made of better materials. I informed purchasing that if its not from PAYLON, then we don't want it!" - Fred Dixon 

"The PAYLON restaurant doors look great! No one was as helpful or as knowledgeable as your staff and that was a big deciding factor for us. When the restaurant doors arrived the installation was flawless. We now have a restaurant door that we can be proud of and that will last for many years." - Jackie McGarb

"THE BEST!!! Hands Down!!. The doors have stronger build and the steel is the best quality that we have seen. The service is also top notch and we have answers to our questions instantly. You can tell this is a well run company and they have taken care of all the projects that we have thrown at them." - Mike Richards

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PAYLON Traffic Swinging Door is a global supplier of industrial and commercial doors. Our staff has over a 100 years of combined knowledge to make your industrial door project a success. LEARN MORE ABOUT US

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