Doors for Commercial Building
Not all commercial doors are built the same. The right one depends on how your business operates. This guide breaks down the Top 7 Door Options for Commercial Buildings, showing when to use each for better workflow, safety, energy efficiency, and design. Later, we’ll highlight which models work best in busy, hands-full environments.
Built for Smarter Business Flow and Function
Choosing the right door can transform how your business operates. Whether it’s for an office, warehouse, or retail space, every door type plays a unique role in safety, flow, and efficiency. Use this quick guide to find which option fits your space best and why. For high-traffic, hands-full environments, explore our PE and PC Series swinging doors, designed to handle constant movement while keeping your workspace professional, safe, and efficient.
The 7 Most Common Commercial Door Types
Every commercial space has unique requirements for accessibility, security, and design. From storefronts to warehouses, the right door can improve how people move through your building and how your business functions. Below are the seven most common door types used in commercial settings, along with where they work best and why businesses choose them.
Doors Designed for Appearance, Accessibility, and Space Efficiency
Hollow-Metal Doors
Known for their strength and reliability, hollow-metal doors are common in warehouses, storage areas, and maintenance rooms. Their solid construction offers excellent security, and many models include fire-rated options for added protection.
Glass and Aluminum Doors
Ideal for offices and retail storefronts, these doors bring in natural light while giving entrances a professional, modern appeal. They’re easy to maintain and help create an open, inviting atmosphere for customers.
Automatic Sliding Doors
These doors open quietly and without contact, making them perfect for hospitals, malls, and supermarkets. They promote smooth traffic flow, improve accessibility, and support ADA compliance for all users.
Roll-Up or Sectional Doors
Common in warehouses and loading docks, these doors provide secure closure while saving floor space. Their vertical operation helps keep aisles clear and offers strong protection against weather, dust, and debris.
Doors Built for Performance, Durability, and Safety
High-Performance Doors
Designed for demanding environments like cold storage facilities and manufacturing plants, high-performance doors open and close quickly to conserve energy and control airflow. Their speed and insulation make them ideal for temperature-sensitive spaces.
Swinging Traffic Doors
Used in busy environments such as kitchens, supermarkets, and stockrooms, swinging doors open in both directions to keep operations moving. Their hands-free design improves safety and convenience when carrying items or pushing carts.
Fire and Smoke-Rated Doors
Essential in exits, stairwells, and hallways, these doors help contain flames and smoke during an emergency. They’re required for code compliance and play a vital role in protecting both people and property.
The 7 Swinging Door Models That Boost Efficiency and Flow
Swinging doors are built for environments that never stop moving. With double-acting hinges and hands-free operation, they help staff move quickly and safely through high-traffic areas like restaurants, warehouses, and retail corridors. Below are seven of our PE and PC Series models, each crafted to enhance performance, durability, and day-to-day efficiency.
The PE-620ALC offers a sleek, lightweight design for spaces that value both function and appearance. It’s ideal for smaller businesses that want a professional, low-maintenance solution.
• Perfect for cafés, boutiques, and light retail spaces
• Operates smoothly for hands-full use
• Easy to clean and maintain daily
• Adds a polished, modern look to customer areas
Built for everyday reliability, the PE-710 balances strength and flexibility for staff on the go. Its medium-duty design performs consistently in spaces with steady movement and frequent use.
• Great for restaurant prep rooms and service corridors
• Resists impact during busy operations
• Opens easily in both directions for quick transitions
• Helps reduce staff fatigue during long shifts
The PE-720 blends durability with design, making it a top choice for customer-facing environments. Its refined finish and strong construction create a seamless look that withstands constant activity.
• Common in upscale retail and hospitality settings
• Handles heavy foot traffic while staying quiet
• Offers sound control for a more comfortable space
• Customizable options to complement interior branding
PE-8000 – Heavy-Duty Strength
Engineered for heavy use, the PE-8000 delivers dependable strength in high-impact areas. It’s designed to handle collisions and frequent operation without losing performance or appearance.
• Suited for manufacturing plants and warehouse aisles
• Reinforced panels prevent long-term wear
• Built for longevity with minimal upkeep
• Keeps operations steady in demanding conditions
PE-9000 – Energy-Efficient Powerhouse
Durable and energy-efficient, the PE-9000 enhances performance in temperature-controlled and large industrial spaces. It’s built to handle frequent cycles while reducing noise and energy loss.
• Ideal for distribution and logistics facilities
• Tight seals support indoor climate control
• Maintains shape under constant traffic
• Helps lower long-term operational costs
PC-1000 – Flexible & Functional
Flexible yet sturdy, the PC-1000 provides smooth access between work areas while offering light insulation. It’s a practical choice for facilities that need separation without slowing workflow.
• Best for dividing backrooms or light production spaces
• Soft-return feature reduces noise and wear
• Resists cracking or bending from frequent use
• Cost-effective for medium-traffic environments
PC-1500 – Insulated & Hygienic
The PC-1500 delivers excellent insulation for spaces that demand strict temperature and hygiene control. Its easy-clean surface and durable seals make it a reliable option for clean operations.
• Common in cold storage and food production facilities
• Thick insulated panels maintain stable conditions
• Designed for easy sanitation and low maintenance
• Prevents condensation and energy loss
Which Door Fits Your Business Best
Selecting the right commercial door goes beyond appearance or durability. The ideal option depends on how your space operates, the level of traffic it handles, and the safety standards it must meet.
| Door Type | Best For | Main Benefits | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow-Metal | Secure rooms, warehouses | Extremely durable and fire-rated for protection | Heavy weight and plain appearance |
| Glass & Aluminum | Retail fronts, offices | Modern, transparent, and visually appealing | Provides limited insulation |
| Automatic Sliding | Hospitals, malls | Touch-free entry, supports ADA compliance | Requires regular maintenance |
| Roll-Up / Sectional | Loading docks, garages | Saves space and resists harsh weather | Can generate operational noise |
| High-Performance | Cold storage, manufacturing | Fast-acting, energy-efficient, and insulated | Higher initial installation cost |
| Swinging Traffic (PE/PC Series) | High-traffic zones, kitchens, warehouses | Hands-free access, strong, customizable design | Needs clearance space to swing freely |
| Fire / Smoke-Rated | Exits, corridors, stairwells | Meets safety codes and limits fire spread | More costly to install and maintain |
No matter the size or purpose of your building, choosing the right door helps your operations run smoother and safer. Once you’ve identified what fits your space best, it’s equally important to make sure it meets safety and compliance standards. That’s where fire and smoke-rated doors come into play.
Safety & Compliance: Fire and Smoke-Rated Doors
While functionality and efficiency matter when choosing a commercial door, safety and compliance are equally critical. Beyond day-to-day operations, every facility must be equipped to handle emergencies and meet building code requirements. That’s where fire and smoke-rated doors come in, providing essential protection that safeguards both people and property.
| Feature | Why It Matters for Safety & Compliance |
|---|---|
| ✓ Fire-resistant cores and smoke seals | Contain flames and smoke to slow the spread, giving occupants more time to evacuate and first responders time to act. |
| ✓ Required locations: stairwells, corridors, and exits | Protect critical egress routes so people can move safely during an emergency while pathways remain usable. |
| ✓ Code and insurance compliance | Meets local building codes and insurer requirements, helping pass inspections and avoid penalties or project delays. |
| ✓ Compatible with existing door systems | Works alongside swinging traffic and roll-up doors to maintain workflow while meeting safety standards across the facility. |
| ✓ Expert selection and fit | We help you choose the right configurations for your layout and operations so your building stays protected and efficient. |
Fire-rated doors are more than a code requirement, they’re an investment in peace of mind. By combining durable construction with smart design, they ensure that your building stays protected, compliant, and ready for anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs: Commercial Door Questions Answered
What is the most durable commercial door?
Steel and industrial swinging doors handle heavy impact and frequent cycles, perfect for long-term use. Good fit: PE-8000 or PE-9000.
Which door works best for restaurants or kitchens?
Swinging traffic doors with cleanable surfaces and double-action hinges keep staff moving hands-free. Good fit: PE-710 or PE-720.
Are roll-up doors energy efficient?
Yes. Insulated roll-up doors reduce temperature loss and help lower monthly energy bills. Best for: warehouses or loading docks.
What’s the right door for cold storage areas?
Use insulated or high-performance swinging doors that seal tightly. Good fit: PC-1500 or PE-9000.
How do retail and industrial swinging doors differ?
Retail doors focus on appearance and light use; industrial doors emphasize insulation and durability. Retail: PE-720 | Industrial: PE-8000.
Which door type improves accessibility at entrances?
Automatic sliding doors provide smooth, touch-free entry and ADA-friendly clearances for all users.
Where are fire-rated doors required by code?
Typically in exits, stairwells, and corridors to protect evacuation routes during a fire. See our fire-rated door options.
How can I reduce collisions in busy hallways?
Choose swinging doors with clear vision panels and quiet return hinges. Good fit: PE-710 or PE-720.
What’s the best door for warehouse traffic?
Impact-resistant swinging or sectional doors handle forklifts and heavy carts efficiently. Good fit: PE-8000 or Roll-Up Sectional.
Can swinging doors reduce noise?
Yes. Models with insulated cores and perimeter seals help block sound between work zones. Good fit: PE-720 or PE-9000.
How long do commercial doors usually last?
High-quality doors can last 10–20 years with routine cleaning and hinge maintenance.
Are glass and aluminum doors safe for busy storefronts?
Yes. They use tempered or laminated glass and can include security locks or film coatings.
How much clearance does a swinging door need?
Allow space for the full swing path plus ADA-required doorway width. Our team sizes each door for proper fit.
Can I mix different door types in one facility?
Absolutely. Combining swinging, roll-up, and fire-rated doors balances convenience, safety, and climate control.
What upkeep do automatic doors require?
Regular cleaning of sensors and tracks plus periodic service checks keep them operating safely and smoothly.
Which door style is easiest to clean?
Doors with smooth panels, sealed edges, and kick plates simplify sanitation. Good fit: PE-620ALC or PE-710.
How do I pick the right door for my building?
Match door type to traffic flow, space use, and safety goals, then review our comparison chart or request a quote.
Do swinging doors meet hygiene standards?
Yes. When built with sealed frames and washable panels, they help maintain sanitation in prep areas. Good fit: PE-720 or PC-1500.
What improves temperature control near openings?
Insulated cores, perimeter gaskets, and fast-acting hinges maintain consistent climate zones. Good fit: PE-9000 or PC-1500.
Who can help me choose or install the right doors?
Our specialists assess your layout, traffic, and compliance needs to recommend the ideal commercial door setup.
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Match the Door to Your Business Needs
Every commercial door serves a specific purpose in keeping your business running smoothly, from improving security and compliance to enhancing energy efficiency and customer experience. When it comes to high-traffic areas where staff are constantly on the move, swinging doors offer the ideal blend of durability, safety, and convenience. Explore our PE and PC Series Swinging Doors or request a quote today to find the best match for your space and workflow.
Swinging Doors in Retail Spaces
