Folding doors, also known as bi-fold doors or folding glass walls, have revolutionized modern architecture, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces. They create expansive openings, flood interiors with natural light, and offer a level of flexibility that traditional patio doors cannot match.
This comprehensive guide introduces the top 10 folding door manufacturers of 2025, detailing their history, material specialization, technological innovations, and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re renovating, building a new home, or working on a commercial project, this list will help you find the perfect folding door solution.
*If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, contact us directly to discuss your needs and get a tailored recommendation.
1. Centor
- Founded: 1951
- Headquarters: Brisbane, Australia
- Materials: Aluminum, Wood
- Key Features: A pioneer in the industry, Centor is renowned for its integrated door systems that include built-in screens and shades. Their patented hardware is engineered for effortless, fingertip operation, even with the largest and heaviest doors. Centor’s focus on weather sealing and thermal performance makes their doors suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Best for: Homeowners seeking a complete, integrated system with premium weather-sealing and smooth operation.
2. LaCantina
- Founded: 1993
- Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
- Materials: Aluminum, Wood, Vinyl
- Key Features: LaCantina is a dominant force in the U.S. market, known for its high-quality, contemporary designs. As part of the JELD-WEN family, they offer extensive product lines, including multi-slide and swing systems. LaCantina’s doors are characterized by their narrow sightlines, durable construction, and exceptional thermal performance.
- Best for: Modern residential and commercial projects that prioritize sleek aesthetics and a wide range of material choices.
3. Tengyu
Founded: 2002
Headquarters: Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Key Features: Tengyu specializes in durable, high-performance door hardware tested for high cycle counts and heavy loads. They offer complete, customizable kits with features like soft-closing mechanisms and anti-corrosion finishes.
Product Line: Tengyu provides comprehensive door and hardware solutions, including sliding, barn, and glass partition systems, along with a full range of door accessories.
Best For: Contractors, developers, and wholesale buyers seeking reliable, professional-grade, and customizable hardware for both commercial and residential projects.
4. Panda Windows & Doors
- Founded: 1991
- Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Materials: Aluminum, Steel
- Key Features: Panda specializes in crafting oversized, custom folding doors for luxury projects. They are celebrated for their ultra-slim profiles, which maximize glass and views. Panda offers a range of thermally broken aluminum and steel systems, including impact-rated options for hurricane-prone regions.
- Best for: High-end, architecturally ambitious projects that demand massive, uninterrupted openings and a modern aesthetic.
5. Solarlux
- Founded: 1983
- Headquarters: Melle, Germany
- Materials: Aluminum, Wood
- Key Features: A German engineering powerhouse, Solarlux is globally recognized for its precision-crafted folding glass doors. They offer some of the slimmest profiles on the market, along with exceptional thermal insulation and security features. Solarlux systems are rigorously tested for air, wind, and water resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Best for: Projects that demand the highest standards of European design, engineering, and thermal performance.
6. Marvin
- Founded: 1912
- Headquarters: Warroad, Minnesota, USA
- Materials: Wood, Aluminum-Clad Wood
- Key Features: With over a century of experience in window and door manufacturing, Marvin brings a legacy of craftsmanship to its folding door offerings. Their doors are known for their beauty, durability, and energy efficiency. Marvin offers extensive customization options, allowing you to match the design to your home’s architectural style.
- Best for: Homeowners who value traditional craftsmanship, material beauty, and a long-standing reputation for quality.
7. Origin
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: High Wycombe, UK (with US operations in Florida)
- Materials: Aluminum
- Key Features: Origin has quickly become a leading name in the premium aluminum folding door market. They are known for their ultra-slim sightlines, high-quality components, and industry-leading warranties. Origin also offers some of the fastest lead times in the industry, making them a great choice for projects with tight deadlines.
- Best for: Fast-track residential and commercial projects that require a modern, high-performance aluminum system.
8. Weather Shield
- Founded: 1955
- Headquarters: Medford, Wisconsin, USA
- Materials: Wood, Aluminum-Clad Wood, Vinyl
- Key Features: Weather Shield has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and energy-efficient windows and doors. Their folding door systems are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, with options for impact-rated glass. They offer a wide range of finishes and hardware to complement any design aesthetic.
- Best for: Mid- to high-end residential projects in demanding climates where energy efficiency and durability are top priorities.
9. Kolbe
- Founded: 1946
- Headquarters: Wausau, Wisconsin, USA
- Materials: Wood, Aluminum-Clad Wood
- Key Features: Kolbe is known for its artisanal approach to window and door manufacturing, offering a vast array of customization options. Their folding doors are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from the selection of fine woods to the application of beautiful, durable finishes.
- Best for: Custom residential projects that require a high level of design flexibility and a focus on craftsmanship.
10. Apro
- Founded: 2008
- Headquarters: City of Industry, California, USA
- Materials: Aluminum
- Key Features: Apro has emerged as a strong contender in the folding door market, offering both standard and custom solutions. They are known for their competitive pricing, fast lead times, and willingness to work on unique and challenging projects. As an OEM and ODM provider, they also have deep expertise in manufacturing and design.
- Best for: Homeowners and builders looking for a customizable, high-quality aluminum system with a strong value proposition.
How to Choose the Right Manufacturer
When selecting a folding door manufacturer, consider the following factors:
- Material: Aluminum offers a sleek, modern look, while wood provides a classic, warm aesthetic.
- Climate: Look for features like thermal breaks and impact ratings if you live in a region with extreme temperatures or weather events.
- Budget: Prices can vary significantly between manufacturers and materials.
- Design: Consider the overall style of your home and choose a manufacturer that offers complementary designs and finishes.
- Warranty: A strong warranty provides peace of mind and is a good indicator of a manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
Conclusion
The right folding doors can transform a house into a dream home. The manufacturers on this list represent the best in the industry, each offering a unique combination of design, performance, and innovation. By considering your specific needs and priorities, you can confidently choose a folding door system that will bring you joy and value for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main benefits of folding doors?
Folding doors create a large, unobstructed opening, seamlessly connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces. They maximize natural light, make rooms feel more spacious, and are highly space-efficient as the panels fold neatly to the side.
What materials are folding doors made from?
The most common materials are:
- Aluminum: Strong, durable, and allows for very slim frames, maximizing the glass area.
- Timber: Offers a classic, warm aesthetic but requires more maintenance.
- uPVC: A budget-friendly option that provides good insulation, though frames are typically bulkier.
Are folding doors secure and energy-efficient?
Yes. Reputable manufacturers equip their doors with multi-point locking systems for high security. For energy efficiency, they use double or triple-glazing, thermal breaks in the frames, and weather seals to provide excellent insulation, which can help lower your energy bills.
How much maintenance do folding doors require?
Maintenance is generally low. Aluminum and uPVC frames just need occasional cleaning. The most important task is keeping the tracks clean from debris to ensure the doors operate smoothly.
Can folding doors be installed in an older home?
Absolutely. They can be a great addition to period properties. It is important to choose a material and color that complements the home’s existing architectural style. For instance, timber frames or aluminum in a heritage color often work well.