The Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Restaurant Doors
The Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Restaurant Doors
Restaurant doors aren’t just for show—they’re crucial to a restaurant’s functionality. A well-chosen door ensures smooth traffic flow, maintains hygiene standards, and enhances the restaurant's ambiance. For example, kitchen traffic doors must open easily, withstand heavy use, and prevent accidents. Meanwhile, doors leading to dining areas should complement the restaurant's decor while remaining practical and durable.
In high-traffic areas like kitchens, durability is essential. Doors in these environments are opened and closed countless times a day, often by people with their hands full of food or supplies. This is why choosing doors that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy restaurant without breaking down is crucial.
What to Look for in Restaurant Doors
So, what should you keep in mind when selecting restaurant doors? Here’s a fresh take:
1. Purpose and Placement
Determine where the door will be located and its intended use. Is it a kitchen door that needs to withstand heavy traffic and fast-paced movement? Or a dining area door that should enhance ambiance and make a great first impression? The door’s purpose will dictate the materials, design, and features you should consider.
2. Traffic Flow and Efficiency
In a busy restaurant, doors need to work with the flow of people, not against it. Doors that swing both ways, like many traffic doors, help prevent bottlenecks and ensure that staff can move freely, even when their hands are full. Consider doors with reliable hinge systems, such as the Easy Swing Hinge® System, for smooth, hands-free operation and efficient traffic flow.
3. Durability and Maintenance
Restaurant doors are subjected to constant use, so durability is key. Look for doors made from materials that can handle frequent opening and closing without wearing out quickly.Stainless steel is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens.
High-pressure laminate is another great option for doors that need to look good and last long. Additionally, consider how easy the door will be to maintain. A door that’s easy to clean and doesn’t require frequent repairs is a smart investment.
4. Safety and Visibility
Safety should always be a priority in a restaurant. Consider doors with vision panels, which allow staff to see if someone is on the other side, reducing the chance of collisions. This is especially important in fast-paced kitchen environments where visibility is key to avoiding accidents.
Also, smooth and reliable door operation is essential—doors that stick or are hard to push open can be hazardous in a busy setting.
5. Aesthetics and Customization
While functionality is critical, aesthetics should not be overlooked. The door should complement the design and theme of your restaurant. Whether you’re aiming for a modern look or something more traditional, there’s a door that fits your style.
Customization options, such as choosing the right color, finish, or adding features like impact plates or custom windows, allow you to tailor the door to perfectly match your restaurant’s vibe.
Top Restaurant Door Options
Here are some top restaurant doors that offer a balance of durability, style, and functionality, available at Building Supply BFF.
The Eliason SCP-8 Traffic Door is an excellent choice for restaurants seeking both strength and style.. This door is constructed with a 3/4” moisture-resistant composite wood core and clad with high-pressure laminate, available in a variety of colors and patterns. The door panel is capped with stainless steel, making it durable and sleek.
Additionally, the SCP-8 features an 18” high stainless steel impact plate, which is perfect for high-traffic areas where the door may get bumped or knocked. This door operates on the reliable Easy Swing Hinge® System.
If your restaurant kitchen demands a door that can withstand constant use while maintaining a clean, professional appearance, the Eliason SCP-3 Stainless Steel Traffic Door is a top choice. This door features a 3/4” moisture-resistant composite wood core, clad in stainless steel for maximum durability.
The SCP-3 also includes a scratch-resistant 9” x 14” vision panel, ensuring that staff can see what’s on the other side, reducing the risk of collisions. It’s perfect for busy kitchens and other high-traffic areas. Learn more about the SCP-3 here.
The Eliason ENG-1 Traffic Door is designed for upscale environments where both aesthetics and functionality are important. This door is built with a 1-13/16” polymer core, making it lightweight yet strong.
The door is clad with decorative high-pressure laminate, and its flush-mounted window and hidden hardware give it a sleek, modern look. This door is ideal for front-of-house areas where you want to maintain a polished appearance while ensuring smooth operations.
For a classic look with modern performance, the Eliason SCP-1 Traffic Door is a reliable choice. This door is constructed with a 3/4” moisture-resistant composite wood core and is clad in satin anodized aluminum. It also features 48” high stainless steel base plates, providing extra protection and durability.
The SCP-1 is commonly used in kitchens and other high-traffic areas where a robust, long-lasting door is needed.
For restaurants looking for a balance between affordability and quality, the Eliason SCP-15 High Pressure Laminate Traffic Door is an excellent option. This door features a 3/4” moisture-resistant composite wood core, clad with high-pressure laminate on both sides. It includes the patented Hidden Hinge, based on the Easy Swing® hinge, offering smooth operation without compromising on durability.
This door is available in a wide range of colors, making it easy to match with your restaurant’s decor.
How to Choose the Right Door for Your Restaurant
When choosing a restaurant door, consider the following:
- Location: A door in a busy kitchen has different needs than one leading to a dining area. In the kitchen, durability and ease of use are critical. You want a door that can take a beating and still function smoothly. For dining areas, aesthetics are just as important as functionality. The door should match the restaurant’s style and create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Traffic: Consider how much traffic the door will handle. High-traffic areas need doors that can withstand constant use without showing wear and tear. Materials like stainless steel and high-pressure laminate are ideal for these situations because they are durable and easy to clean.
- Safety: Vision panels are a great feature for kitchen doors because they allow staff to see if someone is on the other side, preventing accidents. Smooth, reliable hinges, like those found in the Easy Swing Hinge® System, are also important to ensure the door opens and closes easily without sticking.
Find the Perfect Door for Your Restaurant Today
Choosing the right restaurant doors is more than just a design choice—it’s about creating a space that functions well and looks great. Whether you need a door that can handle the daily grind of a busy kitchen or one that enhances the ambiance of your dining area, the right door can make all the difference.
At Building Supply BFF, you’ll find a range of doors that meet these needs. From the durable SCP-8 and SCP-3 to the stylish ENG-1 and SCP-1, and the versatile SCP-15, there’s a door for every restaurant. By choosing the right door, you’ll not only improve your restaurant’s operations but also enhance the experience for your customers and staff.