Case Study: Creating a Weather-Protected Outdoor Bar with a Custom Folding Door
Every Great Entertaining Area Needs Practicality
Australians love entertaining outdoors.
Whether it's watching the footy, hosting family BBQs or simply relaxing with friends, outdoor entertaining spaces have become an extension of the home.
One homeowner recently created an impressive undercover outdoor "man cave" complete with a built-in bar and servery. While the space looked fantastic, there was one practical problem.
The open servery allowed dust, leaves, insects and curious wildlife to enter the bar area whenever it wasn't being used.
The owner wanted a solution that would keep the space protected while still allowing the bar to open quickly whenever friends came around.
The Challenge
The entertaining area was already beautifully finished.
The owners didn't want roller shutters, bulky hinged doors or anything that would detract from the appearance of the bar.
Instead, they needed something that would:
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close off the opening neatly
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help reduce dust entering the cabinetry
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discourage birds and small animals from entering
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be lightweight and easy to operate
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complement the existing outdoor entertaining area
Because this was a custom opening, an off-the-shelf solution simply wasn't suitable.
Our Solution
A custom-made folding door system was manufactured specifically for the opening.
When closed, the door creates a neat barrier across the servery, helping protect the bar area from everyday outdoor elements.
When entertaining, the door folds neatly to one side, allowing the bar to be fully opened and enjoyed without permanently taking up valuable space.
The result is a practical solution that fits naturally into the entertaining area without dominating the design.
Why This Works Well for Outdoor Entertainment Areas
Outdoor entertaining spaces often include:
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BBQ kitchens
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pizza ovens
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bars
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beverage fridges
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coffee stations
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storage cupboards
Keeping these areas clean between uses is a common challenge.
A folding door allows homeowners to close off the space when it isn't being used while maintaining easy access whenever guests arrive.
It's a practical addition that helps protect the investment homeowners have made in creating their outdoor entertaining area.
Australian Made for Custom Projects
Every home is different.
That's why each Australian Folding Doors system is manufactured to suit the individual opening rather than relying on standard sizes.
Because we manufacture in Melbourne, each project is made to order before being supplied Australia-wide.
Whether the application is a home office, pantry, laundry, entertaining area or commercial project, every door is designed specifically for its intended location.
Could This Work in Other Areas of the Home?
Absolutely.
The same concept can also be used for:
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outdoor kitchens
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BBQ areas
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alfresco serving windows
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hobby rooms
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home workshops
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garden storage areas
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pool houses
Any space that benefits from being open when in use and protected when not in use can potentially benefit from a custom folding door solution.
While folding doors are often associated with commercial spaces such as schools, sports clubs and offices, this project highlights how the same design principles can solve practical challenges in residential entertaining areas. By focusing on the homeowner's need—keeping the space clean, functional and easy to use—we were able to provide a custom solution that blends seamlessly into the existing design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can folding doors be used outdoors?
A: Many outdoor entertaining areas benefit from folding doors that help protect cabinetry and storage areas from dust, leaves and unwanted visitors. The suitability of any installation depends on the specific location and exposure, so it's important to discuss your project requirements before manufacture.
Q: Can folding doors close off an outdoor bar?
A: Yes. A custom folding door can provide a practical way to close off a bar servery while remaining easy to open whenever the space is being used.
Q: Why use a folding door instead of hinged doors?
A: Folding doors stack neatly to one side and generally require less swing space than traditional hinged doors, making them well suited to many servery and entertaining applications.
Final Thoughts
One of the best aspects of custom-made products is their versatility.
Projects like this demonstrate that folding doors aren't limited to offices or commercial buildings—they can also provide practical solutions around the home.
For this homeowner, a simple folding door helped transform an already impressive outdoor entertaining area into a cleaner, more practical space that's ready for guests whenever they're invited over.
More information:
• COMFORTflo product information
• Folding Doors Guide Australia
• Folding Doors Cost Australia
• Our Residential Concertina Door Applications
• Our Commercial Concertina Door Applications
