Sliding Hangar Doors: Configurations & Design Options
Contents:
View/Download All Door Configurations (PDF)Horizontal rolling hangar doors are simple and reliable by design—one or more vertical leaves slide smoothly along steel tracks to open and close your space. But within that simplicity, there are a few key options to consider, like the number of door leaves, how many tracks you’ll need, and whether to go manual or motorized.
In this guide, we break down the four main horizontal rolling door configurations. Each option includes a clear explanation, functional overview, and a video example to help you visualize how it works. Whether you’re planning an aircraft hangar, dry storage facility, or commercial building, this is a great starting point to help you move forward with confidence.
Hangar Doors Configuration Comparison Table
| Requires Pocket | Motorized | Clear Opening Impact | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unidirectional | Yes | Optional | Full clear width maintained | Smaller hangars. One-sided clearance available |
| Bi-Parting | Yes | Optional | Full clear width maintained | Small to large hangars. Space needed both sides of the opening. |
| Floating | No | Yes | Clear width reduced | MRO, FBO, Multi Jet. Can open the door from center or either edge |
| Independent | No | Yes | Clear width reduced | Boat, MFG, MRO. Each leaf can be operated independently |
Typical Applications
Common use cases for each door configuration include:
- Unidirectional: Ideal for smaller hangars or locations where clearance is available on only one side of the opening.
- Bi-Parting: Suitable for both small and large hangars requiring balanced door movement and full clear openings. Also suitable for hangars that require a central tail door opening.
- Floating: Well-suited for very wide aircraft hangars such as MRO facilities, FBOs, and multi-jet operations where pocket space is limited.
- Independent: Designed for very wide or tall aircraft hangars, including MROs, FBOs, multi-jet, and specialist hangars with each door leaf having independent door control needs.
Unidirectional Door Configuration
(Also called One Way or Single Slide)
How It Works
One or more interconnected door leaves slide horizontally in a single direction into a pocket or outrigger space beside the hangar opening. Motorized doors operate via a pushbutton; releasing the button stops the door immediately. In the event of a power failure, the door can be moved manually.
- Can be installed on either the interior or exterior of the building.
- Needs clear space beside the opening to accommodate the stacked door leaves when open.
- Can be ordered manual or motorized (manual recommended only for smaller, lighter door leaves).
Design Notes
- No limit on the number of door leaves or tracks.
- Example: 1 leaf on 1 track, 2 leaves on 2 tracks, 3 leaves on 3 tracks, etc.
- If there isn’t enough room for a pocket, see our Outrigger Design Options
- Optional sensing edge is recommended for motorized doors to enhance safety during operation.
Submittals & Specifications
The documents below are provided for reference only and do not necessarily reflect the exact scope, configuration, or materials quoted for your project. Final submittals specific to your job will be issued after contract execution.
Specifications:
Submittals:
Bi-Parting Door Configuration
How It Works
Two or more door leaves slide horizontally away from each other, opening from the center to both sides. Each side slides into its own pocket or outrigger. The motor and pushbutton are located near the center where the doors meet. The door stops immediately when the pushbutton is released, and manual operation is possible during power loss.
- Can be installed on either the interior or exterior of the building.
- Needs clear space beside the opening to accommodate the stacked door leaves when open.
- Can be ordered manual or motorized (manual recommended only for smaller, lighter door leaves).
Design Notes
- No limit on the number of door leaves or tracks.
- Example: 2 leaves on 1 track, 4 leaves on 2 tracks, 6 leaves on 3 tracks, etc.
- If there isn’t enough room for a pocket, see our Outrigger Design Options
- Optional sensing edge is recommended for motorized doors to enhance safety during operation.
Submittals & Specifications
The documents below are provided for reference only and do not necessarily reflect the exact scope, configuration, or materials quoted for your project. Final submittals specific to your job will be issued after contract execution.
Specifications:
Submittals:
Floating Configuration
(Also called Floating Group, Stacking Group, or Smart Rail)
How It Works
Multiple interconnected door leaves slide horizontally along specialized tracks, stacking together without the need for a pocket. The system allows operation to begin from either the first or last leaf in the group. Floating door systems are fully motorized for smooth, coordinated movement.
Note: Because there is no pocket, stacked leaves remain within the door opening when the door is open — resulting in some loss of clear width. (If requested, tracks can be extended into side pockets to preserve full clear opening)
Design Notes
- Push buttons mounted on the exterior face of the leaves mounted on the outer track. Push buttons mounted on the interior face of the leaves mounted on the inner track.
- Lockable exterior push buttons available upon request.
- Examples: 6 leaves on 3 tracks, 8 leaves on 4 tracks, 5 leaves on 5 tracks, 6 leaves on 6 tracks, 8 leaves on 8 tracks, etc.
- Optional sensing edge is recommended to enhance safety during operation.
Submittals & Specifications
The documents below are provided for reference only and do not necessarily reflect the exact scope, configuration, or materials quoted for your project. Final submittals specific to your job will be issued after contract execution.
Specifications:
Submittals:
Independent Configuration
(Also called individual Door Operation or All Moving)
How It Works
Each door leaf moves independently, with its own motor and control panel. The leaves do not slide into pockets; each operates along its own track, providing flexibility to open any section individually.
Note: Because there is no pocket, stacked leaves remain within the door opening when the door is open — resulting in some loss of clear width. (If requested, tracks can be extended into side pockets to preserve full clear opening)
Design Notes
- Can be ordered manual or motorized (manual recommended only for smaller, lighter door leaves).
- Push buttons mounted on the exterior face for the leaves mounted on the outer tracks; push buttons mounted on the interior face for the leaves on the inner tracks; and provide push buttons mounted on both the exterior and interior faces for the leaves on the middle tracks.
- Example: 2 leaves on 2 track, 3 leaves on 3 tracks, 6 leaves on 3 tracks, etc.
- Lockable exterior push buttons available upon request.
- Optional sensing edge is recommended to enhance safety during operation.
Submittals & Specifications
The documents below are provided for reference only and do not necessarily reflect the exact scope, configuration, or materials quoted for your project. Final submittals specific to your job will be issued after contract execution.
Specifications:
Submittals:
- The 35-Foot Shift: A High-Clearance Revenue Catalyst for Aircraft Hangar Construction - April 14, 2026
- Floating Hangar Doors — Why Owners Are Making The Shift - December 23, 2025
- Smarter Hangar Design Starts With Smarter Door Planning - December 18, 2025
