How to Specify the Right Closet Door for Multifamily Housing developments
A Guide for Developers and Architects
In multi-family construction, every product you specify must strike the right balance between performance, durability, aesthetics, and cost. Closet doors are no exception. They might seem like a small detail, but when multiplied across hundreds of units, they can have a measurable impact on your project’s budget, timeline, and tenant satisfaction.
At Landquist & Son, we’ve worked with developers, architects, and GCs on projects ranging from affordable housing to luxury mixed-use developments. Here’s what you need to know when specifying closet doors that meet your project goals — without slowing down construction or inflating costs.
🧱 1. Consider the Project Type and Target Market
The type of closet door you specify should reflect the overall design intent and performance expectations of the building. A high-end condo project will require different aesthetics and materials than a student housing development.
Ask yourself:
Is the project budget-driven, design-driven, or both?
Will tenants expect high-end finishes or maximum durability?
Are you prioritizing quiet operation, minimal maintenance, or space-saving features?
Door types commonly used in multi-family:
Pivot doors- Work and operate just like a prehung closet door, but instead of a full seal and having to install casing around the drywall to hold it in place, this door is custom sized at no added costs and has a magnetic catch on the backside of the door to keep the door closed.
Bifold doors – Budget-friendly and easy to access, the most durable bifold on the market, is what we are known for. Some installations over 60 years old, not replaced with minimal maintenance.
Sliding bipass doors – Great for saving space and quick install; ideal for rental apartments if you have absolutely no space in front of the closet door opening.
📐 2. Match Door Specifications to Unit Layouts
Closet door selection should complement your unit layouts — not complicate them. In urban floor plans, bifold closet doors are a great choice. They take up minimal room in front of the closet door, have no floor track and allow for full useable closet door storage space. Our 2 panel bifold closet door can be manufactured up to 48” in width, and up to 10’ tall. No added casing or drywall to hold your opening.
Key specification details:
Finished opening dimensions
Clearance requirements
✅ Pro Tip: Provide your door supplier with floor plans early so they can assist in matching door systems to room layouts.
🔇 3. Don’t Overlook Acoustics and Performance
Closet doors aren’t typically rated for acoustics like entry doors, but they can still impact the perceived quietness and quality of a unit — especially in shared walls between bedrooms or hallways.
Look for:
Smooth, quiet track systems
Solid-core doors, provide additional acoustical positives for the closet doors in front of washer/dryer units.
If your project includes higher-end or hospitality-style units, these small details can make a noticeable difference in tenant experience.
🔩 4. Choose Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
Closet doors in rental buildings often see heavy use and little maintenance. For long-term durability and fewer service calls, choose materials and finishes that stand up to daily wear.
Ideal options include:
Engineered wood with high-durability coatings
Primed Paintable: Ideal for the most cost effective finish, has 4 coats of finish resin, meaning that the closet door can take paint if you want it to, or leave it white.
Oxford Melamine: Ideal for a slight cost increase, has 10 coats of finish resin, meaning if can never change color but has a slightly shinier finish.
Avoid products that require frequent adjustment, especially in buildings with temperature and humidity fluctuations.
📦 5. Prioritize Installation Efficiency
Closet door installation often comes at the tail end of a project, when timelines are tight and labor costs are high.
Look for:
Our mostly preassembled bifold closet door, and review the installation videos
Adjustable hardware that accommodates minor framing inconsistencies
Manufacturer-provided shop drawings or REVIT files for early coordiniation
✅ Final Checklist for Specifying Closet Doors in Multi-Family Projects
Before locking in your spec, make sure you’ve covered:
Opening type and unit layout compatibility
Aesthetics that match the project’s design intent
Durability for the intended tenant profile
Acoustic performance where applicable
Installation efficiency and labor considerations
Compliance with mechanical, accessibility, and local codes
Ready to Specify?
At Landquist and Son, we support developers and architects throughout the design and construction process. We offer:
Closet door submittals, and REVIT files
Specification sheets and finish samples
Product consultation and customization options
Delivery coordination based on construction schedules
Need help choosing the right door system for your next project?
👉 Contact us or download our Architect Specifications.
Magiglide closet doors, the right door to specify for multifamily housing developments nationwide.
