Ceiling beam as divider between dining and kitchen? - Is the beam between the dining and kitchen area there because a wall was knocked down? We want to open up the wall between our kitchen and dining area but want to maintain about a 6" cornice on the dining side. Can this be done in a similar way to this project by creating what looks like a beam? Our designer says that we need to lower the entire ceining in the kitchen which we don't want to do... »
Denise DeCoster Architect In this project, the configuration of the opening for the doors was set by aesthetic considerations.
I do think you could create a 'beam' as long as you have adequate structure to carry the weight of the doors. However, your designer really should consult with the hardware manufacturer's technical support for necessary hardware clearances and maintenance access. We used Hafele Hawa hardware for this project.
Denise DeCoster Architect With the Hafele Hawa hardware that was used here, a raised panel door will work fine as long as the face of the raised panel does not project beyond the face of the rails and stiles (the frame on the door). This will ensure that the doors stack properly when fully open.
If you have the proper structure to carry the weight of your doors, you could secure the track to the ceiling. However, the track needs to be installed level and is not very attractive, so you will probably want to conceal it. These particular doors are quite large and heavy and required both a top and bottom track. The bottom track (barely visible in the photo) is just a guide.
Bien : grandes portes, qui ouvrent l'espace entre les deux pièces de bout en bout puisqu'elles pivotent.
Indécis : pas des portes pochette, il doit y avoir de l'espace pour les "storer" lorsqu'elles sont ouvertes.
Clever folding door/screen between kitchen and dining allows for open casual open concept living but lets you hide the kitchen clutter for more formal occasions.
added by Kathleen Gibbons to New Homes (2 years ago)
I do think you could create a 'beam' as long as you have adequate structure to carry the weight of the doors. However, your designer really should consult with the hardware manufacturer's technical support for necessary hardware clearances and maintenance access. We used Hafele Hawa hardware for this project.