Folding room dividers definitely serve a purpose in a church that lacks adequate classroom space. Whether room is needed for a Sunday school class, Bible studies, group meetings, or a quiet place to sit and meditate, portable room dividers can be an answer to prayer. Folding room dividers are a quick fix to an ongoing problem with space.

Portable room dividers come in handy because they are just that, portable. They can be used in a matter of moments to section off required space that ensures privacy. It also serves the purpose of creating a quiet space that muffles the noisiness of other happenings in the room. These folding room dividers come in different shapes and sizes, so no matter the size of the room, you are sure to find one to suit your needs.

Portable room dividers come in various colors and make it easier to suit your room's decor. Some folding room dividers are used in larger spaces, sometimes in basements and multipurpose facilities. These portable room dividers are an essential piece when more than one activity is going on at the same time. If it's for classroom instruction or nursery space, the portable room dividers help you to feel like you are in your own room and not bothered by another group.

Since folding room dividers come in various sizes and shapes, does that mean you can create one area larger than the other? The answer is yes. If you are looking to create office space with a portable room divider, it gives you the sense of owning your own space without feeling crowded in a shared room. Folding room dividers, also known as partitions, have been used to create cubicles and make areas more personal and private.

The look and cost of portable room dividers can vary. They can be adorned in vinyl or other types of fabric. Depending on the size of the room, the folding room dividers can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. When researching the companies that supply these portable room dividers, request a pricing sheet and a list of colors and fabrics they have available.

As you contemplate whether or not you should invest in a portable room divider, talk with others who have. Do they find that it creates the space they wanted? Does it feel as if there is more privacy? Are there any drawbacks? If you decide to purchase a folding room divider, create the space you desire- match the decor the way you want, and enjoy the privacy that they offer.

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Selecting Room Dividers

Consider the following:

• Describe your business.
• Do you current have or are you currently using some form of room dividers? If so, what kind of room dividers are you using and why are you looking to replace your existing room dividers?
• Describe what you would like to accomplish with your room dividers.
• What type of environment will the room dividers be used in?
• What is the size of the room you would like to divide and how many additional rooms would you like to create by using room dividers?
• Will the rooms you create with room dividers be semi-permanent or do you need the flexibility to erect/take down the room dividers to allow for multi-functional spaces?
• How often will you be altering the setup of your room dividers?
• What is the location of the space that needs to be divided with room dividers?
• What kinds of features would you like to have with your room dividers?
• What is your budget?
• Do you have onsite workers or volunteers to help with installation? How much time do you have for installation?
• Are there any other factors that need to be considered when selecting room dividers?

Source: Panel Systems Manufacturing
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Q&A with Randy Roedl, Woodfold-Marco

What would you like to communicate to churches regarding the use/advantages of moveable walls?
Moveable wall systems, either accordion or operable, provide churches with the greatest flexibility and versatility in design and utilization of space , as they accommodate to growing membership and the need to use space for multiple purposes.

What should churches consider when evaluating and purchasing moveable walls?
Consider the ease of use in product selection. Often heavier and more complex systems are difficult to reconfigure due to the weight and mass of individual sections or components. How easy will it be to accomplish the installation, particularly if the project is a remodel? Before selecting an acoustic product, consider the acoustic level of the existing building. An acoustic door will generally perform no better than its surroundings.

What mistakes should churches avoid when using/purchasing moveable walls?
Avoid over specifying, and carefully consider how space will be used vs. the level of acoustic control required. In many cases, high acoustic-rated products are not required. Also, the higher the sound rating, the higher the installation cost, not to mention the cost of the door system itself. Do not expect any acoustic door to be totally "sound proof."

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Product Roundup

Panel Systems Manufacturing, Inc.
With the invention of Panel Systems Manufacturing, Inc.'s floor track system, it is now possible to support the weight of heavy room dividers on the floor instead of suspending them from the ceiling. For users, that means it is no longer necessary to install very expensive ceiling beams or braces that sometimes cost as much as or more than the room divider itself. Panel System's SA-1000 floor track is easily removed in a few minutes and can be stored neatly in an opening behind the panel stack. Floors are clear and free of obstacles when the divider is not being used.  
www.roomdividers.org

Sico Insta-Wall
The easy-to-install, Sico Insta-Wall mobile folding partition remains in the position a user desires without the use of troublesome outside locks, clips or tools. New 32-inch (81 cm) wide panels provide a smooth and stable operation. Even the largest units store in less than 4 square feet (.37 square meters) of floor space, saving valuable room. Insta-Wall's 36- degree hinges allow units to be rotated into any position. Hinges are also fitted with patented "no pinch" plates. Unit-to-unit connectors enable multiple units to lock together, and a fully tackable surface is perfect for posting signage. Transportation locks keep units together while being moved to a different location and are released by a simple touch of the toe. Users don't need to bend over to release the latch.
www.sicoinc.com

Woodfold
Woodfold's accordion and roll-up doors provide instant walls when needed. Flexible space is vital to today's church as it meets the varied needs of the congregation and community. Custom-made Woodfold accordion doors are available in a variety of models to provide sight and acoustic space division. Suspended from an overhead track, doors are offered in heights to 12-feet and are easily opened and closed. Woodfold's hardwood roll-up doors store conveniently overhead and are ideal for pass-through dividers between kitchens and fellowship halls. Since 1957, Woodfold accordion and roll-up doors have provided "instant flexibility" for all types of applications. All doors are custom-manufactured to size by the employee-owners of Woodfold.
www.woodfold.com

VersiPanel and VersiFold by MityLite
VersiPanel and VersiFold portable partitions from Mity-Lite can make worship areas more versatile than ever before. The portable partitions are freestanding and flexible--offering superior sound control and pleasing visual effects. VersiPanel and VersiFold partitions meet the floor directly; blocking sights and sounds from other areas. Either wall system can easily be used to create additional office space, portable classrooms, temporary meeting areas and more. Setup is quick and simple, providing a no-tools approach to designing and re-arranging a dynamic area. VersiPanel partitions are fabric-covered, semi-rigid, freestanding panels users can bend and shape. VersiFold partitions feature a safe, non-pinching design that comes with optional chalkboard or whiteboard accessories. Systems can be used separately or together for added versatility.
www.mitylite.com

VL-8 Sound Divider from Curtition
The VL-8 is Curtition's most popular partition. It has a Sound Transmission Classification (STC) of 40 and is designed for higher noise areas. Four layers of sound attenuation materials form blankets on each side of the steel frame. Each blanket is a full three layers of special composition vinyl with ½ inch of fiberglass. The outer covering (carpet, fabric or vinyl) is added to provide 10 full layers of sound deadening material plus a dead-air space in the center of the frame. Outer covering seams are located in the most recessed spot on the hinge to be as unobtrusive as possible.
www.curtition.com

Versatile, Adaptable, Portable Panels from Alfax
One of the smartest ways to partition large areas is to use these heavy-duty panels. They are as at-home in semi-permanent set-ups as they are on the move. Each panel is 2 inches thick, is fully tackable, and comes in either standard or acoustical sound absorption. And since the panels have radius edge frames, you can create any angle you need with the hardware that's supplied. Try doing that with lesser panel systems. If mobility is important, order partition feet with locking casters. These are available in seven easy-care 100% polyester fabric colors. Acoustical panels are rated Class A fire-retardant for safety.
www.alfaxfurniture.com/products

FREEstanding Room Dividers from Screenflex
FREEstanding Room Dividers from Screenflex can be positioned right where you need them, anytime you need them. They set up in just seconds: just roll into position, unlock and pull open, and then position as desired. You can choose from six heights: 4'-0", 5'-0", 6'-0", 6'-8", 7'-4", 8'-0", and lengths from 5'-9" to 24'-1". Multiple FREEstanding room dividers can be locked together to form unlimited lengths. There are six heights and six lengths available. FREEstanding Room Dividers come in multiple fabric/vinyl styles and colors. Full-length aluminum hinges add strength and stability throughout the entire divider.
www.screenflex.com