Overlap Guide
STRIP WIDTHS & OVERLAPS
We made it easy for you.
Choosing the perfect Strip Width & Overlap configuration for your use cases is not that hard. We made it easy for you with our handy guide so you can lock in on your purchase, confidently.
8" STRIPS & 50% OVERLAP
Industry Standard Most Common
Most versatile PVC strip door that will withstand pedestrian traffic and also accommodate the person walking with the truck. An effective plastic strip barrier, right in the middle in terms of effectiveness and ease of access.
6" STRIPS & 67% OVERLAP
Smaller Doorways, Most Economical
Using less overlap with a more economical material is suitable for smaller doorways and pedestrian only traffic. Consider heavier strip for bigger openings or motorized traffic. Light duty solution for walk-in coolers.
8" STRIPS & 100% OVERLAP
Industry Standard Full Overlap
Two layers of strips across the doorway, for when larger strips are too heavy. Used mostly to save energy and control negative and positive air pressure, wind, seal off air, noise, dust between the office and warehouse openings.
6" STRIPS & 100% OVERLAP
Walk-In Freezer Industry Standard
Smallest strip in full overlap, two layers of strip across the hanger, provides the perfect seal for walk-in freezer applications. Also used for smaller openings as an economical barrier for air pressure, temperature, noise, dust.
12" STRIPS & 67% OVERLAP
Heavy Duty, Big Openings, Machine Traffic
Big heavy strip for large openings, forklift traffic, trucks and machinery. Uses less material and easier to pass through than full overlap. If lighter loads are typically carried, too heavy of strip may drag product off of the forklift.
8" STRIPS & 25% OVERLAP
Economical Commercial Industrial
Industry standard strip width, using less overlap requires less strip material and makes perfect for high traffic pedestrian traffic. Carry loaded serving trays or boxes through with ease, Good for walk-in coolers.
How much strip overlap do I need?
For most doorways, 8″ strips at 50% overlap is the standard choice — it handles pedestrians and pallet trucks together. Walk-in freezers need 6″ strips at 100% overlap for a full seal. Large openings with forklift traffic take 12″ strips at 67%.
| Configuration | Best for | Traffic type | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8″ · 50% overlap | Most doorways — the default choice | Pedestrian and pallet truck | Industry standard and the most common configuration. The most versatile strip door: right in the middle for both effectiveness and ease of access. |
| 8″ · 25% overlap | High-traffic commercial openings, walk-in coolers | Heavy pedestrian, carried loads | Industry standard strip width using the least material. Carry loaded serving trays or boxes through with ease. |
| 6″ · 67% overlap | Smaller doorways on a tight budget | Pedestrian only | The most economical option, and a light-duty solution for walk-in coolers. Step up to heavier strip for bigger openings or motorized traffic. |
| 8″ · 100% overlap | Office-to-warehouse openings | Pedestrian | Two layers of strips across the doorway, for when larger strips would be too heavy. Saves energy and controls air pressure, wind, noise and dust. |
| 6″ · 100% overlap | Walk-in freezers | Pedestrian | The walk-in freezer industry standard. The smallest strip at full overlap, in two layers, gives the best available seal. |
| 12″ · 67% overlap | Large openings and loading docks | Forklifts, trucks, machinery | Heavy strip for big openings. Uses less material and is easier to pass through than full overlap — but if loads are light, heavy strip may drag product off the forklift. |
Not sure which fits your doorway? See how to measure for a strip curtain door, or request a quote with your opening size.
Common questions about strip width and overlap
Last updated: 28 August 2026
How much overlap do I need for a warehouse door?
For most warehouse doorways, 8″ strips at 50% overlap is the industry standard and the most common configuration. It withstands pedestrian traffic and accommodates a person walking alongside a pallet truck, sitting in the middle for both barrier effectiveness and ease of access.
What overlap do I need for a walk-in freezer?
6″ strips at 100% overlap is the walk-in freezer industry standard. The smallest strip at full overlap puts two layers across the hanger, which gives the best available seal. Specify low temp clear material with it, which stays flexible down to −40°F.
What strip size is best for forklift traffic?
12″ strips at 67% overlap. Heavy strip suits large openings with forklifts, trucks and machinery, and using less than full overlap means less material and an easier pass-through. One caution: if the loads carried are light, heavy strip may drag product off the forklift.
What is the difference between 50% and 100% overlap?
50% overlap uses a single layer of strips and balances sealing against ease of passage. 100% overlap puts two layers across the doorway for a much better seal, used to save energy and control air pressure, wind, noise and dust — but it is harder to walk through.
What overlap should I use for a walk-in cooler?
There are two options. 8″ strips at 25% overlap uses the least material and makes it easy to carry loaded trays or boxes through, which suits high pedestrian traffic. 6″ strips at 67% overlap is the more economical light-duty choice for smaller cooler doorways.
What overlap works between an office and a warehouse?
8″ strips at 100% overlap. Two layers of strips across the doorway seal off air, noise and dust between office and warehouse spaces and control negative and positive air pressure. It is used where wider, heavier strips would be too heavy for the opening.