Installing a Closet Bi-Fold Door

The type of door most often used for closets and other storage areas of the home is the bi-fold door. This door is on sliding track so that one half of the door folds back over the other. You don't need to have the same amount of space as you do with a door that opens in the regular fashion. You don't need to provide for the swing of the door as it opens inwards or outwards. When you open bi-fold doors, you still have access to the full space of the closet.

bifold doors interior

Because of the sturdy track installed on the top edge of the door, it moves from the center to the side of the door opening. You don't need to have a professional perform the installation for you as all the instructions come in the packaging and the only tool you will need is the basic screwdriver. Although doors in this style with louvered slats were once in style, today they come in solid doors in the same designs as the other doors in your home.

BIFOLD DOORS

Make sure you finish or paint the door before you install it because it will be much harder to do once you have it in place. You will have to be mindful of the floor and the painted wall surfaces surrounding the opening. Label the door so that you know which side will be facing outward. Make two measurements - one at 11 inches from the bottom of the door and another 7 inches from the top. Then measure the distance between these tow points to find the center. Place the door on its side so that these marks are facing you.

Now you install the hinges on the door. When you have this completed, you start installing the track on which the door will slide. The diagrams that come with the included hardware have pictures for you to go by when completing this step. For example, you have to screw a pivot plate on the top of the door. This is the section that will fit into the track. Cut the track to the length you need to fit the opening. Slide on the hanging hardware and then attach the track to the door header.

Attach the hinges to the side of the door and slip the pivots into the sliding hardware. Your door is then ready to use.

Installing a Closet Bi-Fold Door

BIFOLD DOORS

What You Need to Know Before Installing Interior Bifold Doors

Interior bifold doors are a practical and economical choice for closets in small spaces. There's a variety of finishes from which to choose, including wood veneer and glass doors.

bifold doors lowes

Small areas such as a bedroom, entry or hallway usually don't have enough room for closets with swinging doors. That's where bifold doors are a practical alternative. Closest dimensions typically have openings of four, five or six feet. A bifold door is versatile as it has a right and a left section, which join in the center in an unfolding action. This allows for opening the door from either the right or left side.

BIFOLD DOORS

The selection of bifold door styles are the same as with traditional swing doors, with the exception of the type of hardware needed. Bifold doors are available in the typical hollow core interior style, which makes them an economical and lightweight choice. Durable and easy to install, bifold doors don't have to be drab looking. Some hollow core styles include decorative features such as raised panels, which add a stylish touch. There is also a variety of wood veneers available such as mahogany, maple and oak.

Solid core bifold doors are another option. Although they cost more than hollow core doors, they can be a good investment if sound is an issue. The term "solid core" describes the core portion of the door, which is a solid piece typically comprised of manufactured or particleboard wood. Some solid core doors have a steel core. The veneer on solid core doors is similar to that on hollow core doors but more closely resembles the wood finish of swing solid wood doors. This makes it easy to match the style of existing swing doors in the home.

You may want to purchase casing or trim for the doors and consider adding a doorstop to your list. Casings, trim and doorstops are not included in the bifold door package. These can add extra cost to your project, but do provide a more professional and finished look. However, it's not necessary to have these extras, especially if cost is an issue.

There are other uses for these doors besides closets. They're very useful between rooms that don't have doors and transition into other areas, such as into a living room or kitchen. It's also easy to combine bifold doors, using two to make up one larger door.

It's not difficult to install a bifold door and only a small number of tools are needed. The most expensive tool you might use will be a screw gun or power drill, but a manual screwdriver is sufficient. Of course, if you plan to add trim, there will be a bit more work and time involved. Adding casing, trim or a doorstop is an extra step.

These doors come in louvered, solid or other combinations of styles, making them easy to match with your existing doors. There are many varieties from which to choose, and they can add elegance and beauty to any home at a reasonable cost.

What You Need to Know Before Installing Interior Bifold Doors

BIFOLD DOORS

Sliding Door Hardware: Installing Bi-Fold Sliding Doors

Materials and Tools Needed

wood bifold doors

- Combination Square
- Cordless Drill
- Centering Bit
- Hacksaw
- Plumb Bob
- Bit Extender
- Hacksaw

BIFOLD DOORS

*This is a fairly easy job. The job will be a bit more difficult if the doors are extremely heavy, or if your closet opening isn't square.

Finish/Paint Doors

You always want to finish and/or paint your doors before installation. This will save you a lot of time.

Mount the Hinges

Take a jamb side door and mark its inner edge 11-inches from the bottom and 7-inches from the top, centered between the two. Place the door on edge with the marks facing up so that you can see them.

Now take the lower half of a hinge and align its bottom with the bottom mark. Make sure its knuckles are facing back and flush to the edge. Use your self-centering bit to drill pilot holes through the hinge holes. Screw on the hinge plate and attach the top and middle hinges to their marks.

Place the leading (inner) door on edge, facing back-to-back with the first door. Align the doors evenly against a square. Now put the hinges together and screw the hinge plates to the leading door.

*Repeat this process on the second pair of doors.

Attach the Track Hardware

Fasten the pivot plates and the locking arms to the top and bottom of each of the doors. The pivot plates go on the tops and bottoms of the jamb-side doors, and the locking arm on the tops of the leading doors.

*Each kit requires its hardware to be uniquely positioned, so check the diagrams that come with yours for exact measurements and placements.

Install the Track

After the track is put together you will be ready to install it. Use your hacksaw and cut the track to properly fit the closet length/opening. Slide the hanging hardware into the track and attach the track to the door header with the screws that should be provided.

*Don't tighten the hardware onto the track. It will be easier to hang the doors later if the pieces are loose.

Position Your Floor Bracket

For this you need to use the measurements that are supplied by the manufacturer to position the floor bracket next to the doorjamb properly.

Hang your plumb bob tool from the center of the track above the floor bracket to align the pinhole in the bracket front-to-back. This will ensure that the doors are plumb when installed.

*Outline the bracket in pencil to mark its exact location.

Screw the bracket in place. Now remove the screws and set the bracket and screws aside.

Hang the Doors

Carry your doors to the track and lift the jamb side of the door so that it locks into the pin of the top pivot plate. When you are sure that the pin is all the way in, push the lever on the side of the socket to lock it in place.
Now with the doors closed, swing them forward enough to catch the floor bracket in the bottom pivot pin.

Attach the Floor Bracket

Swing your doors back into place so that you can attach the floor bracket. Find the marks you previously made and then use your flexible bit extender to screw down the bracket.

Hang the other set of doors using the same technique already stated here.

*You may want to get some help, as this will be easier with another person.

Attach the Door Aligner

You need to do this from inside the closet with the doors closed. Go ahead and mount the door aligners between the two leading doors. The aligners should catch when the doors are closed.

*Do this about 6-inches up from the floor.

Install the Door Pulls

The door pulls (handles) can be installed pretty much however you want them. Pick the height you want to place them at and them follow your manufacturers instructions on installing them

You should now be able to enjoy your new bi-fold doors. Your closet will have a whole new look and feel.

Sliding Door Hardware: Installing Bi-Fold Sliding Doors

BIFOLD DOORS