How to Install Bifold Doors | Step-by-Step | Doors | This Old House - Introduction

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By: Alexandra Bandon , This Old House magazine Shopping List Supplies You Will Need 1. DOORS Bifold doors are available for sale, but custom-ordered doors can also be assembled into folding doors, as long as they’re resized to fit your needs. When measuring the closet opening, account for a small gap around and between the doors. Measure the horizontal opening of your doors, subtract 13/16 inch, and divide by 4 to get the individual door width. Measure vertically and subtract 2 and 7/8 inches to get its height. 2. TRACK HARDWARE The hardware that comes with bifold-door set can be flimsy. We’ve found its often best to order separate hardware—a kit that includes the track, the hinges, and all the pins and pivot plates—for a smoother, longer-lasting operation. A couple of companies, like Johnson, offer heavy-duty tracks that make the doors glide smoothly. 3. DOOR PULLS Smaller cabinet knobs will get lost on a larger door, so look for “wardrobe knobs” or any knob that is 1 and 3/4 inches or bigger in diameter. 4. 1×2 FINISH-GRADE FLAT STOCK You’ll need just one piece to create a valance under the header to hide the track. 5. 21/2-INCH TRIM SCREWS For attaching the 1×2 stock. Close Tools List Tools You Will Need Combination square Drill Centering bit, for drilling pilot holes for hinge screws Hacksaw, for trimming track to fit opening Plumb bob, for aligning hardware above and below door Bit extender, for reaching into tight spaces with drill Handsaw, for cutting finish trim that hides the track Close Product Gallery Product selections for this project Louvered Arched Panels View Entire Gallery Close Photo:  Kolin Smith Overview 1: Mount the hinges 2: Attach the track hardware 3: Install the track 4: Position the floor bracket 5: Hang the doors 6: Attach the floor bracket 7: Attach the door aligner 8: Install the door pulls See More on Doors & Windows   Galleries     Articles     Videos     Step-by-Steps   View All Doors & Windows Galleries View All Galleries Homeowner Perks in the Stimulus Package Bronze Ring Door Knockers Cool Innovations From the Builders’ Show Active Discussions: Doors & Windows View All Doors & Windows Articles View All Articles Recent Doors & Windows Articles All About Wood Entry Doors Clean Grime from Woodwork A New Handle for Casement Windows Wide World of Epoxy Carved Door Casings Most Popular Doors & Windows Articles How to Insulate a Window with Sash Weights How to Make Your Doors Draft-Free How to Install a Prehung Door How to Install Bifold Doors How to Install Replacement Windows Active Discussions: Doors & Windows View All Videos How to Transform a Salvaged Door into a Dressing Vanity What’s New in Windows How to Make a New Mirror with Old Door Trim Active Discussions: Doors & Windows View All Doors & Windows Step-by-Steps View All Step-by-Steps How to Refinish Woodwork How to Make a Dressing Vanity from a Vintage Door How to Make New Cabinet Doors From Old Shutters Active Discussions: Doors & Windows 4 hours 0 to 0 Difficulty: Easy A simple installation that increases in difficulty if you choose heavy doors or if the closet opening isn’t square. It seems every house built since the 1950s has closets with sliding doors. Space-saving, sure, but not the best-looking—and certainly not very revealing when you’re trying to see (or reach) the goods in the middle of the closet where the doors overlap each other. Heavy bifold doors with a sturdy track, on the other hand, move effortlessly away from the center of the closet to give you a full picture of the contents inside. And because bifolds come in a wide array of profiles, they bring character to a plain opening. Replacing those hollow-core builder’s specials with a pair of weighty solid folders isn’t a huge deal; the whole assembly and installation will take you a mere Saturday afternoon. Then you’ll be rewarded with a wide-angle view when it’s time to pick out the day’s duds. Print This Project Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters Helpful Info Calculators Comments Post a Comment Your Comment Your Name Need More Info? 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