Set the door rollers inside the top track and hang the door in place. Repeat for the second door. Check to make sure the doors are plumb and level. Make any needed adjustments with the roller and bracket hardware. Attach the floor brackets according to the manufacturer’s directions. Check to make sure the doors can easily move through the opening. Sliding doors typically have hardware inset inside the door, as shown above, to allow for easy movement.Doors & Windows > Open Up Your Closets with Bi-Fold Doors Sliding closet doors are a common installation in American homes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best option. If you’re looking for a space-saving alternative, one that will enhance the look of your closets and provide easier access to their interior space, then consider installing bi-fold closet doors. Bi-fold closet doors are easy to install and offer myriad options, including basic flat-panel looks, traditional six-panel designs, louver- or shutter-style panels, and contemporary mirrored panels, not to mention doors with glass inserts.
All bi-fold closet doors are similar in construction, consisting of two symmetrical door panels that pull outward from a center pivot hinge. Mounted on the sides of a closet opening, these doors allow access to the entire closet—not one half of the closet at a time, as is the case with sliding doors. Also, because bi-fold doors do not swing, they take up less floor space than a conventional hinged door, making them ideal for installation in tight spaces like a hallway. Most large home improvement stores sell bi-fold closet doors in standard sizes to fit a typical opening; many also sell reasonably-priced kits that include the door panels, installation tracks, installation hardware, and door pulls or knobs. These kits come with diagrams that show how the hardware should be positioned on the door frame and on the door panels. Following the diagram will ensure that the pieces are correctly installed and that the doors work properly. Related: 10 Chic New Ideas for Barn Doors
Most retailers also offer custom-order bi-fold doors that can be sized to fit virtually any opening—wider openings may require several sets of doors. The first step when installing bi-fold closet doors is measuring the closet door opening and purchasing a kit in the correct size. The combined measurement of both doors should be about an inch less than the total width of the opening, and one to two inches less than the height of the door frame. This is to allow sufficient room for the hardware. Prior to installation, paint, stain, or finish the door panels as desired. Next, use screws to install the top rail, placing it so that the end of the rail touches the side of the door frame where you want the door panel to be seated when opened. Install the bottom rail in the same way, making sure the end of the rail touches the same side of the door frame. (Note that some hardware kits feature a bottom pivot that mounts to the door jamb instead of the floor.) The next step is inserting dowels into pre-drilled holes in the tops of the door panels.
Check the installation instructions to identify the different types of dowels included in your kit. Usually there are several different types of dowels, each of which serves a different function. One dowel should have an adjustment screw that allows you to adjust the height of the door; this dowel should be placed near the side wall on the bottom. Meanwhile, stationary dowels should be placed in the top and bottom of the door panel, on the side farthest away from the hinge. Finally, insert the dowel with spring assembly into the top of the door panel that is closest to the side wall. Once you have installed the dowels, set the door panels into the top and bottom rails and adjust the screws in order to center the doors. Make sure that the doors open and close properly. Once the doors are centered, tighten all hardware and install the door pulls or knobs. Throughout the process, it’s wise to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for details specific to your individual kit.
Installing bi-fold doors is an easy and affordable weekend project for most DIYers, and it’s a project that will enhance both the look and accessibility of your closets. For more on closets, consider: Add a Closet Where There Is None Installing Custom Closets (VIDEO) 6 Simple & Easy DIY Closet Door TransformationsExplore our full range of Concept Series sliding & pivot doors – an excellent and very current solution for almost any opening. Great for dividing open spaces such as lofts or open office planning, plus closets or pantries and more. The Concept series doors offer flexibility and versatility with quality hardware and smooth operation to your specific application. Choice of 1-, 3- or 5-insert panels opens design possibilities. Thirteen glass insert options from a subtle Satin or Mirrored to a bold Yellow or Turquoise.Bifold doors are great for small rooms like closets, laundry rooms and pantries. These accordion-style doors don't provide security but they're a great way to conceal spaces that are typically messy.
When the folding panels are open, they also allow full access to your stuff, a bonus if you've ever tried to access the back half of a closet via a single, swinging door. From stylish furniture to a custom storage system, this master closet has it all. Discpver more ways to turn a disorganized closet into a neat, functional space. Closet Solutions for Everyone From Walk-Ins to Wardrobes Taming a Teen's Closet Organizing a Linen Closet There are a variety of options for the repair and replacement of bifold closet doors. The cost varies with size, materials and labor, but even the most expensive are quite affordable. Updating bifold doors in children's rooms can be as easy as adding a coat of paint or applying a decal. Closet doors can turn into organizational spaces with the application of a dry-erase surface or chalkboard paint. Existing bifold doors can get out of alignment with the doorframe, have worn edges, stripped mounting screws, stripped brackets or problems with the top roller guides.
Thick carpet can cause bifold doors to open awkwardly and removing doors can require assistance. Repairing bifold doors that are out of alignment can be as easy as adjusting the screw on the top bracket but it can also be frustrating, so review them carefully before you try to repair them and watch out for pinched fingers. When replacing bifold closet doors it is very important to get accurate measurements of the finished opening in order to ensure correct installation and use. Measure from side to side, to determine door width and correct track size. When ordering doors always note the width measurement first and then the height measurement, taking into account carpet pile height. When ordering doors you may be asked whether you need a stack left or stack right. Stack left refers to the door that is attached to the wall jamb on the left side of the closet opening. Stack right refers to the door affixed to the right side of the door opening. See also: Closet Planning Guide