Bifolds are doors that are connected into pairs by hinges and run on rollers and a track. They generally consist of two doors folding to one side or of four doors split into pairs in the centre of an opening. When opened, bifolds take up much less space than a regular door, so they are a great option for small rooms. Bifolds, unlike sliding doors, allow for complete access to an area, which makes them a great option for separating rooms or hiding laundry, sewing or office nooks.
Choosing Bifold Doors
The first step in choosing bifold doors is to determine the size of doors that are required by measuring the opening where the doors will hang and allowing for a small gap. A practical way to do this is to measure the horizontal opening and subtract 13/16 inch (20.637 mm) and divide by the number of doors required. To calculate the height of the doors, measure vertically and subtract 2 and 7/8 inches (73.025 mm).
Once door size has been determined, the style can be chosen. There is an array of styles to choose from, but it is best to avoid hollow doors and opt for heavier solid-wood or solid-core ones that slide more easily. There are standard door sizes, but custom sized doors can be ordered.
Preparing to Hang Bifold Doors
Before actually hanging a set of bifold doors, all of the hardware must be installed both on the doors and in the jamb. Exact placement of hardware is essential for proper door function, so it is important to follow the diagrams and measurements provided with the bifold hardware kit. Once the doors are painted or finished and have had their fronts and hanging ordered labeled, the following steps can be taken:
1. Mark out hinge locations and screw them in.
2. Measure and mark out the location for the pivot plates (pins on the tops and bottoms of jamb-side doors) and locking arms (hooks on the tops of leading doors). Screw on the hardware.
3. Use a hacksaw to cut the track to the width of the opening. Slide, but do not tighten, the hanging hardware into the track as follows: the small stops in the centre followed by the wheeled track hanger and then the pivot socket.
4. Attach the track to the top of doorjamb with screws.
5. Measure the position for the floor brackets and mark them. A plumb bob down from the center of the track will help insure the correct placement of the hardware and ultimately of the doors as well. Screw the brackets into place, and then remove the screws but leave the brackets in place.
Hanging Bifold Doors in 5 Easy Steps
1. Hook the top pin of the jamb-side door into the pivot socket and lock it.
2. Slot the leading door's track hanger pin into the locking arm and lock it.
3. Close the doors and swing them forward to catch the floor brackets in the pivot pin.
4. Swing the doors back in place and screw the brackets to the floor.
5. When all of the doors are hung, tighten the sockets and stops on the overhead track with a wrench.
The Finishing Touches
1. Inside the doors measure 6 inches up from the floor and attach the door aligner. Verify alignment from the outside and readjust if necessary.
2. Measure 36 inches up from the floor on the outside of the leading door and find the center of the door at that height. Mark it and attach the door pulls there.
3. Enjoy your new bifold doors.
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