BLOG/ How to install bifold doors?

You have finally decided to kick those pesky bypass closet doors to the curb and have sprung for some brand new bifold doors.

You have been SO looking forward to doors that don’t fall off their tracks that you forgot to look up how to install your bifold! Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. This step by step guide will walk you through that easy breezy bifold install.

Bifold doors are not just for closets! Check out our blog about the many uses of bifold doors!

Tools

1. Drill
2. Drill Bits
3. Hacksaw
4. Hammer
5. Level
6. Putty Knife
7. Wood filler
8. Sawhorses
9. Tape Measure
10. Safety Glasses (for sawing)
11. Paintbrush (optional)
12. Paint pail (optional)
13. Putty knife

1 Removing the Old Doors

Remove the old doors and hardware. Make a plan for your old doors; will you upcycle them or donate them to the Restore?

Using wood filler and a putty knife, patch any holes in the door frame. Use a little paint to cover up the fill.

2 Measuring Twice!

It’s always a good idea to measure your project a couple of times before making any permanent changes, like cutting or drilling. 

Measure the closet opening to make sure your new doors are the right dimension before installation. Hopefully you did this before buying new bifold doors!

Mark the center of the closet door jamb to help position the doors. Use a level to mark plumb lines on the sides of the jambs.

3 Installing Hardware

Using a hacksaw, cut the track to leave a 1/16 inch gap on either end of the closet. Remember to wear your safety glasses when cutting metal!

Locate the center of your door jamb and the center of the track before installing. Make sure the pivot brackets are installed toward the jamb. 

Next, center the jamb bracket on the floor. After measuring twice, fasten the bracket with screws.

4 Preparing the Doors

If you plan to paint your bifold doors, do so before installing the hardware. Make sure the door is dry before moving onto the next step!

Install the doors, one at a time, by inserting the top pivot into the brackets. Use a hammer to gently tap them into place. Then, seat the bottom pivots.

Insert the snugger guide into the track. The snugger goes on the opposite side of pivot up in the top track. It’s job is to keep pressure on the doors to help them stay shut.

Squeeze the guide pivot on the top of the door, position it under the track, release it and make sure the guide pivot is securely in the track.

5 Adjusting the Doors

Take a step back to check the bifold door alignment. Make sure the doors don’t rub on the floor or touch the header jamb. To adjust the height, lift the door and rotate the bottom pivot. 

If you need to make it plumb, lift the door and adjust its position in the jamb bracket. Loosen the screw in the top pivot bracket and slide it until the door is plumb. Tighten once you have found the sweet spot.

6 Install Door Hardware

The best part of installing your own hardware is customizing where the handles (pulls) will go. Find a comfortable height and mark the location. Once you have found the center, mark it on the inside of the door and use a screw to secure the pull in place.

Open and close the doors a couple of times to make sure everything is satisfactory and enjoy your new bifold doors!