How to install bi-fold doors for your closet and change the look of your closets.

 How to install bi-fold doors for your closet and change the look of your closets.

Installing bi-fold doors is a great way to update your closet and add a space-saving solution. Here's a breakdown of the process:

The finish look

Tools and Materials:

• New Bi-fold doors (sized for your closet opening)
• Level
• Tape measure
• Drill (with appropriate drill bits for screws and wall anchors)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pencil
• Hammer (optional)
• Saw (Mitre saw or hacksaw for cutting track if needed)
• Screws (appropriate for mounting track and brackets)
• Wall anchors (if needed for your wall material)
• Door hardware (top and bottom pivot pins and brackets) may come pre-installed on your doors

Steps:

Preparation:

• Remove your existing closet doors and hardware. Patch any holes left behind.
• Measure your closet opening (width and height). Ensure your new bi-fold doors are slightly smaller in height (around 1/4 inch) to allow for clearance from the floor.

Install the track:

• Locate the centre point of the top opening of your closet frame. Mark this spot.
• Position the track with the open side facing down and the bracket end towards the centre mark. Maintain a slight gap (around 3/4 inch) between the track and the front of the opening.
• Use a level to ensure the track is straight.
• Pre-drill pilot holes through the track and into the frame (use wall anchors if your wall requires them). Secure the track with screws.
• If your track is too long, carefully cut it using a saw, ensuring a clean cut.

Install the bottom bracket.

• Position the bottom bracket on the floor, directly below the centre of the track.
• Drill pilot holes, secure the bracket to the floor, and jamb with screws.
• Install the doors:
• Attach the top and bottom pivot pins to the designated holes on the doors (usually pre-drilled).
• Starting with one door, lift it and insert the top pivot pin into the track bracket.
• For the bottom, slide the door into the bottom bracket, ensuring it hangs plumb (straight up and down).
• You may need to adjust the bottom pivot for height and plumb.
• Repeat for the second door, ensuring proper alignment when folded together.
• Finishing Touches:
• Some bi-fold doors may come with additional hardware, like door stops or magnetic catches. Install them as per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Check the smooth operation of the doors by folding and unfolding them. Make any minor adjustments as needed.

Changing the Look of Your Closets:

• Bi-fold doors themselves come in various styles and materials (mirrored, wood, vinyl, etc.) to enhance your closet's look. Here are some additional ideas:
• Paint the doors.
• Spruce up plain doors with a fresh coat of paint that complements your room's decor.
• Add decorative hardware.
• Replace standard knobs with more decorative pulls or handles.
• Install closet organizers.
• Maximize space with shelving, hanging rods, and drawer units behind the bi-fold doors.

Upgrade the interior lighting.

• Add LED strip lights for better visibility inside your closet.
• With any luck, this will provide you with all the knowledge you need to install bi-fold doors correctly. Please let me know if you have any more comments or questions about this subject.

Installing trim, if there is no trim

Trim around doors installed

Doors are installed

All the Best,

Joseph Botelho

We appreciate you visiting our site and your comments on our subjects. Subscribe to our blog to get a copy of "Repair Smart: Money-Saving Maintenance Hacks for Homeowners." This ebook offers practical advice on how to control expenses for your do-it-yourself house renovations. Simply leave a comment to request a free copy of our ebook.

Request a complimentary copy of this ebook.