From small rooms to hallways, bi-fold doors are a great space saving solution for closets in tight areas. Installing them isn’t difficult. All you’ll need is a bi-fold door kit, some basic supplies and one or two hours.
Here’s what you should have on hand to take on this project.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Cordless Drill/Driver
- Drill Bits
- Impact Driver
- Hammer
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Tape Measure
- Bifold Doors
- Door Track Kit
- Door Hardware
- Paint Brush (optional)
- Paint (optional)
- Putty Knife (optional)
- Wood Putty (optional)
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear. Throughout the video we’ll let you know when you should and should not use the safety gear.
STEP ONE
Prepare opening. Start by removing existing doors and hardware. Depress the pivots to slide out your doors, back out screws, and remove the track system. Be sure to fill any holes with wood putty, sand and repaint as needed before installing your new doors. Measure the closet opening, both the width and height, and use these measurements to buy your new doors.
STEP TWO
Install track and brackets. Position the new doors by marking the center of the closet. Use a level to mark plumb lines on the insides of the door jambs. Then place the track, leaving a 1/16th inch gap on each end. Pre-drill your holes and with an impact driver, install the track, centering it on the top door frame with the pivot bracket directed toward the jamb. Center the jamb brackets on the floor, drill pilot holes, then fasten the brackets to the jamb with screws provided in your kit.
STEP THREE
Install doors. Use a hammer to lightly tap your pivots into the holes at the top and bottom of the doors. Once your pivots are in place, install the doors by seating the bottom pivots into the brackets, then inserting the top pivots. You should have a white round plastic piece known as the snugger guide in your kit. Place it into the track, then squeeze the guide pivot on top of the door, position it under the track and release, making sure it’s positioned securely in the track.
STEP FOUR
Adjust doors. Check the door height so it won’t rub against the floor or header jamb. To adjust, lift the door and rotate the bottom pivot. To adjust for plumb, lift the door and slide it into position, then loosen the top screw and slide the top pivot bracket until the door is plumb and re-tighten.
STEP FIVE
Install hardware. Some bi-fold doors include poles, but feel free to install decorative hardware that matches your decor. To install decorative hardware, mark a comfortable height on the face of the guide door. Centered is usually best. Check for alignment on both doors. Then, folding the hardware in place, mark your holes and fasten in place with the screws provided. Your installation is complete. Step back and admire your new door.
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