Managing a rental garden

Easy Tips for Buying and Installing Bi-Fold Doors

by Glen Shelton

Bi-fold doors are a staple in many homes today. They're often used for closets, pantries, and storage areas. Buying new bi-fold doors and replacing the ones you have may seem like an overwhelming chore, but it's actually quite simple if you consider the following tips and tricks.

1. Choose solid doors

When you go to the hardware store to buy new bi-fold doors, you'll note that you can choose between solid doors and hollow core doors. The hollow core doors will be cheaper and lighter, but they're also more difficult to trim down if they don't fit your frame. They typically do not last as long, and may have difficulty holding any paint or stain you apply. Consider your doors an investment in your home's appearance and choose the solid doors that will last longer and look better.

2. Paint or stain before you hang the doors

It's easier to paint or stain your doors before you hang them, it keeps you from working from the inside of the closet. This lets you see and fix any drips or imperfection you may have missed in inadequate lighting. Painting them beforehand will also help ensure the paint or stain is completely dry before you hang the doors.

3. Mount the hinges

You may need to mount the hinges on your new doors if you choose to buy individual panels.

To make it simple, measure the hinges on your current doors and mark your new doors accordingly. This will ensure the doors slide along your tracks properly, and open and close easily. It will also take out any guesswork when it comes to deciding where the hinges should be set.

4. Attach the track hardware

The pivot plates and locking arms should be attached after the hinges, so you know they'll fit properly. Each kit will have its own markings for where the pivot plates should be set, so be sure you check the instructions that come with your doors. This will make it easier on you than trying to measure and guess. If you fail to follow your kit's direction you may find that you put on a pivot plate backwards, which is a common mistake made by many homeowners.

5. Attach the door to the track, then the track to the frame

Another common mistake made by homeowners is to attach the track to the frame of the closet and then try to attach the doors to the track. When installing new bi-fold doors, you need to slide the hanging hardware into the tops and bottoms of the track and then screw the track into the frame. If you're using your existing track, this need to be unscrewed from the doorframe so you can slide in the bi-fold doors, and then reattach the track.

If you have questions, ask companies such as AMJ Window Solutions for help.

Share