Install Bifold Doors
Bifold doors are a great option for closets, large and small. You can open them up for more access, they take up minimal space and they give the room a nice finished look. We’ll show you how to install bifold doors following these simple steps.
Preparation
Bifold doors operate differently than jamb-hinge household doors. Bifolds work with a bracket on the floor and a track and snugger guide assembly along the top of the closet header, which allows the folding movement.
01 Measure the exact width and height of the opening into which you will install the bifold doors.
- A closet opening that’s 36" wide will require a single two-panel bifold door. Wider closets require at least two two-panel units.
02 Give your measurements to a Lowe’s associate to help you find doors to fit your closet.
TIP: If you plan on painting your doors, it will be easier to do before they’re in place. The process is similar to painting cabinets, so check out How to Paint Cabinets at Lowes.com/Videos.
Attaching the Track
The procedure for attaching the track is similar whether you’re installing one or two two-panel door kits. The main difference is that installing two kits requires that you install the snugger guide in the middle of the track to provide the proper tension when the doors are closed.
01 Calculate the length of the track(s) following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
02 Cut each piece to the appropriate length with a hacksaw following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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03 Mark where you’ll position the track on the closet header.
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04 If installing two track pieces:
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- Some door kits include a plate to connect the two tracks in the middle. Insert the plate in between the tracks.
05 Attach the track(s) to the closet header with screws.
TIP: Be sure to wear safety glasses when cutting the tracks or using a drill.
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Installing Pivots and Brackets
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01 Set the top pivot in the top hole on the pivot door and tap in position with a hammer.
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02 Set the guide pivot in the hole on the guide door and tap in position with a hammer.
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03 Set the bottom pivot in the bottom hole on the pivot door and tap in position with a hammer.
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04 Locate the jamb bracket on the floor so that it is in line with the track.
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05 Drill pilot holes in the jamb and the floor for installation of the jamb bracket screws.
06 Install the jamb brackets with screws.
- TIP: If installing the bracket on a carpet floor, another option is to remove the carpet and padding where the pivot bracket will be positioned, or add a wood block or other shim material to lift the bracket above the carpet, then secure bracket with screws.
Installing and Adjusting the Door Panels
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01 Place the top pivot in the pivot hole, slightly lift the door, then seat the bottom pivot in the jamb bracket.
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02 Insert the snugger guide into the track.
03 Depress the guide pivot to fit inside the track.
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04 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the door panels.
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For most installations, the procedure is:
- To adjust the height:
- Lift the door out of the jamb bracket.
- Rotate the bottom pivot to raise or lower the door to the proper position. Be sure the panels clear the floor.
- To make the door plumb:
- Lift the door and set the bottom pivot so you have the appropriate gap along the jamb at the bottom.
- Check the gap at the top with a tape measure.
- Loosen the screw in the top pivot bracket, adjust the position and retighten.
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05 If you’re installing a second set of bifold panels, install it following the above steps.
06 Install the door pulls.
- Make a mark about 36" from the floor, centered on each guide door.
- Drill the holes.
- Attach the door pulls with screws.
07 If installing two two-panel bifolds, next install aligners that allow the center two door sections to meet in the middle.
- Close the doors.
- From inside the closet, mark a line on both doors about 12" from the floor.
- Hold each aligner on the mark and attach with screws.
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It’s that easy to install one or two sets of bifold closet doors. For more home improvement how-tos, check out the library of projects at Lowes.com/Videos.
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