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how to install folding closet doors​

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Are you tired of your old, outdated closet doors? Folding closet doors are a stylish and space-saving solution. Installing folding closet doors can transform your closet and give your room a fresh look.

 

Folding closet doors, also known as bifold doors, offer many benefits. They're easy to open and close, and they don't take up valuable floor space. Plus, they come in a variety of materials and styles to suit any décor.

 

In this post, we'll guide you through the process of installing folding closet doors. We'll cover everything from choosing the right doors to installing the hardware. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or considering professional installation, we've got you covered.

 folding closet doors

Types of Folding Closet Doors

 

When it comes to folding closet doors, you have two main options: bifold doors and accordion doors. Let's take a closer look at each type.

 

Bifold Doors

 

Bifold doors are the most common type of folding closet doors. They consist of two or more panels that are hinged together and fold in on each other when opened.

 

Materials

 

Bifold doors come in a variety of materials, including:

 

- Wood: Classic and durable, wood bifold doors offer a timeless look.

- MDF: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) doors are smooth and ideal for painting.

- Louvered: These doors feature slats that allow for ventilation, perfect for laundry rooms or linen closets.

- Glass-paneled: If you want to showcase your closet's contents or allow light in, consider glass-paneled bifold doors.

 

Sizes and Configurations

 

Bifold doors are available in standard sizes, typically ranging from 24 to 36 inches in width per panel. They can be configured as single doors (2 panels) or double doors (4 panels) to fit your closet opening.

 

Accordion Doors

 

Accordion doors, also known as folding doors, are another option for closet doors. They feature a series of panels connected by hinges that fold like an accordion when opened.

 

Materials

 

Accordion doors are commonly made from:

 

- Vinyl: Durable and easy to clean, vinyl accordion doors are a practical choice.

- Fabric: Fabric-covered accordion doors add a soft, textured look to your closet.

- Wood: For a more substantial and high-end appearance, consider wooden accordion doors.

 

Sizes and Configurations

 

Accordion doors are available in various widths to accommodate different closet sizes. They can span openings from 24 inches to over 96 inches wide.

 

When choosing between bifold and accordion doors, consider the style of your room, your budget, and the amount of space you have available. Both types offer unique benefits and can enhance the functionality and appearance of your closet.

 

Preparing for Installation

 

Before you start installing your folding closet doors, there are a few important steps you need to take. Let's go through them one by one.

 

Measuring the Closet Opening

 

First, you'll need to measure your closet opening. This is crucial for ensuring you choose the right size doors and hardware.

 

Width and Height Measurements

 

Measure the width of your closet opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest measurement, as this will be the width you'll use when selecting your doors.

 

For the height, measure from the floor to the top of the opening. Again, take measurements at multiple points to ensure accuracy.

 

Checking for Square and Level

 

Use a level to check if your closet opening is square and plumb. If it's not, you may need to make adjustments before installing your doors.

 

Measuring at Multiple Points

 

Measure at multiple points along the width and height of your opening. This will help you account for any irregularities in the walls or floor.

 

Choosing the Right Size Doors

 

Now that you have your measurements, it's time to choose your doors.

 

Standard vs Custom Sizes

 

Folding closet doors come in standard sizes, but if your opening is an odd size, you may need to order custom doors.

 

Accounting for Hardware and Clearance

 

Remember to account for the size of the hardware when selecting your doors. You'll also want to ensure there's enough clearance for the doors to fold open without hitting any obstacles.

 

Ensuring Doors are Slightly Smaller

 

Your doors should be slightly smaller than your opening to allow for proper installation and smooth operation. Aim for a gap of about 1/4 inch on all sides.

 

Tools and Materials Needed

 

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here's what you'll need:

 

- Drill

- Level

- Saw (if you need to cut your doors to size)

- Screwdriver

- Hammer

- Door hardware kit (including pivots, brackets, and tracks)

- Paintbrush and paint or stain (if you plan to finish your doors)

 

With these preparations complete, you're ready to move on to installing your folding closet door hardware.

 

 

Installing Folding Closet Door Hardware

 

Now that you've prepared your closet opening and chosen your doors, it's time to install the hardware. Let's break it down step by step.

 

Types of Folding Closet Door Hardware

 

Before we dive into installation, let's take a look at the different types of hardware you'll be working with.

 

Pivot Brackets and Pins

 

Pivot brackets and pins allow your doors to swing open and closed. They're installed at the top and bottom of your doors.

 

Track Systems

 

Track systems guide your doors as they fold open and closed. They're installed at the top of your closet opening.

 

Aligners and Pulls

 

Aligners keep your doors flush when closed, while pulls make it easy to open and close them. These are installed on the doors themselves.

 

Installing the Top Track

 

The top track is a crucial component of your folding closet door system. Here's how to install it:

 

Marking the Center Line

 

Use a level to mark the center line of your closet opening at the top. This will ensure your track is straight.

 

Cutting the Track to Size

 

Measure your closet opening and cut your track to the appropriate length using a saw.

 

Securing the Track to the Header

 

Position your track on the center line and use a drill to secure it to the header with the provided screws.

 

Positioning Track 1 Inch from Front Edge

 

To allow room for trim, position your track 1 inch back from the front edge of your closet opening.

 

Installing the Bottom Pivot Brackets

 

With the top track in place, it's time to install the bottom pivot brackets.

 

Aligning with the Top Track

 

Use a plumb bob to align your bottom pivot brackets with the top track. This ensures your doors will hang straight.

 

Securing to the Floor or Door Jamb

 

Depending on your specific hardware, you'll either secure your bottom pivot brackets to the floor or the door jamb. Use a drill to attach them with the provided screws.

 

With your top track and bottom pivot brackets installed, you're ready to hang your doors. We'll cover that in the next section.

 

Hanging the Folding Closet Doors

 

With the hardware installed, it's time to hang your doors. This is where your folding closet doors really start to come together.

 

Attaching Hinges and Pivot Plates to Doors

 

The first step is attaching the hinges and pivot plates to your doors.

 

Marking Hinge Positions

 

Mark your hinge positions on your doors. A good rule of thumb is to place them 11 inches from the bottom, 7 inches from the top, and centered in between.

 

Using a Self-Centering Bit

 

To ensure your hinges are properly aligned, use a self-centering drill bit. This will make drilling your pilot holes much easier and more accurate.

 

Installing the Top Pivot Pins

 

With your hinges in place, install the top pivot pins on your doors. These pins will slot into the top track and allow your doors to fold smoothly.

 

Inserting the Bottom Pivot Pins into Brackets

 

Next, insert the bottom pivot pins into the brackets you installed earlier. These pins will keep your doors securely in place and allow them to pivot open and closed.

 

Adjusting Door Alignment and Height

 

With your doors hung, you may need to make some adjustments to ensure they're properly aligned.

 

Ensuring Even Gaps Around Doors

 

Check the gaps around your doors. They should be even on all sides. If they're not, you may need to adjust your pivot pins or brackets.

 

Adjusting Pivot Pins and Brackets

 

Use a screwdriver to adjust your pivot pins and brackets until your doors are properly aligned. This may take some trial and error, but it's important for the smooth operation of your doors.

 

Installing Door Pulls or Knobs

 

The final step is installing your door pulls or knobs.

 

Placing Pulls on the Center of Middle Door Panels

 

For the best leverage and ease of use, place your pulls on the center of the middle door panels.

 

Avoiding Pulls on Outer Panels

 

Avoid placing pulls on the outer panels of your doors, as this can make them harder to open and close.

 

With your doors hung and your pulls installed, your folding closet doors are almost complete. In the next section, we'll cover some final touches and troubleshooting tips.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

 

Even with careful installation, you may encounter some issues with your folding closet doors. Don't worry, though. We've got you covered with some troubleshooting tips.

 

Doors Not Closing Properly

 

If your doors aren't closing properly, there are a few things you can check.

 

Adjusting Pivot Pins and Brackets

 

First, try adjusting your pivot pins and brackets. They may need to be tightened or loosened to allow your doors to close smoothly.

 

Checking for Obstructions

 

Next, check for any obstructions that may be preventing your doors from closing. This could be something as simple as a piece of debris in the track.

 

Ensuring Track is Level

 

Finally, make sure your track is level. If it's not, your doors may not close evenly.

 

Doors Sticking or Dragging

 

Doors that stick or drag can be frustrating, but there are some easy fixes.

 

Lubricating Tracks and Hardware

 

First, try lubricating your tracks and hardware. A silicone-based lubricant can work wonders.

 

Adjusting Door Height

 

If lubrication doesn't help, try adjusting the height of your doors. They may be hanging too low and dragging on the floor.

 

Checking Floor Brackets

 

Also, check your floor brackets. They may have come loose or shifted, causing your doors to stick.

 

Uneven Gaps Between Doors

 

Uneven gaps between your doors can be unsightly and affect their operation.

 

Checking for Square and Level

 

First, check that your closet opening is square and level. If it's not, your doors may not hang evenly.

 

Shimming Pivot Brackets

 

If your opening is square, try shimming your pivot brackets. This can help adjust the position of your doors and even out the gaps.

 

Adjusting Track Position

 

As a last resort, you may need to adjust the position of your track. This is a more involved process, but it can help if all else fails.

 

Remember, troubleshooting is a process of trial and error. Be patient, and don't be afraid to make adjustments until your doors are operating smoothly.

 

Finishing Touches

 

You're almost done! Just a few finishing touches, and your folding closet doors will be ready to use.

 

Painting or Staining Doors (If Applicable)

 

If you're planning to paint or stain your doors, it's best to do this before installation.

 

Completing Before Installation

 

Painting or staining your doors before installing them will help you avoid getting paint or stain on your new hardware. It also makes the process much easier.

 

Installing Trim to Conceal Top Track

 

To give your closet a polished look, consider installing trim to conceal the top track.

 

Cutting 1x2 Stock

 

Cut 1x2 stock to fit the width of your closet opening. You may need to make mitered cuts at the corners for a seamless look.

 

Priming and Painting Trim

 

Prime and paint your trim to match your closet frame. This will help it blend in and look like a natural part of your closet.

 

Securing Trim with Finish Nails or Screws

 

Use finish nails or screws to secure your trim to the top of your closet frame. Be sure to fill any nail holes and touch up the paint as needed.

 

Testing Door Operation and Making Final Adjustments

 

Before you call the job done, give your doors a final test run.

 

Open and close them several times to ensure they're operating smoothly. If you notice any issues, refer back to our troubleshooting tips.

 

Make any final adjustments needed, such as tightening screws or lubricating hardware.

 

With these finishing touches, your folding closet doors are ready for daily use. Stand back and admire your handiwork – you did it!

 

Maintenance and Care

 

Congratulations on successfully installing your folding closet doors! To keep them operating smoothly for years to come, regular maintenance and care are essential.

 

Cleaning and Lubricating Hardware

 

Over time, dust and grime can build up on your door hardware, causing it to stick or operate less smoothly.

 

To prevent this, regularly clean your tracks, hinges, and other hardware with a soft cloth or brush. After cleaning, apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to keep everything moving smoothly.

 

Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dirt and dust.

 

Tightening Loose Screws and Bolts

 

With regular use, the screws and bolts holding your hardware in place can loosen over time.

 

Periodically check all screws and bolts and tighten them as needed using a screwdriver or wrench.

 

Pay special attention to the screws holding your top track and bottom pivot brackets, as these bear the weight of your doors.

 

Replacing Worn or Damaged Components

 

Despite your best maintenance efforts, some components of your folding closet doors may eventually wear out or become damaged.

 

If you notice any worn, bent, or broken parts, replace them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

 

Most hardware stores carry replacement parts for common folding door systems. Be sure to bring your old part with you to ensure you get the right replacement.

 

By keeping your folding closet doors clean, lubricated, and in good repair, you'll ensure they provide smooth, reliable operation for years to come.

 

Conclusion

 

Installing folding closet doors can be a manageable DIY project with the right preparation and tools. By carefully measuring your closet opening, choosing the appropriate doors, and following the installation steps, you can transform your space and enjoy the benefits of these stylish and functional doors.

 

Properly installed folding closet doors can maximize your storage space, provide easy access to your belongings, and enhance the overall look of your room. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can achieve professional-looking results.

 

Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and diagrams for specific guidance on your particular doors and hardware. By taking the time to do the job right, you'll ensure your folding closet doors provide smooth, reliable operation for years to come.

 

FAQ

 

Q: Can I install folding closet doors myself?

A: Yes, installing folding closet doors is a manageable DIY project for most people with the right tools and preparation.

 

Q: How long does installation typically take? (4 hours for beginners, 2-4 hours for experienced)

A: Installation typically takes 4 hours for beginners and 2-4 hours for those with experience.

 

Q: What is the average cost of folding closet doors and hardware? ($200-$750)

A: The average cost of folding closet doors and hardware ranges from $200 to $750.

 

Q: Can I install folding doors on an uneven floor?

A: Yes, but you may need to use shims to level the bottom pivot brackets and ensure the doors hang evenly.

 

Q: How do I adjust the alignment of my folding closet doors?

A: Adjust the alignment by loosening the screws on the pivot brackets and top track, repositioning the doors, and retightening the screws.

 

Q: What is the weight difference between solid wood and MDF doors? (solid wood is 50% heavier)

A: Solid wood doors are typically 50% heavier than MDF (medium-density fiberboard) doors.

 

Q: Can I choose between frosted or clear glass for glass-paneled doors?

A: Yes, most manufacturers offer the option of either frosted or clear glass for glass-paneled folding closet doors.


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