Problem: Sliding closet doors allow access to only one side of the closet at a time.
Solution: Bi-fold doors allow access to the entire closet and are easy to install.
Equipment list:
tape measure
utility knife
adjustable wrench
chisel
drill with screw bits and drill bits
hammer
safety goggles
Measure the width and height of the opening before you begin so you can start with the correct door (figures A and B).
If the doorjamb (the frame around the door) has a recessed top, you will need to cover it with a solid piece of wood. Be sure to take this into account when checking the door measurements.
Remove the existing doors
- Remove any floor hardware, and then remove the doors.
Install the mounting hardware
- Place the track against the top jamb piece (figure C). Center it between the front and back as closely as possible.
- Mark holes for mounting (figure D), and drill pilot holes. Use a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than your wood screws. Always wear safety goggles when operating your drill.
- Screw the track into position.
- Place the bottom jamb brackets at the bottom of the jamb, centered between the front and back at the same distance as the track (figure E).
- Mark holes for mounting, drill pilot holes, and screw into position (figure F).
Mount the doors onto the brackets
- Place pivot pegs into the pre-drilled holes in the door. Place the plain plastic pegs (figure G) into the top holes and the adjustable foot pegs (figure H) into the bottom holes (figure I). To avoid damaging the plastic pegs, gently tap them into place.
- Make sure the bracket in the track is loose, and insert the top pin (figure J).
- Place the bottom pin into the bottom bracket.
- Position the door so that the gap between the door and the jamb is uniform, then tighten the track bracket in place.
- Repeat the process for the adjacent door.
- Adjust the foot pins to make sure both doors are at an equal height. For plush carpeting, you may want to place a wooden shim underneath the bottom bracket. Keep in mind that this will affect the measurement of your door.
- Adjust the doors to make sure the gap between them is consistent. This gap will be more noticeable than the ones on the sides.
Install the doorknobs
- Mark the door 1-1/2" from the middle of the door hinges toward the wall (figure K).
- Drill a hole through the door. The hole for the doorknob should be as large as the diameter of the knob bolts.
- Push the doorknob bolt through the door from the closet side and screw the knob tightly to the bolt.
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