Houses with bi-fold closet doors are super popular because they can turn a large space into a more usable room. But unfortunately, the information out there about bi-fold closet doors is often confusing and contradictory. This post will clear some stuff up by answering your most pressing questions about bi-fold closet doors.
1. How do Bi-Fold Closet Doors Work?
Bi-fold closet doors are similar to regular swinging doors, except they open up rather than swing open. The door has two panels that fit into each other like pieces of a puzzle. To open the door, you push on the top panel, which causes the bottom panel to slide out in front of it. Hinges on each panel’s top and bottom edges allow this movement without damaging your walls or flooring.
Turning the panels into the room to walk through them, you let them move into their stored position by gravity. Bi-fold closet doors are usually designed so that the panels don’t slip when you open them out of the door frame, but they can still be a little tricky to maneuver.
2. Can Bi-Fold Closet Doors Fit Any Size Door Frame?
The short answer to this question is yes. But there is a lot of room for variation in bi-fold closet doors. The door frame size can be anything from very small to much larger than the door itself. If your door frame doesn’t match any standard sizes, it may be difficult to find bi-fold closet doors that will fit properly.
3. What Materials Are Bi-Fold Closet Doors Made From?
You can find bi-fold closet doors in any material you can think of: wood, plastic, metal, etc. Generally speaking, the sturdier the material, the higher you have to pay. For example, wooden bi-fold closet doors will typically be more expensive than plastic ones.
4. How Do You Install Bi-Fold Closet Doors?
Bi-fold closet doors are easy to clean and install, but if you want to hang them on a wood door frame, you’ll need to install the hardware first. If your door has a metal frame, you might be able to use screws or nails instead, but you’ll have to face the possibility of damaging your door’s finish.
5. How Do You Care For Bi-Fold Closet Doors?
If you want to keep your bifold closet doors looking great, you should apply a coat of clean, mild furniture polish to them once a month. This will help the wood finish from fading and also keeps the door panels smooth and shiny.
6. Can You Paint Bi-Fold Closet Doors?
If you want to paint your bi-fold closet doors, you should do so before you install them. You can also use a roller or brush to apply the paint, though this will rarely give an attractive finish. Unless you’re very skilled, it’s best to have the job done professionally.
7. Can You Add Shelves to Bi-Fold Closet Doors?
Yes, you can. Adding shelves will make your closet more functional and add a decorative touch to the room. You can also paint shelves to match the rest of the closet or add decorative trim.
8. Can You Make Bi-Fold Closet Doors Sliding Doors?
Most bi-fold closet doors are designed so that they open up. To turn them into sliding doors, you may have to do a lot of work and spend a lot of money. It’s an option for some situations, but only if you want it.
9. Why are Bi-Fold Closet Doors So Expensive?
A set of bi-fold closet doors can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a home renovation project, even if you buy them on sale.
Some important factors affect the price: the quality of the material, the type of hinge used, and whether or not they include installed hardware.
Generally speaking, the slant between the top and bottom panels is another important factor. The more steeply slanted a set of bi-fold closet doors is, the more expensive it will be.
10. What About Bi-Fold Closet Doors With Mirrors?
If you want bi-fold closet doors with mirrors, there are ways to achieve this. You can use special glass or clear plastic in place of regular wood or metal.
This will make the doors look a little more expensive, and it also makes them heavier. If you’re planning on using your bi-fold closet doors like sliding doors, you might also be able to convert them into mirror doors.
Bottom Line
Bi-fold closet doors can add a lot of versatility to your home, and they can make your room look better while also making it more functional. This is why they are so popular with homeowners.
Author: John Brinkster