How to Fit Internal Bifold Doors

Bifold doors are a generally quite a popular choice for homeowners; not only are they stylish and cost-effective, but they also help to maximise space. These folding doors are flexible for most rooms in the home; from walk in/built in wardrobes, to doors between dining rooms and kitchens.

How to Fit Internal Bifold Doors

Internal bifold doors can sometimes be rather confusing when you’re trying to fit them. Taking the time to lay out all of the components and ensure that you have everything to hand will make the process much simpler. The first thing you need to do when fitting your door, is figure out which end of the door is the top. Then, on the top of the door you will find two holes. You'll need to locate the hole you want to be the hinge end hole, this will be the side closest to the door frame. Along with the door, you should receive three different pins. A smooth metal pin, a roller pin with a nylon wheel, and a metal ridged pin.

1. For the first step, take the smooth pin and push it into the hole you previously located. You may need to use a hammer to lightly tap it in.
2. Then you need to place the roller pin into the door, this pin needs to be in the side of the door that will be sliding. Push the pin in as far as you can then tap the pin lightly with a hammer to put it all the way in. Make sure to be gentle as the wheel can break fairly easily.
3. You will have to then have access to the bottom of the door so you can insert the ridged pin into the last hole of the door. You might have to hammer this one in most of the way too.
4. Next, screw the top metal guide into the door frame. Make sure it is positioned so that the small metal hinge-rest is closest to the door frame.
5. Now, screw the L-shaped bracket at the junction of the floor and door frame. The two screws into the door frame should be enough. However, if you want added strength, you can screw it into the floor too.
6. Now is time to install the top spring, this should be at the furthest edge, away from the hinge. The spring should snap into place by hand, do not use a hammer for this point.
7. Then it’s time to insert the door, to do this, first place the smooth pin into the top metal guide. Then swing the bottom of the door so the bottom pin rests into the L-shaped bracket. Once both of them pins are in place, gently force the roller pin into the metal guide. Your bifold door is then fitted!

For a more visual guide of how to install your internal bifold doors, this video from Jeld Wen, one of the brands we stock at Doors & More, shows you just how simple it is to fit your doors yourself:

Common Problems When Fitting Bifold Doors

Like most things, when fitting bifold doors there can be some minor issues that you will need to overcome in order for your doors to work correctly.

My Bifold Doors Won’t Close Properly

There are a few things you can do if your door isn’t closing properly.

• The first thing is to adjust the outer pin. To do this, you need to take out the door and we have a separate step by step guide on how to remove your internal bifold door to make things clearer.
• The second solution is to ensure the movement of the bifold door. To do this, you need to check the external bracket, if it has been screwed to the floor properly, as well as the border of the doorway. Use a lubricating spray, spray the spring loaded pin, mostly on the upper part and push it thrice. Following these steps will ensure the door’s movement.
• The last solution, is to adjust the inner roller of the door. You’ll need to repair the inner edge that swings out of place. To do this, you need to fix the roller loaded with spring that enables the door to glide close properly. Again, use the lubricating spray to put some lubrication on the roller post. Then push down onto the roller a couple of times, the roller should bounce back without any friction.   Then, push down on the roller and move it backwards and forwards underneath the upper rail, carry on doing this until the roller gets back into place. Once the roller is let go, it will ram against the rail; this should stop it from swinging out of place.

My Bifold Doors are Getting Caught on the Carpet

If you have carpet, next to your bifold doors, or if you get new carpet, the door and carpet may get a little caught. This will usually happen when you get new carpet because, of the thickness of the carpet, it hasn’t had chance to be worn down yet.  This can be super annoying when opening and closing your door. The best way to fix this problem, is to trim the door.

• The first thing you should do when starting this process, you should measure up ½ an inch from the highest point on the carpeting and mark the door.
• Then, it’s time to remove the door, to do this, open the door completely and lift to compress the top pivot spring. Swing the bottom of the door out of the bottom bracket, then pull the door down and out of the top pivot bracket.
• Use a utility knife to mark the cutting line on the backside of the door, this will reduce splintering of the wood.
• Now it’s time to actually trim the door, we suggest clamping a cutting guide to the door. Mount a crosscut type of blade into your saw and then cut slightly to the outside of the line.
• Finish the job by sanding the cut edges so you don’t have any rough parts. Place the door back onto its mount and you’re done!