How to Install Bi-Fold Doors Yourself

By
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/24/23
Reviewed by
Johnathan Brewer
Johnathan Brewer
Reviewed by Johnathan Brewer
Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Bifold Door

Huntstock / Getty Images

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Total Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $15 to $100 (hardware only)

Bi-fold doors have long been a staple of homes because they are lightweight, inexpensive, and can typically be installed by one person. While they are not designed for privacy or to keep out intruders, they do an excellent job at providing one basic service: covering areas that you would prefer not to see, such as laundry nooks, pantries, closets, and general storage areas. A single bi-fold door with two panels can be used on small closet openings in tight spaces instead of a swinging door. Learn how to install bi-fold doors from start to finish with these easy steps.

What Is a Bi-fold Door?

A bi-fold door is a door with two or more hinged panels that open like an accordion by folding back on tracks to one side of a door frame. The door styles can be solid, paneled, or louvered. They do not swing open or closed.

Before You Begin

If the door opening is out of square or not level, you may need to fix the issue before installing the doors so that they will operate properly.

Kits

Most bi-fold doors are installed with hardware kits. A bi-fold door set may come with knobs or pulls and a hardware kit. However, if you already have a door set or you are repairing an existing bi-fold door, you can buy a hardware kit that is sold separately. Measure the width and height of the door frame to get the right size door and/or hardware kit.

A standard bi-fold door hardware kit includes:

  • A door track with mounting screws, a spring-loaded stop, and pivot guide
  • A pivot bracket for the bottom of the door
  • A solid pivot pin for the top of the door on the side that doesn't open
  • A roller pin with a nylon wheel on it, for the top of the door on the side that does open
  • An adjustable pivot pin that fits into the bottom pivot bracket, on the side that doesn't open

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Pencil
  • Drill with a wood drill bit and screwdriver bits
  • Hammer
  • Tape measure or measuring stick
  • Long bubble level

Materials

  • Bi-fold door with knobs/pulls and hardware kit

Instructions

How to Install a Bi-Fold Door

  1. Install the Door Track

    • Measure and mark a line down the center of the top of the door frame for the track. Use a long level to draw the line. This will ensure it's installed straight.
    • Slide the pivot guide into the door track so the pivot-pin hole will face the hinged (non-opening) side of the door when the track is installed.
    • Position the door track on the top jamb of the door opening, and mark the mounting screw holes with a pencil.
    • Set the track aside, and drill a pilot hole at each mark, using the drill and a wood bit that is slightly smaller than the mounting screws.
    • Reposition the track and fasten it in place with its mounting screws, using the drill and a screwdriver bit.

    Tip

    You can center the track in the frame if desired per the above instructions. Or, you can position the track so the door will be recessed slightly inside the frame when it is closed.

    Install Top Guide of Bi Fold Door
    Lee Wallender

  2. Install the Top Pivot Pin

    • Stand up the door and lean it against the wall near the door opening, in the position it will be installed.
    • Note the two holes on the top of the door, one on each door panel. Insert the top pivot pin into the hole on the door panel that will be on the hinged (non-opening) side of the doorway.
    • Push the pin all the way into the hole, using a hammer to tap it gently, if needed.
    Place End Pin on Bi Fold Door
    Lee Wallender

  3. Install the Roller Pin

    • Fit the roller pin into the hole on the other door panel.
    • Tap it in with a hammer, if needed, but be careful not to damage the roller or the internal spring.
    Place Roller Pin In Bi Fold Door
    Lee Wallender

  4. Install the Bottom Pin

    • Fold the door in half and set it on the floor on its side edges.
    • Insert the bottom pin into the hole on the hinged door panel; this pin must be on the same panel as the pivot pin on the top of the door.
    • Tap it lightly with a hammer to seat the pin all the way in.
    Tap in Bottom Pin of Bi Fold Door
    Lee Wallender

  5. Install the Bottom Bracket

    • Measure and mark the correct spot to install the L-shaped bottom bracket onto the door jamb on the hinged side of the door, following the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Use a long level and pencil to mark a plumb line down from the top of the track down the sides of the door jambs for this purpose. The L-shaped bottom bracket must line up correctly with the top track.
    • Drill pilot holes and fasten the bracket with its mounting screws.
    • Two screws driven into the side jamb should be sufficient, but an additional hole in the bracket is provided in case you want to screw it into the floor for added stability.

    Tip

    The center of the bottom bracket should be the same distance from the front edge of the door opening as the center of the top pivot bracket. This ensures the door will be properly aligned with the jambs.

    Install Bottom Bracket Between Floor and Door Frame
    Lee Wallender

  6. Install the Door Stop

    Push the spring-loaded door stop into the end of the track on the opening side of the door. It should snap in by hand. Do not hammer it, as it can break easily.

    Install End Spring of Bi Fold Door on Door Frame
    Lee Wallender

  7. Hang the Door

    Find a helper for this step, if you can, to make maneuvering the door easier.

    • Insert the top pivot pin into the pivot guide inside the track.
    • Swing the bottom of the door into place so that the bottom pivot pin rests in the L-shaped bracket.
    • If the door doesn't fit properly between the top guide and the bottom bracket, raise or lower the door, as needed, by unscrewing or screwing in the adjustable pivot on the bottom of the door.
    • Check the gap between the door and the hinge-side jamb; if it is uneven, change the position of the bottom pivot pin on its bracket to make the door gap even.
    • Reach up and depress the spring-loaded wheel at the top of the door, swing the door into place to align the wheel under the track, then release the wheel so it pops into the track.
    • Close and open the door to check for proper operation.

    Tip

    If the door binds against the hinge-side jamb, move the top pivot pin guide and the bottom pivot pin away from the jamb by an equal amount. Move the top guide by loosening its screw, sliding the guide sideways, then retightening the screw.

  8. Install Door Pulls

    Install your decorative door pulls or knobs wherever you'd like. The two middle door panels are the typical spots for pulls or knobs. If preferred, place the pulls or knobs more toward the hinges of the middle door panels and the doors will still easily open. Avoid putting the pulls or knobs on the outer panels or the doors will be very difficult to operate.

    • Measure and mark the center of each panel where you are placing a pull or knob.
    • Drill a hole to install the pull or knob.
    • Secure the pull or knob per instructions.