DIY Bifold Door Ideas: Enhance those Dated Doors

When I say a standard bifold door what do you think of? I think of the 1980’s or maybe 1990’s- dated, ugly and always falling off that pesky track. DIY Bifold Door ideas are becoming more popular due to the demand to give them a quick and easy update. Goodbye 80’s and 90’s and hello modern world! These doors used to be a popular choice for closet doors, room dividers, a guest room and pantry doors. So what do we do with them now?

One of the benefits of the DIY Bifold Door is the ability to customize the doors to fit the specific needs and style of your home. In a nutshell, you can create new doors to fit any space. With a little creativity and some basic power tools, you can transform ordinary bifold doors into unique and stylish features. From adding a fresh coat of paint to installing decorative trim pieces with a nail gun or brad nailer, the possibilities are endless. 

Let me show you some of the best DIY Bifold Door ideas to inspire you to enhance your living spaces. This is a great project to elevate a space without breaking the bank. 

Understanding Bifold Doors

Bifold doors are a type of door that folds in half to create a compact door opening. They are commonly used for closets, pantries, and a laundry room, but can also be used as room dividers or patio doors. Like I said, these lovely doors were used a lot in the 1980’s and 1990’s. 

Bifold doors consist of two or more panels that are hinged together and slide along a track. When opened, the panels fold in half and stack against each other, creating an opening that is typically twice as wide as a traditional door.

One of the benefits of bifold doors is that they are a great way to save space. This makes them a great option for small rooms or areas where space is limited like a small bedroom or bathroom. 

Before jumping in to your project, plan out how you want to tackle the bifold door makeover first. 

Designing Your Bifold Door

When it comes to designing your bifold door, there are a few things to consider. The style of your door is important as it can set the tone for the entire room. Remember, you can transform the look of old doors with just painter’s tape and a few coats of paint. Also don’t forget that changing out the door hinges and door handles and adding new trim work can elevate the door from drab to fab. Also, you don’t have to have fancy power tools like a paint sprayer to complete a simple door upgrade. 

Classic Design

A classic bifold door design is a timeless option that can work well in any room. This design typically features a simple, clean door frame look with a traditional panel layout. Classic bifold doors are often made from wood, but can also be made from other materials like metal or glass. This is the most popular style of bifold doors. This would also entail styles like french doors or louvered doors. 

Modern Design

For a more contemporary look, a modern bifold door design may be the way to go. This design often features sleek lines and minimalistic details. Modern bifold doors can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, metal, or even wood with a minimalist finish.

Rustic Design

If you’re going for a more rustic or farmhouse look, a rustic bifold door design may be the perfect fit. This design often features a more weathered or distressed look and may include decorative hardware or other unique details. Rustic bifold doors are typically made from wood or other natural materials.

A new popular bifold door makeover idea is adding sliding barn door hardware to the doors. 

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Quick Repair Guide

Bifold doors may need repairs from time to time. Some materials that might be needed to aid in the repair include; liquid nails or wood glue, a simple drill and possibly new hardware. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Sticking or jamming: If your bifold doors are sticking or jamming, try lubricating the tracks with a silicone-based spray lubricant. If that doesn’t work, you may need to adjust the track or replace the rollers. I recently replaced the old tracks on a few of our bifold doors. You can see the full review of the tracks from Amazon here. 
• Sagging: If your bifold doors are sagging, you may need to tighten the pivot bracket screws or replace the bracket altogether.
• Warping: If your bifold doors are warping, you may need to replace the affected panels or the entire door. 

Bifold Door Hardware

Here are a few options for bifold door hardware if you are looking to replace what you have.

• Sliding barn door bifold door hardware for 2 doors
• Sliding barn door bifold door hardware for 4 doors 
• Bifold door replacement kit
• Bifold door repair kit

Bifold door panels

Here are a few bifold door panel products from Amazon.

• 6-Panel Style Solid Wood bifold door
• Tempered Frosted Glass Panel bifold door
• Bi-fold closet door, Louver Panel Plantation
• White Painted MDF Composite Double Bi-Fold Barn Doors with Sliding Hardware Kit

DIY Bi-Fold Door Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I update my louvered bi-fold doors?

One way to update your louvered bifold doors is to paint them with a fresh coat of paint. You can also remove the louvers and replace them with frosted glass or mirrored panels. Another option is to add trim or molding (maybe even wood slats) to the doors to give them a more modern look. Make sure to use wood filler to fill any nail holes to make the surface look seamless.

What are some creative DIY ideas for using cane in closet doors?

Cane can be used to add texture and interest to closet doors. One idea is to weave cane into a simple wooden frame to create a rustic-looking door. Another idea is to use cane as a panel in a bifold door, which can add a touch of elegance to a space.

What are some stylish options for modern bifold closet doors?

Modern bifold closet doors can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, metal, and wood. One option is to use frosted glass panels, which can create a sleek and contemporary look. Another option is to use metal frames with frosted or clear glass panels, which can add an industrial touch to a space.

What are some alternatives to using bifold doors for closets?

Sliding doors are a popular alternative to bifold doors for closets. They can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, wood, and metal. Another option is to use pocket doors, which can slide into the wall and save space.

Can a regular door be converted into a bifold door?

Yes, a regular door or main door can be converted into a bifold door with the right hardware and tools. You will need to purchase a bifold door kit, which includes the track and hardware needed to install the door. 

Why have bifold doors fallen out of popularity in recent years?

Bifold doors have fallen out of popularity in recent years due to their tendency to become misaligned or difficult to open and close over time. Also many people prefer the sleeker look of sliding or pocket doors. That being said, updating old bifold doors is the easiest way to elevate the space.