Closet Door Question

[Mr. T]

I’d like to replace my current 1980 builder grade sliding closet doors with somewhat nicer bifold doors.

My rough opening is 82” x 58 1/2”. I’m finding that 80 x 30 is a pretty common size for bifold doors. Most have a trim allowance of 1/4” per side for the width. This still leaves me 1/2” too narrow on the opening.

My question is, is that trim allowance fudgable? I’d love to be able to use standard doors but I don’t want to spend the money and then ruin the doors by taking off too much.

 

[Tom Sestito]

That ½" is there so you have an overlap of doors - you don't want to look into the closet through the middle of the doors.

To answer your question, each edge of the door should be 1 ½" or so.

If you need to remove ½ overall then that is only ⅛" per door per side. No biggy at all.

 

[kbs2244]

Bi-folds do not overlap.
They **** up to each other.

Your 1/2 inch is 1/4 at each end and should be "fudgable"
If you are talking Rough openings, you are talking re-trimming anyway.
A 1/2 inch plywood spacer will fix the problem.

 

[firebirdparts]

Special order a 28 and then fill in instead.

 

[hammlm]

Here's another option --- which I know you didn't ask for. But I replaced a set of sliders with a special order pre-hung double door combo from lowes. It was a while ago, but I remember being pleasantly surprised at the cost. And I could order it to fit my opening exactly. It might not work for you depending on what's in the room and how much you have for swing, but I always get frustrated with bi-fold, and also, It's MUCH easier to get to the stuff on the sides of the closet without the two folded panels opened up against the jam. Of course, I know special order is a bit of a PITA and more money, but isn't that we do for each other here on GJ?

 

[ddawg16]

I'm guessing you have overlaping sliding doors? Hence, you can't get full access to the closet....one side or the other?

If so....I can see why you want to put in bi-fold doors.

Be aware they are going to stick out about 15" when open....if you do louvered....you will get air circulation in the closet and cut down smells.

Also be aware you will have the lower track to remove....and some possible floor repair if your existing doors are not hangers.

As for making it fit....I've done the same thing with smaller openings. To get an idea of how much needs to come off...go look at the actual bi-fold and measure it's true opening. There is some 'fudge factor'....I just don't remember how much.

Important note....check your opening for square. With your sliding doors, it was easy to hid a non-plumb door. Those bi-folds are not so forgiving. You will have 3 sides that might show any issues...each side and the middle.

If the opening is not square....the pull off the wood on the opening and adjust as necessary.

If you need to trim the doors.....remember you have 8 edges you can trim....in other words, you can take the hinges off and trim those edges to make the doors symmetrical.

One other option.....have you considered an external sliding barn door type? If you have enough wall space on the side or both sides...hang it external and you can slide it out of the way.