Are you looking to install bifold doors in your home? One of the most important things you need to consider when choosing bi-folds is the size of the doors. What are the standard bifold door sizes and how to choose the right size for your home?
In this article, we will share with you information on standard sizes for bi-folds as well as the maximum recommended dimensions and options for configuration. We also explain how bifold doors work and what their benefits are.
Read on to find answers to your questions about bi-folding doors.
Standard Bifold Door Sizes
What is a Bi-Fold Door?
Bifold doors are made of several panels that can slide open. They usually pull open from the middle and fold up similarly to a concertina, helping you to make the most of the space. You can install them indoors or outside, for example, to split a large room into two when you don’t need the whole space or give you full access to your garden.
Bifold doors can be made from a range of materials, including wood to give you more privacy or glass to let in more light. If you are looking for external bi-folding doors, choose a material that can endure a range of weather.
How Bifold Doors Work
Bi-folding doors have a roller track system, which runs either at the bottom or the top of the door. Sometimes, especially with bigger installations, the tracking system can be both at the bottom and the top of the door. The door panels, which are linked with hinges, first fold in on themselves and then glide along the tracks.
Common set-ups include doors with two panels that open to one side and doors with four panels that open from the middle with two panels folding out on each side. However, it is possible to have more door panels depending on the size of the space you want to install them in.
The Benefits
Bifold doors often offer more flexibility than regular single-panel doors. You can either open just part of the doors or open them fully for wider access. They are easily customized with various materials, styles, finishes, and colors to choose from. Most people can install the doors themselves, with only a little DIY experience.
With external bifold doors, you can maximize the views of your garden with glass panels. This also allows plenty of natural light to enter your home. During warm days, they allow you to create an easy flow between the indoors and the outdoors.
In internal use, bifold doors are a great solution for small interior spaces such as pantries or laundry rooms as they take up minimal space. They allow you to access the whole space easily when fully opened. They can also be a stylish solution for dividing larger spaces.
Standard Sizes of Bifold Doors
The sizes of bifold doors vary depending on the manufacturer. However, because most standard homes have similar door size requirements, most companies will manufacture standard-size doors.
Because bifold doors are available in a range of sizes, you can find doors to fit almost any space. The most common bifold door size is 30 x 70 inches, which means a width of thirty inches and a height of 70 inches. Other standard sizes include 24 x 60 inches, 26 x 64 inches, and 28 x 68 inches.
The standard widths for door panels range from 28 inches to 39 inches. However, if your requirements are different, many manufacturers also offer bespoke options to accommodate the needs of their customers.
Closet Door Sizes For Bifolds
If you are looking to use bifold doors for a closet, you can customize the dimensions you need and the style of the doors you want. For example, you can choose a standard two-bifold door or for very large closets you can even get 16-panel bifold doors.
The standard sizes of two-panel bifold doors vary from one foot six inches to four feet, while a four-panel bifold will measure between three and eight feet, and an eight-panel bifold from six to twelve feet. Larger closets that require between twelve and sixteen folding panels can be up to 24 feet wide.
Rough Opening Sizes For Bifold Doors
A rough opening means a temporary entrance, which you can use to test the structure before making permanent changes. The basic rule for measuring a rough opening is to add two inches to the width and height of your bifold door. This should give you the clearance you need to install the doors.
To give you an example. If your bifold door measures 48 inches in width and 80 inches in height, your rough opening needs to be 50 inches wide and 82 inches tall. This will leave enough space for either installing a doorjamb kit or a ¾ inch of lumber to create a doorjamb.
Finished Opening Size
If you are installing the doors into an existing frame, you need to know the finished opening size of your folding door. It is always a good idea to check with the door manufacturer for the exact specifications and to confirm the opening requirements. As a general rule, the finished opening should be 1/2-1 inch wider and taller than the bifold.
Determining Your Bifold Door Size
If you are looking to replace an existing bifold door, the easiest thing to do is to note down its measurements. However, if you are installing a completely new bi-folding door, you need to take some measurements.
To choose the right size, you need to measure the height and width of the opening where you want to install the doors. You need to measure both the width and height of the door in three places and note down the smallest measurement. Watch this short video to find out how to measure your opening for bifold doors.
Once you have measured the opening, you need to select the door size that fits your measurements the best while ensuring you leave space for fitting tolerance. For example, if the width of the opening is 24 1/2 inches and the height is 71 inches, you would choose a door with the dimensions of 24 x 70 inches.
Maximum Height And Width of Bifold Doors
Because bifold doors are very adaptable, there are few restrictions regarding maximum widths and heights. However, the recommended maximum sizes are 23 feet wide and 10 feet tall and even at these measurements the functionality of the doors can be compromised.
If you are looking to install a very large bifold door, you also need to consider the materials you choose carefully. For example, aluminum is better for large bi-folding doors than UPVC. If you are looking to install bifold doors that are much bigger than the standard sizes, it is always best to speak to a professional.
How Secure Are Exterior Bifold Doors?
If you are looking to install exterior bi-folds such as patio doors, you may have questions about how secure they are. Bi-folding doors can be even more secure than standard doors when they come with a multi-point lock system. They have strong glass panes and an intruder would have to lift the door out of its track to gain entry to your house.
For added security, some homeowners may wish to consider installing a bifold door alarm. Others opt for security screens. These are mesh screens, which have the added benefits of keeping out dust and filtering UV radiation.
Locks For Exterior Bifold Doors
While the multi-point lock system will keep your home safe, there are additional lock options for homeowners who want to take further measures to secure their doors. A twin-point lock is installed on the lead door and comes with a handle-operated system that secures the door in one movement.
A drop-or-deadbolt lock is operated with a key. It is an easy-to-install lock known to be very difficult to crack. Homeowners with young children may also want to consider childproofing their doors with a childproof lock. There are many options ranging from zip-tie to slip-over locks.
Installation of Bifold Doors
Most people with some DIY experience will find bifold doors easy enough to install themselves. Interior doors are easier to install because of their simpler hardware. If you are installing exterior doors, you might like to consider using a professional to ensure the safety and security of your doors.
If you would rather not do the installation yourself, speak to the retailer or manufacturer. Many companies offer a service that covers everything from measuring the size of your doors to helping you choose the style and materials, and installing the doors in your home.
Summary
When choosing bifold doors for your home, it is essential to get the measurements right to ensure the proper fit of the doors. While you may find a standard door size that fits your requirements, bi-fold doors are customizable and can be made to fit most spaces.
Hopefully, this article has covered all your questions not just regarding standard bifold door sizes, but other questions you might have had about bi-folding doors. Should you have further questions, you can write them in the comments section.
