Bi-fold doors have become quite popular in recent years due to their stunning appeal and functionality. These inventive doors are frequently used as room partitions, pantry doors, and even in closets. However, many people are unaware of how to measure and confirm the proper dimensions of their bi-fold door. This article will explain bi-fold doors and how they are measured and provide step-by-step instructions on measuring the size of the door you require.

What Are Bi-fold Doors?

Bi-fold doors, commonly referred to as folding doors or accordion doors, are a useful and adaptable door option that has gained popularity in recent years. They provide a special approach to making the most of the available space and smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces and between various rooms or locations within a space.

Bi-fold doors have a framework with many panels joined together by hinges. When the door is opened, these panels neatly stack to one or both sides of the aperture due to their concertina-like shape. With its large aperture and unhindered access, its folding mechanism fosters a feeling of openness and connectivity among the areas. Wood, metal, aluminum, PVC and other common materials are used to make bi-fold doors.

 How Are Bi-fold Doors Sized?

Bi-fold doors are typically available in standard sizes. The most typical door opening in homes is the basis for these standard sizes. However, if your door opening does not fit a conventional size, you may also choose custom-made bi-fold doors that can be constructed to meet your precise proportions.

Standard bi-fold doors are often categorized by the number of panels they have. Common configurations include two-panel, four-panel, or six-panel doors. The overall width of the door is determined by dividing the total width of the panels by the number of panels.

1. 1. Two-panel doors: These typically come in widths of 24 inches, 28 inches, 30 inches, 32 inches, 34 inches, and 36 inches. The height of these doors is usually around 80 inches.

2. Four-panel doors: Four-panel bi-fold doors are frequently offered in widths of 48, 56, 60, 64, 68, and 72 inches. These doors typically have a height of 80 inches.

3. 3. Six-panel doors: Six-panel bi-fold doors are wider and commonly come in widths of 72 inches, 80 inches, 96 inches, and 108 inches. The height for these doors is typically 80 inches.

 If your door opening does not conform to these sizes, you can explore custom-made bi-fold doors tailored to fit your specific measurements. If you're unsure about the appropriate size for your specific needs, it's recommended to consult with a professional or contact the manufacturer directly for guidance and assistance in selecting the right standard size or exploring custom options.

 To ensure that your bi-fold door fits perfectly, it is crucial to measure the opening accurately. Follow the given steps to measure the size of the door you need:

1. Measure the height: The height of the opening should be measured from the floor to the top jamb using a tape measure. Use the smallest measurement as a reference for taking measurements at the opening's left, right, and centre. Doing this will make you confident that the door will open easily and pass through any potential obstacles.

2. Measure the width: Determine the width of the top, middle, and bottom openings. Once more, be careful to choose the lowest dimension to ensure a good fit for the door.

3. Consider the track size: When choosing the size of your bi-fold door, don't forget to think about the track size. The track is the rail where the door panels slide back and forth. It adds a bit of extra width to the overall measurement of the door. So, keep this in mind when deciding on the right size for your door.

4. Determine the number of panels: Decide on the number of panels you want for your bi-fold door. This will depend on the size of the opening and your personal preference. Consider the width of the door as a whole when choosing your panels.

5. Adjust for overlapping panels: When bi-fold doors are closed, the panels overlap each other, creating a stack. The stack can take up additional space along the wall or in the room's interior. To account for this, you need to subtract a certain amount from the width of each panel. The exact amount to deduct will vary depending on the door's style and the manufacturer's guidelines. It's important to consult the manufacturer or seek professional advice to ensure the correct adjustments are made for the overlapping panels.

 Selecting the appropriate size for your bi-fold door is crucial for several reasons. Here's why it's important to choose the right size:

1. Seamless Installation: A flawless bi-fold door installation is ensured by selecting the right size. A door with the right size will fit the door opening flawlessly, preventing any gaps or misalignments that can affect the door's operation and appearance.

2. Optimal Functionality: A bi-fold door's proper dimension guarantees great functioning. It allows the door panels to fold and unfold without any difficulties. A well-fitted door will slide along the track effortlessly, providing easy access to the space behind it. On the other side, a door that doesn't fit properly could scrape, jam, or operate poorly, making it less useful.

3. Efficient Use of Space: Bi-fold doors are often used in areas with limited space, such as closets or small rooms. Choosing the right size ensures efficient use of the available space. By accurately measuring and selecting a door size that fits the opening, you maximize the usable area without wasting valuable square footage.

Summary

Choosing the right size for your bi-fold door is crucial to ensure flawless installation and optimal functionality. Bi-fold doors are available in standard sizes, but custom-made options are also available for non-standard openings. By accurately measuring the height and width of the door opening, accounting for the track size, and considering the number of panels and the overlap, you can determine the appropriate size for your bi-fold door. If you are unsure or want to ensure precision, consult a professional who can guide you. With the right measurements in hand, you can enjoy the beauty and convenience of bi-fold doors in your home.