Bifold doors have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their space-saving design and aesthetic appeal. But when it comes to installing these doors you must look at the measurement details precisely so that you don’t come across any problems later. 

How to Size Your Wall Opening Accurately

The first factor to consider is the size of the opening where the bifold door will be installed. This will determine the number of panels required for the door and the overall width of the door when fully opened. It is important to measure the opening accurately to ensure that the bifold door fits correctly.

The size of the bi-fold door can be customized, or they can be purchased ready-made from the store. A door's size is determined by the opening in your wall. 

Follow these steps for an accurate measurement of the wall.

• The spirit level should be large. There should be a diagonal connecting the corners.
• Using three different heights, measure the width three times. Door measurements are based on half an inch from the smallest measured distance.
• Make sure the opening is accurate when you buy one of these doors at the hardware store. 
• There should be at least 28 inches of space between each door leaf in an even-numbered door arrangement.
• In the case of odd numbers of doors, each will need to be at least sixteen inches wide if you intend to use them.

Bi-fold doors with Jambs

Jambs is a familiar word to those who have a keen interest in buying doors for their houses. For those who know it well, a door jamb is a component of the frame that is vertical, sometimes referred to as a door post. On one side, the hinges are mounted, while on the other, a hollowed-out slot accommodates the lock when the door is closed.

The good part is that jambs can be added to bi-fold doors. Adding them will require a rough larger opening. Door jambs require extra space so the extra space is for them.

Here are a few general guidelines. The measurements will be clearer if you do this.

• A door with a 3.3-foot opening
• Two doors measuring approximately 7.2 feet in width
• Three doors with 11.1-foot openings
• Four doors with a 15.1-foot opening
• Five doors with approximately 19-foot openings
• 23-foot-long openings for six doors
• Seven doors with a 26.9-foot opening
• Eight doors, each with a 30.8-foot opening.

The thickness of the bi-fold door should also be taken into consideration, including the frame width. 

• Aluminum frames are commonly used for these doors. With this method, you can have doors with frames that are thin, lightweight, and sturdy at the same time. 
• The metal makes the door strong, allowing it to support heavy materials, such as glass. 
• Door sashes have a width of 2.8 inches, and a total thickness of 3 inches.

How do Bi-fold Doors work?

A bifold door folds its frame and glass panel into a smaller area by using the concertina principle. Bifold doors travel along a track at the top and bottom of the frame, as opposed to conventional hinged or French doors. During the opening, the panels slide along the threshold while simultaneously folding together, keeping the door out of the way. 

Located in a space-saving manner, bifold doors provide a unique mechanism. The folded-back design means that they take up very little space when open. As a result, they are ideal for small rooms or spaces where space is at a premium. 

What Size Should A Bi-Fold Door Be To Fit Correctly In The Opening?

Not only do you need to measure the opening accurately, but you also need to know approximately what the size of the bifold door should be to fit properly in the opening.

Ensure the dimensions of the finished opening match the size of the bifold door before installing it. To provide adequate clearance for proper operation of the doors, bifold doors are always 12'' narrower than the stated size.

 Doors that fold into a bifold must be 1-1/2 inches shorter than the opening they open into. The clearance required for the opening as well as the installation of hardware (rails and pivot hinges) require this space. A bi-fold door needs to be 12 inches smaller than its opening in width and height.

What Is The Minimum Size For Bi-Fold Doors?

While looking at the minimum size for bi-fold doors you should know that two measurements are to be taken into account.

• A door panel's minimum width
• Full door set minimum width.

 Door Panel’s Minimum Width

It depends on your configuration and whether you have an odd or even number of panels or whether a single panel must be at least a certain width.

One door leaf should be at least 28 inches wide for even-numbered configurations. It measures approximately 16 inches for odd-numbered configurations.

Full Door Set Minimum Width

It is technically correct that the narrowest set of bi-folds you can buy only has two folding doors, while the lead door (the panel that opens first and contains the multi-point locking mechanism) does not exist. The three-door set, with a lead door and two leaves, is generally preferred as it provides better access and is more convenient.

The minimum widths of bifold doors vary by company, but a three-door set is typically 45–55 inches wide.

How Much Space Do You Need For A Bi-Fold Door?

In general, rough openings are 49 by 82 inches in size. Larger openings can be fitted with custom doors.

Final Thoughts

In summary, when choosing the right size bifold door for your space, it is important to consider the size of the opening, the bi-fold door panel's minimum width, the full door set's minimum width, and the clearance space required for the door to function properly. Taking these factors into consideration will ensure that you choose a bifold door that fits your space perfectly and functions effectively.