Create Shaker-style bifold doors that are classic and simple.
Using Shaker design principles is a way to give bifold doors a classic style. Although the look is old, the simple lines fit in well with contemporary décor. Use pine or maple finishes to keep the look of the bifold doors soft and warm. If you choose to add handles, select pieces that are void of ornamentation to stay true to the simplicity of Shaker cabinetry and furnishings. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the width and height of the doorframe to determine the size of the Shaker door panels. Subtract 2 inches from the measurements to accommodate space for the sliding tracks on the top and bottom. Divide the total width measurement by 4 to determine the width for each door panel. Cut 1-inch thick pine, plywood or MDF pieces according to your width and height measurements using a table saw.
2. Cut 8 1-by-2 wood boards according to the length measurement to create molding strips for the left and right sides of each door. Lay one strip on the left and right sides of one door panel. Measure the width between the edges to determine the size of the insert wood strips for the bottom, middle and top.
3. Cut 4 1-by-4 pieces for the lower bottom strip, according to your measurements. Cut 4 1-by-3 pieces for strips to place above the bottom pieces. Cut 4 1-by-4 pieces for a middle, cross-section strip. Cut 4 1-by-4 pieces to create the top strip for the bifold door panels.
4. Lay the door panels on a worktable. Measure from the bottom to the 2/3's point of the panel and mark the location on each panel. This will be the positioning mark for the mid-section wood strip. Put the wood pieces in position for each panel. Attach the pieces to the panels with wood glue. Allow 24 hours for the glue to cure and dry.
5. Stain the wood pieces and panels in a wood finish color of your choice and allow to dry.
6. Position the bifold panels against the doorframe and determine which will be used for the left, left center, right center and far right. Mark the bottom edges for reference.
7. Lay two panels together so the inner edge that will be the center is facing you. Mark the inner edges of each panel 11 inches from the bottom and 7 inches from the top. Use these marks to position and attach the hinges.
8. Place the lower edge of one hinge piece on top of the 11-inch mark for the far left bifold door panel. Fill in the screw holes using a carpenter's pencil as a guide. Drill starter pilot holes for the screws on the marks. Complete attaching the hinges with a screwdriver. Attach a hinge for the 7-inch mark. Repeat this process to hinge together the second door set.
9. Measure the width between the right and left doorjambs. Cut the track pieces for the top and floor with a hacksaw, according to your measurements.
10. Follow the kit manufacturer's directions to install the hardware for the top and floor track systems. Tighten the small stops in the center and the pivot sockets on the end of each track with a wrench to complete your Shaker bifold door project.
Tags: 1-by-4 pieces, according your, bifold door, bifold doors, door panel