How to Take Apart a Bifold Door to Make Two French Doors

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Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver

  • Measuring tape

  • Pencil

  • Hinges

  • Screw

  • Electric drill

  • Wooden shims

  • Drawer pull or handle

A bifold door hung as a French door gives your home a fresh new look.
Image Credit: Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Bifold doors are often used for bedroom closets, pantries and linen closets, with a bend in the door that allows it to be pulled back. If you are tired of the way your bifold doors fold, take them apart to make a narrow set of French doors. This type of modification requires some comfort with home improvement projects but no special equipment.

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Step 1

Remove the top rail that holds the bifold door to the top of the closet doorway using a screwdriver.

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Step 2

Remove the wheel mechanism from the top of the bifold door using a screwdriver.

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Step 3

Remove half of the bifold door by unscrewing the hinges that hold it to the other half. Remove the hinges from the door completely.

Step 4

Measure where the hinges rest on the part of the door that is still in the doorway using a measuring tape, and mark the space where they should land on the detached door with pencil.

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Step 5

Secure the hinges to the free door using screws and an electric drill. Use hinges that are as similar to those on the other side of the door as possible.

Step 6

Stand the door up in the opening using wooden shims to bring it level with the other door. It may be necessary to have someone hold it steady for you.

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Step 7

Secure the hinges to the closet's frame using an electric drill.

Step 8

Attach a drawer pull or another handle to both doors using an electric drill.

Tip

Hold the closet shut with a simple latch or a magnetic latch.

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