How to Put Up Closet Doors

Putting up closet doors is one of the simpler DIY projects. Most homeowners are familiar with the most common of closet doors, the bifold style. Installing these doors takes less than 1 hour and can be done with little to no difficulty by one or two people. Generally, these doors come complete with everything needed for installation. This style of closet door opens on either side in a "V" formation, allowing total access to the closet and its contents. Less floor space is required than with swing-out doors, and they are typically lightweight. You will be able to find bifold closet doors in plain, louvered, mirrored and other designs.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Power drill (rarely needed)

Instructions

1. 

   Install the upper track section with a screwdriver according to the manufacturer's directions using the supplied hardware.

2. Put the bottom track section into place on the floor beneath the upper track. Note that some designs hang freely, "floating" just above the floor, and do not use a lower track.

3. 

   Hang the door panels by locating the lower pivoting rod first. This rod extends down into the socket located at the corner of the bottom track. Once it is in place, examine the opposite end on the upper corner. There should be a retractable pivoting rod. Depress this rod and, while holding it in place, position it directly beneath the corresponding socket in the upper track. Remove your finger, keeping the door aligned, and allow the pivoting rod to snap up into place. Repeat on the opposite side with the other door.

4. 

   Put the top and bottom slider guides into the upper and lower track channels. The panels can be adjusted by the placement of the sockets in the track. The panels can be lifted up or lowered by changing the height of the bottom pivoting rod. Open both doors wide to make sure that they are well positioned and move correctly.

5. 

   Close both doors to check alignment to complete your closet door installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful that you don't get your fingers caught in the retractable pivoting rod at the top of the closet door. While you may not lose your finger or seriously injure yourself, the pinch will be painful.

Resources

• Custom louvered closet doors at Estate Millwork.