How to Build Bi-Fold Garage Doors
Bi-fold garage doors might look confusing but they operate on a simple principal. Two hinges on the ends of each garage door are linked and therefore allow the door to close in a bi-fold manner.
Building a bi-fold is easier than building a tri or quadruple fold door as well, because you only need to build two panels and attach hinges to two ends.
Things You Will Need
- 1/2 or 1/4 inch wood slats or paneling
- 3x2 Boards
- Garage door hinges
- Rollers
Tip
Install the hinges close to the ends of the panels, allowing the door to bend and close in the direction you want it to. Design the bi-fold panels anyway you like with vertical or horizontal braces and paneling. A garage door needs rollers if it is going to be mounted on a horizontal or vertical track.
Warning
You will need clearance in front of the to open and close a vertical bi fold garage door.
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Create the two panels for the garage door. Draw up a sketch using dimensions of the garage door opening to help. Measure carefully, the garage door will close flush against the backside of the frame, so it can overlap the width or the frame by an inch on each sides.
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Cut four 3x2 boards to the width and four 3x2 boards to half the height of the garage door opening, subtracting the width of the 3x2 boards to the overall length.
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Fasten the boards together to create the outer frames of both panels. Then install the slating in a diagonal or vertical pattern across the frame. Tack the slats to the frame using 1 inch nails or screws.
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Paint and finish the doors and let dry.
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Install the hinges. These hinges can be bought at a hardware store and then should have hinge flaps or sides that are at least 3 inches long. Lay both panels together on the ground with the outside of the door facing down.Place the hinges across the seam in between the two doors and secure with wood screws or bolts on heavier doors.
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Mount the rollers to the frame using the provided hardware. Install two on the bottom of the lower panel, and two at the very top of the upper panel.
The Drip Cap
- Bi-fold garage doors might look confusing but they operate on a simple principal.
- Create the two panels for the garage door.
- Measure carefully, the garage door will close flush against the backside of the frame, so it can overlap the width or the frame by an inch on each sides.
- Install two on the bottom of the lower panel, and two at the very top of the upper panel.
Resources
Writer Bio
Steve Smith has published articles on a wide range of topics including cars, travel, lifestyle, business, golf, weddings and careers. His articles, features and news stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines and on various websites. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from University of New Hampshire Durham.
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