Bifold pivot install height - DIY Chatroom

Ohming · 10-12-2009, 07:23 PM

I have new construction with wood floors. Will install bifold doors, the carpet is very thick cut pile 3/4+" with heavy 1/2" pad. Are the pivots typically installed on a block of wood so the doors will clear the carpet? Then the carpet would be trimed aroud the block of wood perhaps? What is customary?

AllanJ · 10-12-2009, 09:09 PM

You would have to custom-craft the installation, for example adding the wood block you describe.

Often the pivot consists of a long (vertical) rod that can be adjusted, usually by screwing in or out of the wood door, to achieve the desired height of the door edge above the carpet or threshold.

I suggest installing the door hardware first, then the carpet. Some folks install the carpet first and then the hardware on top of the carpet ends up being slanted and tending to wear out sooner or let the door pop off of its pivot.

rselectric1 · 10-12-2009, 09:23 PM

Allan is right on. If the carpet is already in, you may have tack strip to deal with at the jamb which can sometimes get in the way. You may have to carefully cut that out for the hardware to sit level.

Willie T · 10-12-2009, 09:25 PM

Yes, usually a 3/4" x 1" x 2" (approximate sizing) block of hardwood is placed on the floor under the "L" bracket with liquid nails. Reason being three-fold.

One, it sets a uniform height.
Two, it keeps the bracket from eventually bending downward.
Three, it helps prevent the bracket from tearing out of the jamb due to being kicked or caught by a cord.

I always rounded the outside ends on mine with a sander.

Ohming · 10-13-2009, 12:07 PM

Thanks guys. The carpet comes in 7 days and my wife has told me -- WE WILL BE READY FOR IT! There is adjustment length for the bottom pivot stud, but there would be maybe 8 or 10 threads in the plastic nut -- in the door. It was wobbly and I could see premature failure on the few plastic threads holding the weight of the door.

A "fitted" 3/4" block on the subfloor is in order.

Cheers