Hello all. I'm new to the forum and still relatively new to the DIY concept when it comes to home improvement.
I am in the process of refinishing my basement and during my endeavors I have framed in two closets in separate rooms. Both closets are going to have bifold doors, one closet door is 36" wide, the other 72". Apparently I didn't account for enough trim space when I measured and framed the openings. Right now the rough opening for the 36" opening is 37", and the opening for the 72" opening is 73".
I thought I could put a 1/2" piece of trim (may not be the right term) on each end of the opening to cover the stud and fill the gap between the stud and the track for the bifold doors. I was told today by a guy who knows a lot more about DIY than I do that my opening is too small and to do it right I'm going to have to cut out one of the studs on either end of the opening. The problem is I've already hung, mudded, and primed the drywall.
I'm looking for options other than tearing out the studs and redoing the openings. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
bi-folds need a ro that is 2" over door size just like a normal prehung.
36" door = RO 38"
Termite has a point tho; IF you have not bought or opened the bifolds yet you ARE properly framed for sliders.
Depending on the type of doors, you could possibly trim them down. A 1/2" off of each panel where they hinge may not be noticed if done properly and hacksaw the track to size. I'd avoid trimming the outter edges of the panels if the pivot holes are already drilled.
I don't know who made the doors because there isn't a name on them, but they are standard 36"x80" each when closed. I have an old table saw that I can get a new blade for that should work, but cutting them is going to be a PITA. Or would I use a circular saw to do it?
I'm going to check with the boss and see what she thinks about the slider idea. I told her about the mistake I made with the rough opening and she made faces something like :huh: and :icon_rolleyes:
Thanks for the responses so far. If there are more ideas out there, I'm open to them.
Frank: Sliders are the normal by-passing closet doors. You slide em left or right. I like bi-folds better however it is a question of which can you do easier, re-frame all the openings, or just get sliders and use what you have built.
Hello all. I'm new to the forum and still relatively new to the DIY concept when it comes to home improvement.
I am in the process of refinishing my basement and during my endeavors I have framed in two closets in separate rooms. Both closets are going to have bifold doors, one closet door is 36" wide, the other 72". Apparently I didn't account for enough trim space when I measured and framed the openings. Right now the rough opening for the 36" opening is 37", and the opening for the 72" opening is 73".
I thought I could put a 1/2" piece of trim (may not be the right term) on each end of the opening to cover the stud and fill the gap between the stud and the track for the bifold doors. I was told today by a guy who knows a lot more about DIY than I do that my opening is too small and to do it right I'm going to have to cut out one of the studs on either end of the opening. The problem is I've already hung, mudded, and primed the drywall.
I'm looking for options other than tearing out the studs and redoing the openings. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
If this was my house i would cut out a stud on one side of the door. This isn't a bearing wall is it? you can cut the drywall with key hole saw and then a sawzall for the stud. This would leave you with 2 1/2" rough opening and with 3/4" trim on each side that leaves you with 1" of shimming, 1/2" each side. I think this would be your easiest solution. You can always add a stud in the wall to make up for the one you pulled out.
Why would I need to use shims on each side? Wouldn't the trim be flush up with the stud on both sides? I understand shimming a regular door, but I wasn't aware you did it with trim for a bifold door.
In a 72" opening, sliding doors would be OK, but I wouldn't do it on a 36" opening. With the door opened, you would only have 16" or 17" opening. That would be a pain in the long term. You could take out the 2x4 jack studs and replace them with a 1x4s. That will cut down the amount of shimming you need between the rough opening and the jamb and still keep your door centered in the space.
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