[DIY_Gal]

My intention is to put in bifold doors for a closet that previously only had curtains. It is an old house and nothing seems to be standard in size. The height of the closet is 79.5". I see almost all doors come in 80". Would that fit for this project? I have been searching for a chart that would say what size to buy based on the size of the opening but I have failed to find one. I know the doors are on a track but couldn't tell if the 80" size was the finished size (including the track in the measurement) or it was the size of the opening it fit. I would appreciate the knowledge of the forum for this bifold door newbie! Thanks!

 

[Canarywood1]

My intention is to put in bifold doors for a closet that previously only had curtains. It is an old house and nothing seems to be standard in size. The height of the closet is 79.5". I see almost all doors come in 80". Would that fit for this project? I have been searching for a chart that would say what size to buy based on the size of the opening but I have failed to find one. I know the doors are on a track but couldn't tell if the 80" size was the finished size (including the track in the measurement) or it was the size of the opening it fit. I would appreciate the knowledge of the forum for this bifold door newbie! Thanks!

Not all doors are 80 inches, it's just a very common size, they do come in different sizes, here's a link so you can better understand how to size a door for your opening.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/determine-bifold-door-opening-size-33476.html

 

[Canarywood1]

Forgot to say in previous post the 80 inches is the common size, actual size is usually a 1/2" less, but check with the supplier before to buy.

 

[DIY_Gal]

Thanks for the response. The closet already has all the trim installed. I have read these guides before but still asking if I need to buy one for 80" or not? (Based on the 79.5" opening). Still questioning if the 80" size was the finished size (including the track in the measurement) or it was the size of the opening it fit.

I know doors come in other sizes, but it seems most places don't carry any smaller anymore. Home Depot and Lowes had 78" which I was thinking might be right, but they don't offer the option to purchase them anymore. No budget for custom here. Thought it was weird that both stores got rid of the option.

 

[jlhaslip]

I think you might need to go to a Hardware store and actually measure a Bifold door.
The Rough Opening for a bifold is different than a swinging door. Typically the slabs are not as tall as a swinger, either. Seems to me that they are around an inch shorter than a regular 6'8" passage door, after allowing for the hardware.
If you need to cut the bifold, cut half off the top and half off the bottom. There is not much meat in the material at top and bottom.

 

[sixeightten]

I think you might need to go to a Hardware store and actually measure a Bifold door.
The Rough Opening for a bifold is different than a swinging door. Typically the slabs are not as tall as a swinger, either. Seems to me that they are around an inch shorter than a regular 6'8" passage door, after allowing for the hardware.
If you need to cut the bifold, cut half off the top and half off the bottom. There is not much meat in the material at top and bottom.

They are the same size, 80". When we frame for a bifold, we typically will keep the header about an inch lower.

 

[Canarywood1]

Thanks for the response. The closet already has all the trim installed. I have read these guides before but still asking if I need to buy one for 80" or not? (Based on the 79.5" opening). Still questioning if the 80" size was the finished size (including the track in the measurement) or it was the size of the opening it fit.

I know doors come in other sizes, but it seems most places don't carry any smaller anymore. Home Depot and Lowes had 78" which I was thinking might be right, but they don't offer the option to purchase them anymore. No budget for custom here. Thought it was weird that both stores got rid of the option.

I see Jeld Wen makes a 78 inch door, they supply Home Depot, might be able to order it for you, that 78 inch is common size so it should be 77 1/2 actual, that would work for you, but may have to shim the pivot point a bit.

oops that' not a bifold, sorry about that.