Bi-fold doors are doors that fold in on themselves; whether they come in two or four sections (or more, if custom-made), the opening is in the middle. They are usually suspended from the top rails by rollers or wheels, with bottom rails to guide them. The panels, connected by centralized hinges, can be moved back and forth with a knob or by pulling on the innermost panel.
Most often used as an alternative to sliding doors, French doors, and regular closet doors, the larger ones can be used as room dividers, while their smaller versions can be found in kitchen hallways or in the laundry rooms.
The benefits of saving a lot of space are obvious: when opened, they take up much less space than normal doors; it can be argued that installing bi-fold doors actually creates additional space. For example, when used as patio doors, bi-fold doors allow you to open your home to the outdoors and let in fresh air and natural light. That makes them ideal wherever unobstructed views are desired.
Bi-fold doors look just as good whether they’re closed, open, or half open. You can choose from a variety of materials: wood, aluminum, and vinyl are the most common. Bi-fold doors made of premium hardwood, such as wood, can add a touch of class with a modern twist to any space.
Are there any drawbacks to installing bi-fold doors? Although they are more common than before, they are still considered a luxury: they cost more than regular doors. However, the cost can be worth it: not only because of their high functionality, but because they tend to give any space a sleek, contemporary look.
What about security? Don’t be fooled by their appearance: they are built to be robust and can be additionally equipped with anti-drill key cylinders and high-security hinges. If you’re worried about kids getting their fingers trapped between the panels, you’ll be relieved to find that newer bi-fold doors come with a safety feature to prevent such accidents.
People who tend to pull a bi-fold door knob outward, like a normal door, and not to the side, as they are designed to pull, can put a lot of pressure on the guides and wheels. That can cause the tracks to bend or the wheels to come off. If you decide to install bi-fold doors, to enjoy all the benefits they have to offer for a long time, always try to push the doors to the side in a linear fashion.
