Measuring the Rough Opening for Bifold Doors

If you’re thinking about installing bifold closet doors, you need to know the bifold door rough opening sizes. The rough opening must be the right size so your bifold doors can fit properly and work smoothly. Keep reading to learn about the rough opening for bifold doors and how to size them up!

What is the Rough Opening for a Bifold Door?

The rough opening for bifold doors is the hole in the wall that holds the door frame. It’s slightly bigger than the door itself to give room for adjustments and hardware and to make sure the door swings open and closed properly. For bifold doors, the bifold door rough opening sizes need to be right so everything fits well, and the door can function without getting stuck or being too tight.

Rough Opening Bifold Door Size Chart​

Here are common bifold door rough opening sizes:

How to Size a Rough Opening for Bifold Doors?

Getting the right bifold door rough opening sizes is key to making sure your bifold doors fit perfectly. Here’s how you can measure bifold patio doors in Los Angeles:

Step 1: Measure the Door Panels

Measure the size of your bifold door panels. Bifold door rough opening sizes in inches are typically 24″, 30″, 36″, etc., for width, and they’re usually around 80″ or 96″ tall.

• Measure the width of each panel carefully. If you’re working with two panels, don’t forget to account for the space between them and any framing that comes with the door.
• Measure the height from the floor to the top of where the door will be installed. Although most doors are about 80″ or 96″ tall, it’s always good to check.

Step 2: Calculate the Combined Width

Next, add up the total width:

• If you’re installing one bifold door, just add the width of the door and the frame. For example, if you have a 24″ door and a 1″ frame, the total width is 25″.
• If you’re doing double bifold doors, you’ll need to add both panels’ widths and frames together. For instance, two 24″ panels with 1″ frames each will give you a total of 50″.

Step 3: Determine the Rough Opening Width

Now, take the combined width you calculated and add about 2 inches. This gives you enough room for the frame, hardware, and some wiggle room during installation. For example, if your combined width is 50″, your rough opening width should be 52″.

Why is it 2 inches? It’s for the door frame and space to make adjustments during installation!

Step 4: Determine the Rough Opening Height

For the height, take your door’s height measurement and add about 2-1/2 inches. This is to account for the top track and any space you need to clear the floor.

For example, if the door height is 80″, you’ll need a rough opening height of 82-1/2″. This allows room for adjustments and helps the door slide smoothly along the tracks.

Step 5: Double-Check Your Measurements

After you’ve measured everything, it’s a good idea to double-check the bifold door rough opening sizes you measured. Measure the width and height at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. If any of the measurements differ, always go with the smallest one. That will ensure the doors fit properly and function smoothly.

Step 6: Make Sure the Opening is Square

Checking that the opening is square is so important! The corners of the rough opening should be at 90-degree angles. If they’re not square, your doors won’t hang correctly and could get stuck.

To check if the opening is square, you need to measure diagonally from one corner to the other. Both diagonal measurements should be the same. If they’re off, you may need to adjust the opening before installing the door.

Step 7: Account for the Floor

When measuring the height of the rough opening, don’t forget about the floor. If you have thick carpet, rugs, or uneven flooring, you may need to adjust the height to ensure the door clears everything.

Measure from the floor to where the top of the door will sit, and make sure the door won’t rub against the floor when it swings open.

Step 8: Leave Clearance for the Doors

When gathering the bifold door rough opening sizes and installing them, leave a small gap between the doors and the frame. This gives the doors room to expand and contract, especially in areas with high humidity. It also helps the doors swing open and closed without getting stuck.

Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

Avoid these mistakes to avoid the need for a replacement bifold patio door service:

• Double-check your measurements before cutting. Even small mistakes can cause big problems.
• Leave room for the hinges, tracks, and other hardware. Without it, your door won’t fit.
• Clear the floor of anything that could block the door from opening or closing smoothly.
• Always check the manufacturer guidelines. Different doors need different rough opening sizes.

Tips for Sizing a Rough Opening for Bifold Doors

When gathering the bifold door rough opening sizes:

• Measure the width and height at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. If any measurements differ, use the smallest one to make sure the doors fit.
• Make sure the corners of the opening are square (90-degree angles). If they’re off, the doors won’t hang right.
• If you have thick carpet or uneven flooring, adjust the rough opening height so the door clears the floor properly.
• Leave a small gap between the doors and the frame. This allows the doors to expand and contract with changes in the weather.

Bifold Doors with Standard Sizing in Los Angeles, CA

If you need help installing bifold doors in Los Angeles, we sell and install the best doors and windows here at TEZA. We carry a variety of sizes and will make sure your doors fit perfectly. If you’re ready for an upgrade, give us a call at (818) 818-6001 for a free estimate or to schedule an installation.

The Bottom Line

Sizing the rough opening for bifold doors might seem tricky at first, but it’s a simple process if you follow the steps carefully. By measuring the door panels, calculating the combined width, and adding a bit of extra space, you’ll be ready for a smooth installation. If you need help or want professional installation, we’re here to make it easy.

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