Bi-fold cabinet doors – the kind that fold themselves in half when you open them, also called concertina doors – have their place, but they also come with some disadvantages. From their difficult installation to potential maintenance issues and higher costs, bifold doors aren’t always the first option for a closet. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to this door type, ranging from a traditional sliding door to no door at all.
The disadvantages of bifold closet doors start before they are even hung. This door style often commands a higher price than others. And since installation requires the pivots, rail, and hinges to be properly assembled, it can be a tricky process that is beyond the skills of many do-it-yourselfers. If you’re concerned about consistency, bifold cabinet doors require a reinforced frame and likely won’t be the same height as other doors in your home.
Once the doors are hung, all their moving parts translate into frequent maintenance issues. While you can repair a double door that has fallen off the track, the panels may also be separated or stubbornly refuse to close. These potential defects increase your chances of being injured by the door, and if the panels on your bifold doors come loose, it can cause an opening through which someone can look at your belongings. Irritation from the noise of the hinges is almost guaranteed, and unfortunately the joints and tracks of double doors tend to become noisier as they age.
Double doors aren’t ideal for small rooms (try these options instead)
The disadvantages of bifold cabinet doors do not end with difficult installation and maintenance issues. If you want to view your entire closet at once, you will need to fully open both double doors. And even though they’re designed to save space, bifold closet doors still protrude into the room when you have them open; this can easily block a path.
If you’re not happy with all the drawbacks that come with bifold doors, you have several Cabinet door alternatives to consider. Firstly, you can opt for sliding doors with sliding doors. Or you can opt for a pocket door instead; in this configuration, the door slides into a pocket in the wall when opened. You could even replace your bifold closet door with split-wing doors. In this case, you still have two cabinet doors that swing open, but without the fold in the middle. French doors or a sliding door can add a touch of style to your interior.
But why would you choose a defined door in the first place? After removing your old bifold cabinet doorsyou can cover your closet with a curtain, screen or hanging beads. Or, if you’re okay with your things being open, you can simply leave the closet doorless.