Easy Bifold Door Upgrade

5 Materials
$63
4 Days
Easy

Bifold doors aren't the greatest looking way to close off your closet, but in many cases, due to odd sizes or lack of clearance, they are the best or only option. If you already have hollow core doors, this is a great way to spruce them up and modernize their look. This is also a great option if you're starting from scratch but want to keep costs down and don't want spend on a more expensive, solid door.

I started with your basic flat, unfinished, oak veneer door and round wood knob. Remove the hinges and any other hardware.

For each two-panel door, buy four 1/4 x 1 3/4 x 8' pine flat lattice moulding.

Cut the mouldings so they frame the edges of the door but are 1/8" from the edges on all sides.


Spread a bead of glue on each moulding.

Clamp the mouldings along the outside of the doors 1/8" from the edge. You're looking at all the clamps I have at the moment, so I had to do two pieces at a time and wait until they dried to move on.

I also used 1" wire brads to help secure the mouldings. Pound them in and use a nail punch to make sure they are slightly below flush. If you have an automatic brad nailer, even better! Fill the holes with wood putty after the nails are in.

Run some caulk along the edges of the mouldings.

Prime and paint the doors. I used one coat of primer and two coats of white, glossy moulding paint to give the door a bit of shine.

I also added new door hardware. The door pulls make such a difference, and I just don't like the round wood knobs.

It's a quick and easy upgrade! Here is the finished product.

If you have paint and primer this will only cost you about $25. If you need to buy the paint and primer, it'll be roughly $60, and you'll have plenty left over. Follow me on Instagram at   @woodyworking for more simple woodworking DIY or home improvement projects.

Resources for this project:
See all materials
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Ozzy Ozzy on Oct 02, 2019

    Did you have to rough up the doors before primer was used? I have doors that need doing, but wasn't sure if I needed to rough sand them.

  • Cheryl Cheryl on Oct 03, 2019

    Great upgrade! I really want to do this because I have several ugly bifold doors in my house. My problem is that I’m afraid to remove them from their tracks because I’m afraid I won’t be able to get them back on. Is there a way to do this without removing the doors? Again, your doors look amazing!

  • Diane Diane on Oct 02, 2020

    Maybe those HUGE clothespins on laundry room doors ? Bought or painted silver!

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 22 comments
  • Kim Kim on Dec 15, 2019
    We have 4 sets of these doors. I especially like the idea of different doorknobs. Maybe use old spools for the sewing, craft room. I'm sure hubby can come up with a way to fasten them on. Great job!

  • Pineapple Pineapple on Oct 02, 2020

    Looks really nice!

Next