Internal Bifold Doors

[WhatTiler]

We want to fit bifold doors to our shower room and toilet (they're both small rooms). I think that the moving end of the door should travel in a track but my wife would prefer if it didn't because they tend to get stiff and difficult to open. Can you tell me:
1. What's the standard fixing for use on a bifold which doesn't use a track? (ie how does it stay shut?)
2. What's the standard fixing for use on a bifold which does use a track? (Magnets near the middle hinge?)
3. Apart from preventing the loose end flapping about and hitting things (particularly in a small space), are there any other good reasons for using a track?
4. If we do use a track, how can we make the movement as smooth as possible?
5. Should the track go at the bottom, the top, or both?

Would appreciate any thoughts on this subject. Thanks.

 

[breezer]

would it not depend on which make of door you want?

 

[WhatTiler]

Do you mean some styles of bifold use a track and some don't? What's to stop you fitting a track even if the door doesn't come with one?

 

[Diyisfun]

I have recently replaced sliding wardrobe doors & I have previously fitted bifold doors to close off through lounge. I am pleased with the results. The doors I used had hinge pin top & bottom & track at the top. The doors stay closed by the use of a spring tensioner fitted at the closing end of the door. Easy to fit easy to adjust. Only advise I would give is keep the top to bottom opening to a minium, whilst the doors are adjustable in height large gap dose not look nice.

 

[masona]

1. What's the standard fixing for use on a bifold which doesn't use a track? (ie how does it stay shut?)

You can't.

2. What's the standard fixing for use on a bifold which does use a track? (Magnets near the middle hinge?)

No magnets, just spring loaded which hold the middle in.

3. Apart from preventing the loose end flapping about and hitting things (particularly in a small space), are there any other good reasons for using a track?

Yes, preventing accident.

4. If we do use a track, how can we make the movement as smooth as possible?

Spray WD-40 as and when. Also there are adjustable for your comfort by adjusting the spring tension.

5. Should the track go at the bottom, the top, or both?

Top.