How to make a folding book door with your own hands: installation tips

A book door is a rather interesting type of product for decorating an opening, and making it with your own hands will not be difficult for those who have at least basic knowledge about the use of various types of fittings. To understand in more detail the process of creating and installing such a door, it is necessary to consider all the stages one by one.

A book door is an interesting design that is easy to make with your own hands

Design Features

First, you should delve deeper into the design features, this will help you figure out how to construct such folding doors with your own hands. The main feature of this type of door is that its leaf consists of several parts; when opened, they fold together like an accordion.

A book door and an accordion door are not the same thing; a book, unlike an accordion, consists of only two or three parts.

To ensure that the halves fold exactly as they should, hinge fasteners are used. You can get by with ordinary card loops. But in order for the canvas to move freely in the opening, part of the standard sliding structure was borrowed, but with certain modifications. The leaf is also attached from above, but a roller runner is inserted into a smaller guide, one part of it is attached to the sash, the other to the roller in the guide.

Folding door design

Thanks to this design, several main advantages of a folding door can be identified:

• saving space, as the need for the so-called dead zone for swinging the door disappears;
• greater durability and strength compared to multi-leaf accordion;
• lightness of construction due to the use of thinner pieces of material;
• You can make it yourself from almost any materials.

However, with all this, the following characteristics should be taken into account:

• insufficient sound and heat insulation;
• gradual loosening and wear of the mechanism;
• less strength compared to compartment and swing doors.

Main advantages

It is convenient to install the product in any room except the toilet. The door will also serve as a screen in a dressing room or wardrobe. If the hood works well in the kitchen and odors do not reach the apartment, then it is important to install a door in this room as well.

When decorating an apartment, many people prefer folding interior doors because of the following features:

1. When opened, the structure does not extend beyond the doorway. This feature allows you to save space in the room and will not take up free space in a small corridor.
2. The product is safe for small children. The design opens smoothly, so kids won’t be able to hit it.
3. The product opens in both directions.
4. It is not necessary to install a threshold here (especially if the product is completely suspended).
5. The model looks very unusual in the interior, helping to emphasize the advantages of many style solutions.
6. The interior folding door is made from various materials, just like the standard model. In the production process, solid wood, veneer and laminated coating are used.
7. The design is considered to be of much higher quality than an accordion door. Fewer sheets and joints are used here, which makes the fabric much stronger.

Materials used

In order to make your own folding door, you can use a wide variety of materials. Guides and runners can be purchased at hardware stores. As for the sashes, their manufacture will not be difficult.

First of all, you need to decide for what purpose and type of room you need such a structure. So, for more durable and massive models, you can use wood, plywood or MDF. The latter is the most popular material, its properties satisfy various needs, and the external design is practically unlimited; it can be covered with PVC film, laminate, natural or artificial veneer, etc. The wood must be treated with an antiseptic and varnished.

MDF is the most popular material for making sashes

For rooms with high humidity, you can limit yourself to plastic. The choice of such material today is much larger than before, so you can easily find a suitable option. You can also use glass, but only if it is pre-treated: hardening, reinforcement, gluing a protective film, etc. Such doors are more suitable as a partition.

Folding design: maximum freedom and convenience

There is never too much living space. And this statement is true regardless of the number of rooms and square meters of the home as a whole.

Since most apartments have a standard layout, they often have a cramped hallway or corridor, usually connected to a toilet, bathroom and kitchen. If the door is installed as a swing type, then it blocks two-thirds of a narrow room, which causes considerable disturbance for residents.

Types of folding doors.

The radius of the hinged doors forces homeowners to take into account its size and place the furniture in the wrong place. In such a situation, it is often necessary to refuse a piece of furniture that you like. After all, the dimensions do not allow it to be installed, since they interfere with the movement of the door leaf.

Of course, there are options for replacing the door. For example, you can hang a thread curtain and a fabric curtain, or you can install a sliding structure. True, in the latter case, you will also need space for the sash to move along the wall. For this issue, there is a much more interesting solution - a folding door device. After all, there is no need to open its flap, move it along the wall surface, or hide it in a pencil case.

A folding door requires an assembly of 2 or more segments that move along a guide attached to the top of the structure. Public transport is equipped with doors of such a device: trolleybuses, buses and trams. Devices with two doors, typical of urban transport, are called book doors. These devices are very reliable, but have a significant flaw - the doors are heavy.

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A folding door can have either two leaves or a whole structure of folding leaves.

When folded, the leaves of these products become 2 times narrower than classic swing doors. And the sections that make up the doors can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical in relation to each other. The last option is especially original. In accordance with the design features of the folding door, the doors move either in one direction from the doorway or on both sides of it. When folded, the sashes are either assembled along the edges of the opening, tucked inside the pencil case, or placed next to the wall.

Structurally, the accordion is similar to the musical instrument of the same name. In Europe, for example, such products are called accordion doors, since this name is preferable for Europeans. Their doors have over 2 sections, their width is 10-12 cm. Their doors resemble strips of blinds with one difference - the slats that make up the accordion have a rather rigid hinge fastening between each other, and are wound in the upper part (sometimes at the bottom) into guide rails. The segment with the handle is responsible for movement along the guides, and the segment located close to the door jamb is attached to it using metal axles.

Manufacturing of sashes

To make a folding door with your own hands, you first need to take care of creating the main elements - the door leaves. For interior design, MDF would be the best option. First you need to decide on the size of the opening; you will need to measure its height and width. When unfolded, the canvas should completely correspond to the opening, but keep in mind that a few centimeters may be spent on the connection, so think about this point in advance.

After cutting the material, carefully process the edges; this is necessary in order to protect the MDF from moisture and dirt. If you do all the cladding work yourself, it is best to use plastic tape and a blast of warm air.

The edge can be any color

If you want to make glass inserts, you need to leave at least 5-7 cm at the edges of the sashes. For greater strength, the glass is fixed into grooves in combination with glazing beads.

Where to begin

Clear the opening

• It is not advisable to install a door in an old frame for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is not a fact that they will not contrast with each other; secondly, during the reconstruction it becomes possible to partially redevelop the premises. And widening the opening is one of the successful options. That is why both experts and those who have already installed accordions themselves advise completely dismantling the jamb.
• After processing the ends of the wall, take measurements. Knowledge of linear parameters will allow you to select the optimal model of the folding canvas. There is no point in making it yourself. The range of products is so diverse (in terms of the material of the slats, their shade, design) that when asked how best to make an accordion yourself, there is only one answer - it’s easier to purchase and install a ready-made one. This is what it all comes down to.

The only nuance is that accordion doors are supplied in various sizes, which depend on the number of slats, their width and manufacturer. All necessary data is reflected in the installation manual supplied with the product. Consequently, you will have to “adjust” the opening to the model you like, and not vice versa.

Purchase the necessary materials

Folding doors are supplied fully equipped, and its compliance is checked in the furniture showroom. But only after the “rough” preparation of the work area will it become clear what else will be needed (certain tools, polyurethane foam, extensions, platbands, and so on).

After this, the necessary technological operations are performed. The method of narrowing (expanding) a passage in a wall is determined by its material, condition and the capabilities of the craftsman: frame followed by concreting, reinforcement with rods, plastering, and so on. As a result, the opening should be completely ready for installation.

Connecting mechanism

An equally important part of the process of making a folding door with your own hands is ensuring the movement of the leaves; they must be assembled like an accordion, so a hinge mechanism is used to connect them. For thin plates you can use the same elements as for an accordion. The sashes are inserted into the grooves of the hinged guide. If the thickness of the fabric is large and allows you to fix the loops, it is better to choose this option.

For structural strength, it is best to use 3 hinges for each connection, for a double-leaf - 2 sets, for a three-leaf - 3.

Design features of the folding door mechanism

To connect the elements of the canvas, standard card mortise loops are usually used. In order to install them, you need to make a small recess at the end of each sash equal to the thickness of the hinge plate. They are screwed flush with self-tapping screws, but keep in mind that the canopies are attached on one side, and the rod on the other. After connecting the parts, the height of the sashes must completely coincide, so it is recommended to initially connect them without using screws and mark the position of each plate. The outer sash will also be hinged in the future, so you need to install the hinge axis on the opening frame.

Stages of correct installation

When performing self-assembly and installation of the door book, you must follow the sequence of installation steps. After preparing the opening, the canvas is assembled. A step-by-step description of the process will help you do everything right.

Installation of a suspended folding door structure

The canvas is attached to the box. The direction of folding is determined in advance. It is recommended to use 3 sets of hinges in the installation so that the mechanism can support the weight of the panels. During the work, it is necessary to correctly integrate the loops into the canvas so that the gap between the extensions and the canvas is uniform. If the conditions are not met, misalignment may occur, which can lead to deformation and subsequent repairs.

Installation of hanging fittings

Sliding mechanism fittings:

1. Aluminum rail.
2. Carriage with rollers.
3. A roller guide with which the carriage with rollers is attached to the door.
4. Self-tapping screws.
5. Limiters.

The books use a standard sliding panel movement system. An aluminum rail with a built-in groove for the carriage and moving rollers is installed at the top. The work is done using a level. This is necessary so that the rail is attached horizontally without distortion. The roller carriage should move freely and easily inside. Stoppers are built into the edges of the rail to prevent the rail from hitting when sliding. The next step is to install a roller guide to one of the canvases. The roller carriage and guide are fastened together.

Installers insist on lubricating the mechanism with oil after assembly is complete. This will make the move smoother and protect the structure from corrosion.

Installation of additional fittings

Doors are used daily and are subject to increased load, so the installation of strong fittings is required. These are special clamps, locks, handles.

For “books”, it is recommended to install handles built into the canvas. This option does not damage the adjacent door panel when folded. A handle that protrudes and is installed in a narrow opening is dangerous for people passing by.

Closers are used in heavy, large structures made of solid wood or glass that require smooth closing. For lightweight materials there is no need to install a closer.

The folding device is in most cases installed on hinges. Manufacturers mark their attachment points, so all that remains is to secure them correctly with self-tapping screws.

It is more difficult to install the slats. For accurate installation, be sure to make markings for the guides, according to the instructions.

Door installation

The last stage is the actual installation of the door. First you need to install the upper guide; it is attached to the upper transverse strip of the box. Ideally, it can be cut into the core in such a way that there is only a gap of a couple of millimeters between the canvas and the box. Then, the pre-assembled folding door must be provided with runners; for a double-leaf door, this part is attached at the upper end from the outer edge. To limit movement on the opposite side, an additional screw is installed on the rail.

Folder door installation diagram

To insert the blade into the guide, you need to press the runner wheel and squeeze it into the rail lubricated with grease. You can do this even before the final fixation of the elements in the box. By the way, it is not necessary to use a roller mechanism; you can get by with just hinges, but this will significantly weaken the structure.

Lastly, the handle and lock are inserted; this is done in the same way as for conventional sliding doors. Also don't forget to install platbands. At this point the installation process can be considered complete.

How to install folding interior doors yourself book

Before you begin installation, you will need to prepare construction tools. Take a tape measure, a miter box, a pencil and a saw. Don’t forget to prepare a screwdriver, hammer drill and jigsaw for the work.

You will need to first purchase platbands, wooden blocks, and foam for sealing cracks. During work, fastening fittings for platbands and extensions will be useful. Another important detail is the MDF panel 2-2.5 cm thick.

Having taken all the necessary tools and materials before installing the book door, proceed to installation. First of all, start with the doorway by removing the old frame. Carefully level the slopes and install the extensions (planks that serve as a door frame). Use a jigsaw to cut the panels into suitable strips. Using a dowel, fasten them in the shape of the letter “P”. Do not forget to take into account the size of the opening when preparing the additions.

Install the resulting structure (the letter “P”) in the doorway and drill it with anchors. Install the book door fastening hardware, drilling it at the same distance, as this will help avoid distortions. Additionally, use a level to ensure correct measurements. The extensions will hold up better if the gap between the wall and the panels is covered with foam.

Attach the door leaf to the frame. When installing the door, first select which direction the structure will open. Use book door hinges, you will need 3 sets in total, they will withstand heavy loads perfectly.

Do not forget that when installing the structure, it is necessary to recess the hinges into the canvas so that the distance between the canvas and the extensions is the same. If you do not adhere to this condition, it will lead to the door being skewed.

Assembling the door leaf and mounting the rollers

All strips from which the door leaf will be made should be cut so that they fit in height. In this case, the reserve for the roller system on top, which is inserted into the rail, is taken into account. There should be a ventilation gap of approximately 7-10 mm at the bottom of the door, as is the case with any interior door.

How to assemble an accordion door is described in detail in the instructions supplied with it from the manufacturer. It is very important to comply with all the necessary assembly points, because different manufacturers have their own design features.

In a simple version, the plastic strips of the door leaf are connected directly using grooves or using additional spacers. In this case, the two parts to be connected are shifted and connected at the edges, after which one part is pulled along the second to the end.

In the case of MDF, a method is often used in which the strips are connected using a long axle, which is threaded alternately through the eyes on each of their parts.

After all the elements are connected and the door leaf is completely assembled, you should place the rollers and other accessories that come with the kit. As in the previous case, everything is done strictly according to the instructions.

Where can you install an accordion door?

Such interior doors are installed almost everywhere. They are suitable for:

Such accordion doors are very popular when creating a studio apartment. By installing a lightweight plastic door, you can divide the room into certain zones.

Since such doors have a wide variety of colors, you can create a separate dressing room or women's boudoir. An installed “accordion” that fences off the dressing room will look like a luxurious screen. The interior will look more elegant and original.

Many designs of interior “accordions” are made without a door frame. Therefore, they can be installed to the entire height of the room.

The sliding design becomes indispensable when it is necessary to combine the living room with the kitchen. Such a distinction always looks beautiful and impressive.

It must be said that a door with an accordion mechanism is installed not only in small apartments. It is suitable for installation in country houses. Here the problem of building an additional exit leading to the garden very often arises.

Installing large swing structures is sometimes very inconvenient. “Accordion” makes it possible to create a new entrance very quickly, while saving significant money.

It is very difficult to expand a bathroom using adjacent rooms. An accordion door solves this problem, but it must be made of plastic panels that are resistant to high humidity.

In addition to plastic, you can also use wood treated with moisture-resistant varnish.

Such structures are also widely used for closing auxiliary rooms. For example, space in the pantry will be saved, and the decorated canvas will complement the interior of the room.

The “accordion” can be installed on the door of a wardrobe. At the same time, it should be very light. If this design is decorated with beautiful decor, for example, bright drawings, then the cabinet will take on an original and luxurious look.

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Useful tips for installing doors

Book-doors are folding models, but have slight differences. Installing a “book” requires a different number of guides and a different method of installing panels. When using two guides, installation difficulties arise. The “book” is highly reliable and durable.

When installing the door, care and precision are required. The door needs a tight fit.

If the fit is not tight and if the installation is not level, creaking or distortion occurs during operation, which leads to breakdowns. Doors do not close completely or do not close tightly, and do not open well.

Preparing the opening and leveling the floor plays an important role in installation and further operation. When installed correctly, the mechanism operates silently and smoothly. Long-term operation requires careful handling of the structure. Do not hit or open doors suddenly.

It is worth using high-quality fittings from trusted manufacturers, which ensure coordinated operation and a long service life of the entire structure. Everything you need can be supplied by the door manufacturer or a supplier of specialized fittings.

Correct installation of the folding door in compliance with the instructions and installation steps ensures reliable operation of the structure and is a simple process. You should take your time and be careful and precise in your measurements. A properly installed folding door with your own hands will last for many years, save space and decorate the interior with an attractive appearance.

Source

Self-assembly and installation of a folding structure

Before starting installation of the folding product, check the presence of all fasteners and parts. The standard set of accordion-type folding structure provides a fixed set of components.

Set of parts for assembly

• aluminum guide (for the top);
• panel segments;
• carriage runner rollers (2 pcs.);
• adjusting key;
• loops for combining segments;
• parts for installation.

If there is a door of typical dimensions (up to 1 m wide), the guide from below is not installed. Additional components and trims are not included in the package; they are prepared separately.

Algorithm for assembling accordion doors

Diagram of elements of a folding door.

1. To make it easy to calculate the number of segments, the dimensions of the doorway are measured before the design is selected and delivered home.
2. The arrangement of a folding product begins with attaching a guide. In this case, the dimensions of the guide rail are as follows: height is about 3.3-3.9 cm, width is 3.3-3.9 cm. When the width of the opening is smaller than the size of the guide, the latter is shortened by sawing with a hacksaw. The distance between the holes for fastenings is 25-30 cm. If some of the holes were cut off when shortening the rails, they should be drilled again.
3. On the reverse side of the rails from the direction of movement of the sash when opening, a latching mechanism is installed. The mechanism is mounted according to the direction of the valves (from right to left). The axis of the outer panel is inserted into the structure, and the carriage slider is placed in the guide. The rail at the top of the opening is secured with self-tapping screws, the length of which is 2-3 cm.
4. Two metal axes are mounted into the panel outer sash: up and down. Why mark the location of the axes and drill holes (if there are none). The depth of the latter is made somewhat less than the length of the axes. The ends of the axes will protrude slightly from the panel (the dimension is indicated in the installation instructions). The axles are fixed on the panel, and the location of the axle at the top and bottom should be identical. A receiving plate is installed under the lower axis, located in the lower corner of the door opening. The position of the latter is carefully marked in accordance with the latch previously attached to the guide.
5. From the edge of the panel in the upper part, installed after the panel with metal axes, a hole is drilled to attach the roller runner. Drill a hole for mounting the roller stand.
6. The segments that make up the accordion flap are laid side by side, positioning them in such a way that they will be connected by hinges. It is important not to confuse the placement of the rightmost and leftmost panel segment.
7. Attaching loops.
8. With the utmost care, mark their location on the sashes, making the necessary marks with a pencil in compliance with the required interval. Between adjacent sashes, in addition to the two outer ones, there are three hinges. The location of the hinges on the same horizontal line on all sashes must correspond exactly to each other, otherwise distortions will occur, which will lead to breakdown of the structure. First, attach 3 hinges vertically to one sash (bottom center and top), carefully marking the position of each. They are placed on the other side of the future sash. Or they do it between the doors. To do this, you will have to cut out the mounting sockets, which is quite problematic without factory preparation of the segments for installation of fittings. The connection of adjacent panels using hinges is carried out in such a way that when the sash is open, the gap between them is 0.3 cm.
9. To mount the handle on the panel, a groove is drilled from the edge. The groove is placed closer to the hinges. Between adjacent segments, a groove is drilled in the center for mounting a locking device. They proceed to hanging the sash to the fasteners attached in advance.
10. Having folded the sash, lift it and insert the axes attached to it into the landing plates. They fix it. Next, combine the axis of the runner carriage with a suitable plate on the panel on the edge.
11. An adjustment key will help you accurately adjust the position and stroke of the accordion-style sash. Armed with the latter, they adjust the sash by tightening or loosening the nuts on the axes of the edges and the carriage.
12. If the opening is more than 1 m wide or the sash is assembled from heavy segments, then the number of runners on top should be increased. It would be useful to add a support that controls the movement of the sash at the bottom of the opening. In this situation, it is also necessary to provide a lower guide into which the wheels of the carriage will be inserted and attached to one or several segments of the sash. However, the presence of such a guide will require its disguise using a threshold or by recessing it in the floor. And one more minus - the channel of the lower rail is an excellent place for collecting dirt, which will not be very easy to eliminate.

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Having thoroughly delved into the algorithm of actions, it is quite possible to move on to independently arranging a folding door. Happy renovation!

Let's summarize the above

Any door, even the highest quality one, will become unusable if it is not treated with care. In this case, the service life of the structure is reduced by half. The movements of the shutters when closing the door should be smooth and unhurried. At certain intervals, it is necessary to inspect door hinges and other fasteners. Prevention is always cheaper than repair work.

If you have any doubts at the stage of choosing a folding door model for a particular room, it is better to consult a specialist. Having a clear understanding of the dimensional parameters of your doorways and the free space around, he will be able to accurately select the best option for the door leaf, its configuration and equipment.

In addition, in this case, it is also better to entrust the installation of the selected door leaf to professionals, so that later you will not be excruciatingly painful for wasting money on purchasing an expensive folding door model. The slightest violation of installation technology can lead to irreparable consequences - deformation of not only the guide, but the door leaf itself. You should not choose folding interior doors purely based on photos on the Internet - be sure to look at the product in person, its color, texture and quality of individual elements. You shouldn't skimp on quality. On the contrary, the family budget may suffer from this. After all, fixing a breakdown can sometimes cost half the price of a new product, which is absolutely unacceptable.

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