How to Install Trackless Bifold Doors (Full Guide)

Do you need clear step-by-step instructions for installing trackless bifold doors? You’re in the right place. Here, we’ll uncover everything you need to install trackless bi-fold doors in your home.

Bi-fold doors are like every other; they’re ideal for doorways and limited spaces since they maximize space. Most bi-fold doors require tracks. However, how do you install bi-fold doors that are trackless? 

Proceed with this guide to fully understand how to install trackless bifold doors without a track in your home as a DIY project.

Can I have a Bi-fold Door Without a Track?

Without a bi-fold door’s upper and lower tracks, you can install a bi-fold door using either an upper rail, pivot, or roller pivots. You can install the bi-fold door without a track with either of these brackets.

This situation can be tricky; we’re here to walk you through the process. Let’s see how this is done.

How to Install Trackless Bi-fold Doors

Using brackets, a trackless bifold is simple to install in your home. And Yellowcarpets is here to provide three types of brackets with a simple step-by-step guide for each method to installing a bi-fold door without its upper and lower track.

Trackless Bi-fold Door Installation Using Pivot Brackets

1. First, clear the installation site, and prepare the area for the new trackless bifold doors. If there are old doors, you should remove them and set the area ready for the task.
2. After clearing, it’s time to measure. Measure the distance from one end of the doorway to the other to determine your desired size. After measuring, remove 1/8 inch for clearance.
3. Remove the screws on the pivot brackets, and insert these brackets into the upper track before pulling them together to the center.
4. Using a cordless drill, join the rail on the top support in the center. Then place it across the top support before centering it between the inner and outer jamb edges. After that, screw them together.
5. The next step is to shift the brackets to the other end of the track. After this, allow some distance between the brackets and the complementary jamb. A 3/4 inch distance is okay for this.
6. Position one of the brackets on the floor’s center with the inside portion against the support and the slider facing the front. After this, unfasten the screw, and move it to the other side.
7. Using the screws, fasten the inner leg to the support. Ensure it gets down into the wood at the back of the jamb. Repeat this with the L-bracket.
8. With the pins on the jamb, place one of the bi-fold doors outside and place the header’s roller of the inner bi-fold door to the top rail.
9. Move the door’s base to the support while someone holds them for you.
10. The last step is to fasten the screws to the bracket. Ensure the screws are tight to the bracket, holding them steady.

Installing Trackless Bi-fold Doors Using a Roller

1. The first step is to prepare the trackless bifold doors installation area by clearing the site. Remove old doors, and get the area ready for installation.
2. Measure the door’s width, and remove 1/8 inch for clearance.
3. Using a pencil or marking tool, mark the inside edge 7 inches from the top of the door and 11 inches from the door’s foot. After that, mark another point between them.
4. Line up the base with the current base mark using the lower part of the hinge. Join with the parts, and repeat with the other hinges.
5. With the doors beside each other, join the hinges to the other door. Repeat this process for the other set of doors.
6. The next step is to affix each pin that fits appropriately into the track. Attach the hooks to the header and bottom of each door set.
7. Place the top hardware to the top rail system, with the minor stops in the center. Ensure the socket goes outside while the hangers stay with the wheels.
8. To position, the pinhole, hang a plumb bob from the middle so the bi-fold doors are aligned correctly. Then attach the bracket to the marked spot. After, remove it and set it aside.
9. Place the bifold doors into the top rail system, and do the same for the other doors. Using a marker, line up the bracket on the floor after moving the doors back. Hold the bracket in place with a screw.
10. After this, fix the other door and fasten all the screws and sockets. Then, arrange the doors with the aligners about six inches from the base. Finally, install the bifold door handles.

Installing Trackless Bi-fold Doors Using an Upper Rail

1. As usual, clear the installation site. Remove any unwanted materials so that you can work without hindrance.
2. Measure the distance from one end of the doorway to the other. This is important so you know the correct door size you need. After measuring, take off 1/8 inch for clearance.
3. Ensure there are double holes at the door’s upper end. One hole should be at the hinge end, near the frames.
4. There are three hinge pins: a smooth metal pin, a ridged metal pin, and a roller pin. The smooth metal pin should come first. Insert the hinge metal pin into the end hole and steadily position it with a hammer.
5. Next is the roller pin. Insert it into the other hole and gently position it using a hammer.
6. The ridged metal pin comes next. Find the hinge end, and place the metal ridged pin to the hole. Use a hammer to steadily position the metal ridged pin like the smooth and roller pins.
7. Position the door to the frame, with the metal hinge part near the door frame. After this, drill holes, and fasten the hinges to place.
8. Locate the holes at the foot of the door, and fit an L-bracket to the frame’s base. After this, fit the end spring at the upper frame in the metal guide. You can use your hand to position the frame gently.
9. Now, it’s time to place the bi-fold door in the frame. Start with the smooth metal pin and insert the ridged pin into the L-bracket.
10. For the final step, insert the roller into the metal guide on the top end of the bifold door. You might need a ladder for this step.

Bottom Line

Installing trackless bifold doors is ideal for your doorways, especially with limited space. As we’ve seen in this guide, not all bi-fold doors need a top and bottom track. In cases where it’s difficult to lock or close your bifold doors, this may be due to misalignment. Adjust the hinges in the tracks and threshold, and readjust until it properly aligns.

Although installing trackless bifold doors may be challenging, you’ll be good with the right tools and proper guidance. We’ve compiled how to install trackless bifold doors using three alternatives. Follow the above guides step-by-step, be patient, and take your time. You’ll have your trackless bifold door set up within a short time.