BiFold or French Doors

1990C4S · 01-21-2013, 09:38 AM

I have a 72" wide x 80" tall opening at the top of my staircase (i.e on the second floor) that holds my washer and dryer. At present it is wide open. I would describe it as 'unsightly' when viewed from the bottom of the staircase. Anyone who steps in my front door sees this as they enter.

I need to choose between bi-fold doors or french doors to close off the washer/dryer.

I really dislike bi-fold doors, they take up 6" or so at each end, they look crappy, and they never seem to be lined up properly. I have lots of floor space, so I could just add a 36" hollow core doors to each side of the opening.

Anyone have any other brilliant ideas? Any reason not to do french doors?

onewhippedpuppy · 01-21-2013, 09:41 AM

My vote for french doors. They look better and work better. Bi-folds, with their multiple hinges and tracks, tend to be somewhat clunky to operate. They also must stow against the jamb when open, typically taking up at least 3" on either side of the opening.

If you want to block the washer/dryer noise, go with solid core doors instead. Buying pre-hung will save you a lot of time and hassle hanging french doors, and probably won't be much more than slabs.

72doug2,2S · 72doug2,2S's Garage

I have solid core bi-folds that are really pretty good. That said, I would look into pocket doors before I'd put monster size french doors in.

I love French doors and have three pair of them, but I think they look much better in smaller spaces (around 50").

1990C4S · 01-21-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72doug2,2S

I have solid core bi-folds that are really pretty good. That said, I would look into pocket doors before I'd put monster size french doors in.

I love French doors and have three pair of them, but I think they look much better in smaller spaces (around 50").

That's my concern. They will be very large. I have lots of room to swing them, and pocket doors are not an option.

I could do a 12" cabinet in the middle, I have a vertical cabinet there. Then a pair of 30" doors either side. (Assuming I can match all three doors somehow).

72doug2,2S · 72doug2,2S's Garage

Interior Barn Door As A Decorative Sliding Door | Best Home Decorators

Here's a whole site on sliding doors, much like how a barn door works on a small scale.

onewhippedpuppy · 01-21-2013, 11:04 AM

The above "barn" doors are a cool look. I wouldn't recommend true pocket doors that retract into a wall, they are a royal PITA if they need adjusted.

look 171 · 01-21-2013, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

The above "barn" doors are a cool look. I wouldn't recommend true pocket doors that retract into a wall, they are a royal PITA if they need adjusted.

Just need the right wrench to sneak in there for the adj. If not pop the molding and get to it.

look 171 · 01-21-2013, 11:26 AM

Hang a pair of French doors and be done with it. Bi fold door=stuck-o-rama. I hate those things.

masraum · 01-21-2013, 11:29 AM

French doors unless you want to go the pocket for route. Dial pocket dots would be awesome.

1990C4S · 01-21-2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by look 171

Hang a pair of French doors and be done with it. Bi fold door=stuck-o-rama. I hate those things.

I am leaning this way. It's the size that worries me, they are big doors at 36" each.

I will post a pic tomorrow.

MMiller · 01-21-2013, 01:33 PM

French.... more upscale looking

john70t · 01-21-2013, 03:19 PM

These are some sliding doors I put in. Special order Lowes. They hang only, but are easy to adjust. They also are available in three sections as well, I believe. A bit pricey at $400, but a focus point is worth it.
The only problem might be the guides sticking up on the floor. I'm not sure how it works w/tri units.

look 171 · 01-21-2013, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

I am leaning this way. It's the size that worries me, they are big doors at 36" each.

I will post a pic tomorrow.

3'-0" French should not be an issue. Make sure your installer actually shim the jambs nicely and use several big old screws and not nails. For stain grade jambs we hide the screw behind the door stop. Make sure he screws a long screw through one of the hinge screw hole into the stud on every hinge. Yes I am intense when it comes to stuff like that. Oh, screw into the head jamb with shims under there as well.

If you are worry about flex, use expansive foam and fill the gaps between the jamb and stud to prevent further movements.

1990C4S · 01-22-2013, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john70t

These are some sliding doors I put in. Special order Lowes. They hang only, but are easy to adjust. They also are available in three sections as well, I believe. A bit pricey at $400, but a focus point is worth it.
The only problem might be the guides sticking up on the floor. I'm not sure how it works w/tri units.

These will be a complete pain for me, either the washer or the dryer would always be blocked...but I like the look.

1990C4S · 01-22-2013, 11:42 AM

The vertical cabinet is going to get 'trimmed' and go in the middle, washer on the right, dryer on the left....

Aragorn · 01-22-2013, 12:36 PM

Based on the picture you posted, I don't think you have room for French doors because of interference with the door to the right. You may want to re-think a nice bi-fold door.

On another topic, because your washer is located on the second floor, you may want to get one of those systems that detects water hose breaks. They determine excessive water flow rates and shut the water off when it senses a hose is broken. One system connects to the water shut-offs and the other system has a pan that goes under the washer with a lead that detects when water is in the pan. Both are money well spent.

1990C4S · 01-22-2013, 03:46 PM

That's my bedroom door. I don't if it is blocked when the washer door is open.

look 171 · 01-22-2013, 04:21 PM

JUst get another pair of frame and panel doors like the bedroom's (matching) and hang them. Most of the time, the laundry door remains closed unless the washing machine is being loaded.

1990C4S · 01-22-2013, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by look 171

JUst get another pair of frame and panel doors like the bedroom's (matching) and hang them. Most of the time, the laundry door remains closed unless the washing machine is being loaded.

That is the plan now. Thanks guys. I will post a pic some day when I am done.

1990C4S · 02-12-2013, 09:38 AM

I found a nice pair of solid maple doors (36" left and right pre-hung) on Craigslist that I've made into French doors. They were only $80 each. (and a one hour drive each way)

I'm about half done, need to finish the carpentry and decide if I should paint them white or stain them.

I will post some picture when the cabinets and doors are actually finished....