I need to install the frame jambs (not the R.O.) for a pair of 2′ bifolds, 4′ total width.
What width do I make the frame opening? How much clearance do I need?
Nothing in the directions. Jambs sold separately from the doors.
Thanks in advance.
Pete Duffy, Handyman
Four 2200-sq.-ft. detached homes provide flexible open-plan housing on this Los Angeles block.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Not sure what a frame jamb is on a bifold. I can tell you that when I rough one in I make the opening an inch and a half larger. This accounts for drywall and mud.
48 inch dual bifold doors require a 48 inch finished opening.
Sometimes I'll use the pre-rabbitted jamb kit, but more often I just rip material for the jambs, installing the head jamb first, ensuring it is absolutely dead flat, then install one side jamb, then the other. Getting the head jamb dead level should prevent uneven gaps along the sides when the side jambs are installed plumb.
To cover the side gaps and track, I'll install molding/trim, like cove. This will help if the gaps are not even.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
If you measure the individual doors they should be about 23-1/2" each. This leaves room for operation. If I'm finishing with drywall and cornerbead I make the rough opening 1-1/2" wider. If I'm using wood jambs I make the rough opening 1-3/4" wider. Either way leaves the finish opening just a little larger than 48", which is enough room to allow doors to swing freely, but not too much.
--------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.net
See some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
I did just the opposite not too long ago, I made the doors.
The jambed finished open was right on 48" I made 4 doors at 11 3/4 and it was perfect. So assuming you are using standard doors, 48" or a scoche bigger should be fine.
Remember, the hardware allows for slight out of plumb adjustments as well.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Click away from here
Do not click here what ever ya do
Bad things happen to those who click themselves
Generally the call out size for the door is correct for width, height can be up to 2" larger .
Best bet is to look at the hardware package and see if it doesn't have instructions for the correct size to make the finish opening.
48", the doors are sized to fit.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Pete i just put in a bifold 36 inchs, I went through the same thing, The doors are 35 and one half and the track is 35 and 3/4. i made it 36 and 1/4, not knowing and useing 3 and 1/2 trim i had made my rough bigger, Then i installed it backwards, put the top jamb in one side and installed top track then cut jambs and pushed the jambs to the door, I dont do it everyday so i was not sure, my package did not say either. I really messed around but could do the next one fast but that might be another few years, My RO would be 36 for door inch and one half for jambs i/4,1/4 door to jamb space, 1/2 , 1/2 behind jamb to stud....39 inch RO...42 inch header figuring 2 king studs.......So you need51 inch RO ...54 inch header...... I hope i did this right for you