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I have an opening from my hallway to the washer/dryer area...I was thinking I could have some bi-fold doors installed to help block some of the sound from the machines...

So of course standard sizes are 30, 32, 34, 36 inch wide...well guess how wide my doorway is? 33 INCHES!!! I know wood strips or whatever can be added to each side to build it up to fit the door, but that is more work and I would have to have someone do it.

I currently have a curtain in the door opening to help block the sound...

dont despair...if you were going to attempt to put up the bi-fold doors yourself and not get anyone to put them in for you, then you can do it!

DH is putting up ours. And they weren't standard size. He just had to add some some wood to build the frame out a bit. Pics for ya.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nance425,

pic of the bottom

Thanks Nance. I probably could do the door myself if I really wanted to. I should probably just pick up a door, see if I could do it and if not, at least I have the door and then I could hire someone at a later date to do it for me. Spread the cost out.

Another question, since I'm trying to block out sound, a panel bifold instead of the slatted would make more sense right? BUT the 3 other doors in the wallhay are slatted...Do I go with a panel bifold for the sound or slatted to tie in with other doors?

My other thought would be the slatted would allow for some ventilation even though the laundry area is also open to kitchen area.

I would keep your doors to the washer/dryer uniform with the other doors. The solid might help with the noise,but it would be minimal.

While I agree the slatted doors would match better, go with the panel doors. My reasoning is sound, you HATE those slatted doors and have often mentioned replacing them. I'd rather live with a mismatch than buy more of something I hate. Then when you get the money to replace those doors, you're all set. BTW, it's EASY to add the wood to the sides. Buy 2 pieces as wide and long enough for height. Cut with a little handsaw. Nail in place. Since the bifolds don't connect to the sides with hinges like a regular door no big deal. Few nails or a few screws, done. EASY

Could you get the 34" door and have the place where you get your door cut 1/4" off each side to fit the 33"'s?

I would go with the panel door, if it is same color as your other doors in the hallway it should look okay.

Wanda

Don't you have a brother or someone that could install the doors for you?
I think slatted doors would like nice. But if your planning on replacing your other doors with solid then I would go with solid.

quote:

Originally posted by goldiesmom:
Could you get the 34" door and have the place where you get your door cut 1/4" off each side to fit the 33"'s?

I would go with the panel door, if it is same color as your other doors in the hallway it should look okay.

Wanda

It would be a bi-fold door, I don't think they can be cut down. I'm guessing the standard affordable ones they carry at Home Depot or Lowes are hollow vs a solid wood.

Since it's sound I'm trying to block, the solid doors make more sense.

They come white and can be painted. My other doors are a stain color. I wouldn't care if they matched or not. My brother could probably paint them to look like a stained wood door if I wanted to go that route but white would be fine too since the casing and door trim is already white.

Will check Lowes and Home depot to see what they carry and price. Will let you know what I come up with.

Do you have a Habitat for Humanity Restore by you?
Ours always have a bunch of bifold doors. There's always freecycle and craigslist.
The older paneled doors are more solid than the new ones which tend to be some kind of composite material. The old ones are also thicker which would help with the sound.

DH got his on sale at Menards. Don't know if they have those by you. And he said they can be cut down (narrower). Don't know if HD or Lowe's will cut them for you, but they may - for a price.
I'd go with panels. I think the outers are usually solid and the middle is hollow if you don't go with a "solid" door.

p.s. a neighbor that was helping DH with electric in our basement said he'd put them in for $45/door. Don't know if that's a good price or not. DH figured he'd try it himself. Took him awhile since he was a DIY'er.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nance425,

jaysmom - i didn't know that. Do you mean you you can pick up bi fold doors from them? Free? or low cost????

If you were going to make the opening narrow, pay attention to where the doors for the w/d are. You want to make sure you scan still access the w/d.

Do you have access to an electric planer or maybe even a electric sander (if they're wood doors) Maybe you can sand the sides down enough to fit into the space.

The previous owner of my house installed a door on the living room closet -- door was 23 inches, opening was 26 inches. He added a strip of wood to each side of the door and it looks and works great.

Don't forget you'll need two pieces of doorstop.

Just went back and read your original post. Wouldn't the 32 in. door fit? After the door stops were installed that would take up the 1/2 inch gap on each side wouldn't it?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MyLifeVacation1,

Yes mylife, I would have to add strips of wood to build up the width like your doorway.

What do you meany by I will need 2 pieces of doorstop and that may fill up the gap?

I think the standard width of washers and dryers are like 27-28 inches wide so I should be ok to add a door and still be able to get them in and out if necessary. I would had have to take the door off the track, but the doorway would still be wide enough to accomodate removing the washer or dryer...

Glad to know the door width will still work!! There is nothing worse than finding out the hard way when we think we've thought the whole thing thru, only to realize that we've missed a piece or two.!!!

Another word of caution..when your bi-fold doors are open, can you get past them? Our laundry room bi-fold doors were in a hall way and had to be shut to get by them. I finally took them down, after living with them for about 3 years, and it was the best thing I ever did...sound is minimal, don't wash clothes all the time, every day, so no problem with noise. If passing the open bi-fold doors is not a problem, be sure they open up enough to pull out your washer dryer if needed.