How to Easily Install Bifold Door Frame Trim

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Inside: Easily install trim around a bifold door frame to hide the metal track and complete the look.

As part of my Hallway Refresh I transformed my bifold linen closet door to look like a barn door for $15 in this DIY Bifold Barn Door tutorial. For this post I will show you how I added trim around the bifold door frame to finish out the door.

With a bifold door, you may have noticed there is a gap between the top of a bifold door and the door frame where the track lies. The silver track will be exposed unless you cover it.

As part of installing the door trim, I will also show you how I was easily able to minimize the gap by adding one small extra piece of trim.

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*Before you get started make sure you have your Safety Gear. For this project, I recommend safety goggles and ear protection.

TOOLS FOR BIFOLD DOOR FRAME TRIM

Measuring tape
Pencil
Saw – I use this Miter saw
Paintbrushes
Clamps
Level
Brad nailer – I use the Ryobi 18G Brad Nailer
Caulk gun

SUPPLIES FOR BIFOLD DOOR FRAME TRIM

Trim/molding/casing
White paint – I used Extra White by Sherwin Williams
2 inch 18 G brad nails
Painter’s putty
Caulk – I use this caulk

CUTS FOR BIFOLD DOOR FRAME TRIM

*Your cuts may vary depending on the size of your closet opening. My closet opening measured app 81 1/8 x 36 1/4 inches. I measured the opening of the door then purchased the molding. My top piece length was the width of the door, plus the width of the molding for both vertical pieces plus a 1/2 inch overhang on each end.

Sides

2 – 81 1/8 inches

Top

1 – 43 3/4 inches (For the final cut before installing I measured this after the sides were already attached and I left a 1/2 inch overhang on each end beyond the width of the vertical sides)

Top Trim

1 – 1 x 2 ripped cut to 36 1/4 x 3/4 inch

STEPS TO COMPLETE BIFOLD DOOR FRAME TRIM

Step 1) First I painted the trim in Extra White from Sherwin Williams. Then I measured the two sides first, marked and cut the trim with my miter saw.

I recommend marking the back left and right as the sides may be different lengths. I installed the side trim by clamping in place and nailing 2-inch 18G nails.

Step 2) Next I measured the top trim piece. I did this after the two vertical pieces were already in place.

I made my cuts and touched up the paint on the ends. Once the paint dried I clamped in place leaving a 1/2 inch overhang on each side. I used a level for alignment. Then I nailed in place.

This is what the molding looked like at this point. The track is very much exposed.

Step 3) This next step is what makes the difference between regular door trim and bifold door trim. I added one more small piece of trim to hide the track and the gap at the top. I used a piece of scrap wood that I ripped cut from a 1 x 2. I made sure that there was enough clearance for the bifold door to open and close and to remove the door if I needed. I cut it the width of the door opening, painted it and nailed it in place.

Step 4) Finally I caulked the gaps and nail holes and touched up the paint.

Adding the door frame molding definitely made a huge difference and the extra trim piece is the icing on the cake.

I hope this tutorial has helped you with how to install door trim around a closet door and also how to add that extra piece of trim to finish out a bifold door.

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