Choosing Bi-Fold and Multi-Fold Door Hardware for Your Space
Planning a folding door installation starts with two questions: How many door panels will you use, and where should they stack when open? Those decisions help determine the hardware arrangement for your closet, storage area, or room divider.
Make sure to check out our Bifold and Multifold Hardware Comparison Guide for a detailed look into these sets.
Understanding Your Folding Layout
Count each individual door panel separately. Two panels form one folding pair. A connected group of pairs folding toward the same jamb is called a bank.
A one-sided layout gathers every panel at the left or right side. A split layout places a bank at each end. With equal-width panels, an uneven split creates an off-center meeting point.
The following combinations use HBP’s Base Set A and Add-on Set B:
| Individual panels | Folding arrangement | Base Set A | Add-on Set B |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | All to one side | 1 | 0 |
| 4 | All to one side | 1 | 1 |
| 4 | 2 left + 2 right | 2 | 0 |
| 6 | All to one side | 1 | 2 |
| 6 | 2 left + 4 right | 2 | 1 |
| 8 | All to one side | 1 | 3 |
| 8 | 4 left + 4 right | 2 | 2 |
| 8 | 2 left + 6 right | 2 | 2 |
These arrangements can be mirrored. A six-panel 3 + 3 layout requires a separately confirmed hardware design.
How the Multi-Fold Hardware Sets Work
Base Set A starts a folding bank. It provides the hardware for the first pair at the jamb, including a four-wheel ball-bearing hanger, hanger plate, top pivot assembly, bottom pivot and bracket, two hinges, wrench, and screws.
Add-on Set B extends that bank. Each set adds hardware for another pair of panels, including one four-wheel ball-bearing hanger, four hinges, and screws. It does not provide the pivots needed to start an independent bank.
For example, six panels folding together require one Base Set A and two Add-on Sets B. Dividing those panels into a two-panel bank and a four-panel bank requires two Base Sets A and one Add-on Set B.
Track is selected separately when ordering these sets. Explore HBP Multi-Fold Hardware Sets for component details.
When a Complete Bi-Fold Kit Makes Sense
For a conventional two-panel installation or a four-panel arrangement with two panels on each side, a complete Series 1 bi-fold kit simplifies hardware selection. It includes aluminum track, ball-bearing hangers, pivots, hinges, screws, and installation wrenches.
HBP lists these kits for door panels weighing up to 125 pounds each, with thicknesses from 1⅜ to 1¾ inches. The two-door kit supplies one hanger and one pivot set; the four-door kit supplies two of each.
Check the supplied track pieces when selecting a size. The 96-inch four-door option is listed with two 48-inch tracks.
View Series 1 Bi-Fold Track and Hardware Kits.
Choosing the Track
The Series 1 multi-fold track uses an aluminum box profile designed to retain the rollers. Its rail shape reduces rolling resistance, while channels beside the rails provide space for dust accumulation.
The Multi-Fold Track listing offers several system sizes and directs customers to order by phone.
Plan track across the opening and confirm any joints that hangers must cross. Before ordering, provide the opening dimensions, panel sizes and weights, and intended folding arrangement. Allow room for both panel movement and the open stacks.
For multi-fold projects, have HBP confirm capacity for the complete layout. The bi-fold panel rating should not be multiplied by the panel count to approve a larger system.