Hardwood or Cedar Bi-Fold Doors - Opinions Please

[schwartzy]

I would like to replace a window with a set of bifold doors (2400 mm opening) that will then open out onto a deck. I can't seem to decide on cedar (Stegbar) or hardwood doors. Cedar is lighter but it is very soft and prone to denting. Also, can anyone recomend a good external bi-fold supplier in Melbourne?

Thanks

Michael

[andrew076]

I've got Stegbar cedar bi-fold doors, roughly 2700 wide, 4 panels. Everytime I look at them I want to rip them out and install a sliding door with a fly screen !
The quality is terrible and we havent found them to be that practical with an indoor cat and a toddler.
The salesman tried to talk us out of bi-folds.........should have listened.

[seriph1]

I wouldnt use Cedar for doors ever again. Painted hardwood any day ...... bloody dogs, cats, kids.......... me!

[wattlewemake]

There was a bit on better homes and gardens last week (I think) about a set of bi fold doors that had a roll out fly screen built in looked a good idea.Nice and neat. Im sure they said that it was only for new installs not retro fitting. Might be worth a look.

Shane.

[schwartzy]

Fortunately the door is not a common thoroughfare and I only enviseage having it open during BBQs and other gatherings. As such flyscreens should not be an issue. Would Meranti be a good alternative?

[rhancock]

We didn't put in bi folds, but two sets of cedar double doors side by side stained fairly dark, as we don't have the head height to get the beam in to take bifolds. We've had them over 12 months and they're a major throughfare - opened and closed all day every day and subject to a 2 year old banging into them etc etc. So far they haven't shown any marks or dints.

In our case the softness is a big advantage as our house rolls around every time it rains or dries up for a week, so I'm forever adjusting the lock plates and drop bolts - the soft wood makes it much easier to plug old screw holes and chisel out lock plates.

[Damon_11]

There was a bit on better homes and gardens last week (I think) about a set of bi fold doors that had a roll out fly screen built in looked a good idea.Nice and neat. Im sure they said that it was only for new installs not retro fitting. Might be worth a look.

Shane.

Hey Shane and gang,

I just jumped on to ask this very question, can anyone tell me who makes this system installed on BHG on Friday.

We are about to knock out existing Alu Window and 3m of double brick wall to make 3330mm plus frame set of 4 x bifold doors. Then we will place a 100x100 4500mm angle above the frame, then brick and plaster the internal walls in.

One thing I am chasing info on is that I am looking to match our circa 1985 doeskin Cream alu windows. Ideally looking for an alu product, pre assembled ready to go. Any suggestions on where to go?

I found this at Stegbar site, but based on some adverse feedback from the forum I am a but wary about them

http://www.stegbar.com.au/products/windows_and_doors/aluminium/external_bifold_doors/size_range_5p.php

Please post your thoughts....Damo

[OBBob]

You can get add-on rollout flyscreens ... www.phantomscreens.com.au (http://www.phantomscreens.com.au) not cheap though.

[TassieKiwi]

We fitted 4 Cedar 3- light doors to a reno, off the lounge room. At the joiner's suggestion, the left-hand door was hinged and opened normally, the other three were 'tri-fold'. In addition, the top light of the two outer doors had opening windows. This all worked brilliantly, I would do it again without hesitation. The cedar was light and rot resistant.

[pawnhead]

I built mine (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?p=435423#post435423) out of KD F27 Hwd. About $1,500 all up, including track, glazing, hinges and hardware (bolts, handles etc), including the two casement sashes at the sides.

I'm very happy with them. If you want a big clear opening then you can't go past bifolds as opposed to sliders, and I'd rather have the opening size.
I think they look classier than sliders as well.

[wattlewemake]

Damo,
The article is on page 36 of the bhg march edition. Made by centor
www.centor.com.au (http://www.centor.com.au)
Not recommending them and not tied up with the company either btw. Just a bit of info.

Shane.

[pawnhead]

Then we will place a 100x100 4500mm angle above the frame, then brick and plaster the internal walls in.
:oo: (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1a/Jacksons-state-of-shock.jpg/200px-Jacksons-state-of-shock.jpg)

I hope that's not supposed to carry (http://www.adwilliams.com/_assets/images/BuildingCollapse.jpg) the opening.

Cheers (http://static.flickr.com/16/19482303_678fbfacda.jpg)