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A D.I.Y. bifold door made from pallet timber and fitted with a deadlock.
The project
My first attempt at making a door wasn't an easy one. It took approximately eight weeks from start to finish. I'm pretty proud of myself. I've always enjoyed building things, mostly small projects like planter boxes and towel rails but have never attempted anything of this magnitude before.
And just when I thought everything was going to plan, I discovered flaws in my design. The first flaw showed after I cut the door in half - the pallet timbers had no support down the middle. (Lesson - add central timber).
The second flaw showed when I was trying to install the second half of the door. I had to make adjustments several times. First, the door was too high - it hit the flange on a downpipe, the fascia and the beam of the pergola, so I had to trim the top. (Lesson - hold up the framework before putting it all together).
Next, the door wouldn't close as the pergola post is crooked. I had to trim it while it was up. (Lesson - measure top and bottom of post). Lastly, the deadbolt was only suitable for maximum door thickness of 48mm. The door is at least 50mm thick so I had to recess the deadbolt into the door. (Lesson - check the maximum deadbolt thickness before starting to install it).
But finally, it's up, it works and I did it by myself. I've probably gone overboard with the photos but wanted to show as much as possible.
Before and after
More inspiration for your home
Community member Tara grabbed some leftover pallet wood and built this D.I.Y. side gate using a Bunnings tutorial.
Workshop member Rylie made this MDF barn door with diagonal pattern which sits on a 3m slide rail.
For more inspiration, check out Barn door ideas for your home.
