InvisiDoor Installation 101

The InvisiDoor by Custom Service Hardware is one of our most popular products, and it’s no secret why. Our hidden door solutions come ready to install, and installation is easy enough for anyone to handle, only requiring as little as a drill. Check out the video to learn about the benefits of the InvisiDoor, and read on to find out just how easy it is to set up and install!

Required Tools

  • Cordless drill or screwdriver
  • Drill bits: 3/32” and 5/8”
  • Level
  • ¼” Hex driver

 

Installation Preparation

Check the opening into which the Invisidoor will be installed to verify that it is plumb and level. Correct operation and appearance of the Invisidoor requires that the opening be level and plumb or you need to make accommodations for it.

The Invisidoor pivot hinge is designed to be installed with the bottom hinge plate secured to stable, solid wood. Verify that the floor of the opening has adequate support for weight of the unit and holding power for the screws.

It is recommended that you test mount the hardware and install the Invisidoor prior to applying stain and finishing coat. This will eliminate the chance of damaging the finished product during the process of mounting the hinges and adjusting the unit.

 

Building the Bookcase

Dimensions given with these instructions are based on the size of the universal InvisiDoor (for standard 36” x 80” finished openings) to assist you in sizing your bookcase and finding the appropriate hinge locations. Modifications to the width or depth of the bookcase will likely require changing the spacing allowed for clearance or location of the hinge pivot point. In all cases, it is recommended that you create a template to mock up the dimensions of the opening and the bookcase to verify that you have the necessary clearance for your door to operate properly.

invisidoor-front-side

invisidoor-bottom

Design recommendations based on our universal bookcase. Modify design as appropriate for custom applications:

  • Top, bottom, and fixed shelf are dadoed into sides for strength to prevent sagging.
  • Face frame (2-1/4” wide) glued and nailed to carcass.
  • ½” plywood glued and nailed to the back for strength to prevent sagging.
  • Bottom shelf is flush to the face frame (inside the bookcase).
  • Sides and back run down past the bottom shelf, but not as far as the face frame (forms a pocket on the bottom of the bookcase.)
  • Screw 2 mounting blocks into this pocket. The thickness of the blocks may need to be adjusted based on the clearance and spacing needed for the door.
  • Left and right edge of the face frame rounded over with 3/8” radius bit.

 

Install Hinges to Opening

invisidoor-hinges

Use the diagrams to identify locations for the pivot hinge to be installed on the left or right side of the unit as either an outswing (which pulls out toward the bookcase side) or an inswing (which rotates away from the bookcase side). In most cases, the bookcase face frame will be ­flush with the drywall. Trim will later be mounted over the drywall and bookcase face frame, spanning across the jamb.

invisidoor-inswing-outswing

Walls more than a standard 2” x 4” thick may require modification for an inswing door application.

Use the diagrams to install hinge plate #3 to threshold/floor. Place the two steel washers and bronze bearing onto the hinge pin as shown.

invisidoor-hinge-plate

Install a hinge plate #4 to the upper jamb. Shim the jamb as needed at location of pivot hinge for a solid mounting area with longer hinge plate screws mounted into header for final installation.

invisidoor-jamb

 

Install Hinges to Bookcase

Install the mounting blocks (usually two 11/16” blocks on the bottom and one 1/2” on the top) to the hinged side of the bookcase unit. Use blocks of a different thickness to create appropriate height and margin for your application.

invisidoor-bottom-view

Use the mounting diagram to install hinge plate #1 to the bottom of the bookcase.

Prior to installing the upper hinge on an outswing door to the bookcase, an access hole for the set screw must be drilled through the top of the bookcase. Use the diagrams for the location of this hole. (Predrill a small hole from the top of the bookcase. Then drill a 5/8” hole from the inside of the bookcase through the top to avoid tear out inside the bookcase.)

invisidoor-hinge-plate-bottom-bookcase

Mount hinge plate #2 to the top of the bookcase. Thread the included setscrew/capscrew into the threaded.

invisidoor-hinge-plate-top-bookcase

 

Install the Bookcase

For an outswing door, you will work from the backside of the Invisidoor to put it into place on the lower hinge pin and install the capscrew through the top.

Lift the bookcase into the opening. Set the hinge on the bottom of the bookcase onto the pin of the hinge plate on the threshold. Align the upper hinges and screw the set screw into the hinge plate on the header. Use of Locktite can prevent set screw from twisting loose over time.

Verify the fit of the trim against the installed Invisidoor. A slight gap between the bookcase and face frame is necessary to allow clearance for the bookcase to swing. Adjust hinges as needed by using slotted holes in hinge plates. Predrill holes for remaining screws for each of the hinge plates. The provided 2-1/4” screws will be used to secure hinge plate 4 through the upper jamb into the door header.

 

Install Support Foot

Mount bracket to the side of bookcase. Bracket must be attached near the face frame to allow enough clearance to swing past the jamb. Align the tapered stop to the location of the bolt when the door is in the closed position, mark the location, fasten it with the supplied tape/and or screw.

invisidoor-support-foot

 

Install Trim

invisidoor-inswingInswing:

Trim on both sides and the top of the door are mounted to the wall and serve as a stop for the door. Avoid using trim that has a narrow inside edge as it will not hold up as a stop. A 3/4” thick molding is recommended. It is also recommended that the trim overlay the face frame by 1/2”- 3/4”.

A wide variety of trim styles will work for the inswing mounted Invisidoor. Corner blocks, mitered corners, or built out crowns can all be used without interfering with the function of the door.

 

Outswing:invisidoor-outswing

Trim on the hinge side of the bookcase and the top will be attached to the wall, but the non-hinged side trim will be attached to the bookcase to act as a stop. It is recommended that the trim overlay the face frame by 3/4” and be mounted very securely to withstand the opening and closing of the door. The trim across the top of the door must be mounted to allow clearance for the door to swing below it. Also, allow clearance for the door-mounted trim to swing freely from the upper piece of trim as well as clear the floor.

 

Finish the Bookcase

Remove Invisidoor from the opening and remove hinge plates from the case. Do a final sanding of project. Apply stain and finish coat of choice according to manufacturer’s directions. Reinstall hinges by mounting all screws. Reinstall InvisiDoor into opening and permanently install trim.