Tips to Install Sliding Closet Doors
A sliding closet door can be a great way for clothes and other treasures to stay safe and fresh in your closet. Sliding closet doors are very easy to install and they don’t get in the way. Sliding doors allow you to regain bedroom space by sliding back and forth, rather than opening like hinged doors. Measure the area and the surface of circles, squares, and rectangles with an area calculator.
Installation and operation of sliding closet doors
Sliding closet doors can be described as twin doors that slide across large closet openings. The closet doors are supported by a track at their top. A track is also installed on the floor to ensure that the doors remain aligned.
These tracks are divided into two parallel tracks, one in front of another. This allows one door to be opened in front of another. To open, slide one panel behind the other. Even though the door opening is large (usually 80 inches), only half is available at once. Try a land area calculator for various area shapes.
Types of sliding closet doors
Some sliding closet doors do not have a bottom track. The doors can hang free or have a guide made of small pieces of plastic to hold them in place. The upper track is used for most sliding closet doors. Others styles slide through, but they are not suspended by the upper track.
You may be able to choose between flush or offset installation depending on which type of sliding closet doors you buy. For a shadowed or offset look, some homeowners prefer to place the doors in the middle of the jamb. For a smoother look, some homeowners prefer to place the doors in front so they are flush with adjacent walls or close to them.
Before you get started
Remove all tracks from sliding closet doors. Each brand of sliding closet door has its own track. If possible, remove all belongings from the closet. Take items off the floor at the most.
What you’ll need?
- Equipment / Tools
- Hacksaw
- A cordless drill with a collection of bits and drivers
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Manual Phillips screwdriver
- Indelible marker
- Metal file
- Materials
- Sliding closet door set
- Optional wood strip for carpet installation
Instructions
- Prepare the Upper Door Jamb
- Check that the upper door jamb or door frame is level and smooth. Clear out obstructions.
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Take a measurement of the door
Measure horizontally the opening of the door using a tape measure. The measurements may differ slightly between the top and bottom.
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You can cut the tracks
Use the indelible marker to mark each track’s back according to the measurements you have just taken, less than 1/8 inch. Cut the tracks to the desired length using the hacksaw. The metal file can be used to remove any metal burrs that remain on the ends of the cuts.
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Dry-Fit the Upper Track
Assist your assistant with this step. As you evaluate the position of the track, your assistant should hold it in place. The track should be centered so that a 1/8 inch gap is left between each side (1/16 inch per side). The track may be installed near the door jamb, or towards the center depending on the method of installation. You must ensure that the track is in the right position. You might see a track with a front and backside.
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Install the Upper Track
Once you are happy with the placement of the upper track’s track, pre-drill pilot holes before screwing the track in place.
Tip
Use the included screws. You may find that some screws are too long and can hinder the operation of your closet doors.
A fascia strip, made of metal or plastic, will cover the front track on some sliding closet doors. The fascia strip should snap into place.
The bottom track can be screwed onto the floor. You can attach the bottom track to solid hardwood, engineered or laminate flooring, or vinyl flooring.
Carpeting? Purchase a 1/8 inch thick piece of wood that is the same size as the lower track. Screw the track onto the wood by screwing it down to the board.
Tip
Wood for carpet installation can be found in the trim and millwork section at your local hardware or home center.
Place your feet inside the closet. Your assistant should tip the first door to you. Then, pull the door into the closet. Then lift the wheels from the top and attach them to the back groove on the upper track.
To the rear of the closet, turn the bottom of your door inward. As they travel over the track’s high side, the spring-loaded guides at bottom of the closet door should become depressed. They should be able to snap in place once they reach the track’s center groove.
You can adjust the doors to ensure that they align correctly with the vertical jamb edges. The wheel assembly usually has adjustment screws that allow for minor up-or-down adjustments. The adjustment screws can be turned to align the door edges with the jamb.
