Sliding closet doors are a space saver because the doors don’t open out into the room and they also allow you access to all of the closet. Fitting this type of closet door is a simple task and takes just a few measurements. As you take the measurements, you do need to consider the width of the closet door’s top mounting track, as it can affect the length of the door you purchase. Thick carpeting can also affect how well the door operates, so you might want to reduce the length of the door slightly to accommodate thick pile.
Measure the left vertical height of the closet door opening. Measure the height of the door opening on the right side, as well. Take both measurements, because the door opening may not be square. If the opening is extra wide, take a third measurement at the center of the doorway.
Measure horizontally across the top of the opening just below the doorframe. Measure across the bottom of the door’s opening, as well.
Select your closet doors based on these measurements. Depending on the doors you select and how many doors you plan to hang on the track, you need to allow extra width on each door for overlap. Follow the sliding door manufacturer’s recommendations for purchasing adequate overlap. When closed, the door sections need to be the same width.
Tip
You can adapt standard interior doors to use as sliding closet doors. These doors come in 24-, 28-, 30-, 32- and 36-inch widths. The standard height is 80 inches, which you can trim to fit your closet’s opening.
DOOR MATERIALS
FIBERGLASS:
Fiberglass doors are built to withstand years of use without showing so much as a scratch. Fiberglass comes in the color of your choosing and can easily be repainted. Some doors even come with the option of wood cladding to match you home décor.
ALUMINUM:
Aluminum is the most popular, affordable and durable material in use for doors. Beyond being resistant to insects and the elements, the metal is able to handle the weight of a large piece of glass and still slide smoothly for years. It often present a sleek, modern feel, understated enough to slip into the background of a more traditional home. When painted for your aesthetic, aluminum doors or wall systems can match anything around them.
WOOD:
A great choice for your entry door, among other places. Our manufacturers can create a wood door that will meet your specific requirements. A wide selection of wood and glass features to select from lets your personal style shine.
VINYL:
Vinyl does not show scratches, is very thermal resistant and will be easy on your budget. Commonly used for patio doors, vinyl doors can swing, slide or fold. The choice is yours.
DOOR FRAME MATERIALS
VINYL
DURABLE:
Vinyl is an extremely durable material that can withstand the daily duties of a door. Since they are the same color all the way through, small scratches and dings will not be seen, resulting in pristine doors for as long as you own them.
ENERGY EFFICIENT:
The inside of the frame has thermal blocks that trap heat so that it doesn’t interfere with your air conditioning in summer or escape outside in winter.
BRANDS:
Milgard: The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has rated Milgard’s vinyl doors at or above their expectations, and we guarantee them for a lifetime.
Simonton offers special doors for those who live at the coast. Their Stormbreaker doors can withstand heavy winds and rain, making them a good choice for homes in the Columbia River Gorge or any other place where high winds are a fact of life.
Cascade carries double-paneled sliding doors, as well as triple-paneled, where the center slides. If you like, we can install a vinyl awning window above the sliding door unit, allowing gentle ventilation without opening the door.
RECYCLABLE:
Research on the environmental impact of vinyl doors shows that 100 percent of the industrial waste from their manufacture can be recycled and at least 80 percent of post-industrial materials are being recycled. That percentage should continue to increase.