One of the best things about sliding closet doors is that they stay out of the way.

Sliding Closet Door Operation and Installation

Slidingcloset doorsare twin doors that slide across a wide closet opening.

Thedoors slide on a trackat the top of the closet door.

Sliding Closet Door

KangeStudio / Getty Images

Another track on the floor helps the doors stay aligned.

The tracks are split into two parallel tracks: one track in front of the other.

This permits one door to pass in front of the other.

To open, one door panel is slid behind the other panel.

Types of Sliding Closet Doors

Some styles of slidingcloset doorshave no bottom track.

Either the doors hang freely or there is a small plastic guide to keep the doors in place.

Most sliding closet doors are suspended by the upper track.

Other styles slide through and are guided by an upper channel but are not suspended by it.

Tracks usually are unique to each brand of sliding closet door.

Remove all items from the closet, if possible.

At the very least, remove items from the floor.

With thehacksaw, cut the tracks to length.

Use the metal file to remove any metal burrs remaining on the cut ends.

Dry-Fit the Upper Track

Have an assistant help with this step.

The assistant should hold the upper track in place as you assess its position.

Center the track so that the 1/8-inch gap is split between each side (1/16-inch per side).

confirm that you are holding the track in the correct position.

Some tracks may have a front vs. a back side.

Tip

Use the screws provided with the kit.

Different screws may protrude too far, impeding the operation of the closet doors.

Usually, the fascia strip will snap into place.

plant the Bottom Track

Screw the bottom track onto the floor.

If you have carpeting, purchase a 1/8-inch thick piece of wood with the dimensions of the lower track.

Screw down the wood board, then screw the track onto the wood.

plant the Closet Doors

Stand inside the closet.

Have your assistant tip the first door down to you.

Pull the door slightly into the closet.

Lift and hook the wheels on top of the door, onto the back groove of the upper track.

Swing the bottom of the door inward, toward the back of the closet.

When they reach the track’s center groove, they should snap into place.

The doors can be adjusted to align properly with the vertical jamb edges.

There are usually adjustment screws on the wheel assembly that allow for slight up or down adjustments.

Turning the adjustment screws will cause the door edge to move into alignment with the door jamb.