How To:

Install a Sliding Door

Before You Begin﻿
This guide is meant to help you understand how to install interior closet sliding doors. Depending on the type of door you have, there may be slight variations; make sure to follow proper safety practices and contact a professional if it becomes too difficult.
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You will need the following tools for the installation:
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Drill with 3/4" & 7/64" drill bits
Phillips screwdriver
Tape measure
Hacksaw (see Step 3)
Miter box (see Step 3)

Step 1

Measure the height and width of the finished opening.

Step 2

This step differs depending on your door style and width:
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Two-Panel Door Width Needs to have at least a 1/2" finished opening plus 1/2" per panel. 
Example: Opening width of 48", each door panel must be a minimum of 24 1/2".
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Three-Panel Door WidthNeeds to have at least a 1/3" finished opening plus 1/2" per panel. 
Example: Opening width of 96", each door panel must be a minimum of 32 1/2".
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Door Height The door height should be 13/4" less than the finished opening height (measured from header to finished floor or top of carpeting).

Step 3

If necessary, use a fine-toothed hacksaw to cut the track to at least 1/8" less than the width of the finished opening. 
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Tech Tip: Try using a miter box to keep the cuts square and even.

Step 4

Fasten the track as illustrated to the right with track screws, centered between jambs. Use the track as a template and mark the screw hole locations. Drill 7/64" pilot holes to approximate length of screws.

Step 5

Attach door hangers to the top/back of the door panels using the provided screws. Hangers should be 1-1 1/2" from the side of the door. Make sure you install matching hangers on each door panel. 
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Use the hanger as a template to mark the screw hole locations. Drill 7/64" pilot holes to the approximate length of the screws. 

Step 6

Hang the doors on the track, making sure to install the rear door panel first. The door panel must be angled to engage the track as shown in the illustration.

Step 7

To adjust and align the doors with the jambs, lift the door at the side near the jamb to remove the weight of the door from the hanger. 
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Loosen the screws and, using a slotted screwdriver in the bottom slot, adjust left (higher) or right (lower) for proper alignment; tighten screws to secure the doors.

Step 8

To install the bottom guide, insert the nylon guide post section into the metal door guide plate according to the door thickness. 
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Locate the guide under the overlap of the doors as shown and fasten to the floor. Use the guide plate as a template and drill 7/64" pilot holes to the approximate length of screws.
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NOTE: Some carpeted floors may require the use of a bottom guide riser.

Step 9

When installing finger pulls, drill a 3/4" hole 3/8" deep in the door panels, approximately 40" from the floor and 1- 1 1/2" from the edge before inserting the door pulls. 

Step 10

If the baseboard on the sides of the door opening prevents proper closing, remove the baseboard.
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You're sliding doors are now installed and ready to be used!