Sliding doors are incredibly popular today but before one installs a sliding door there are a few things that need to be accounted for. This article aims to inform you about those considerations to make sure your sliding door installation runs smoothly.
What type of sliding door is right for you?
A bi-folding door
These doors open by overlapping each other, almost folding into each other and being pushed flat against another wall. These sliding doors are usually quite expensive but look great. If choosing this door you need to make sure there is space on one of the walls to allow the width of the door to sit against it.
A sliding “patio” glass door
The most common sliding door and let’s say the most traditional of sliding doors. Made up of two panels, where one door slides behind the other they fit easily into relatively small spaces; often found in Kitchens, bedrooms with adjoining balconies and dining room areas; they are a wonderful and affordable option.
A multi-sliding “stacker” glass door
This style sliding door is the ideal solution for modern households and budgets; using three or more panels they are typically found in living spaces of modern homes. These sliding doors maximise the openings bringing the outside in while having all the space-saving elements of a traditional sliding door. While ticking all the boxes, these doors are typically quite affordable.
A cavity “pocket” sliding door
These are by far the sleekest of sliding doors as they truly allow you to bring the outside in and at all times. These doors sliding into wall pockets and are great for those that don’t have much space or for those looking to make their space look grand.
Where should you install your sliding doors?
There are many places with sliding doors, all of which are dependent on your place of living and your desired outcome. Normal hinged doors take up space when opened, but having a hidden sliding door can really help to open up space. Perfect to increase the size of a smaller bathroom or laundry.
The other natural spot for a sliding door and either of the above types of doors will work is you from inside to your outdoor space. If you have an entertaining home or kids that love to get outside all day long, then a sliding door to your backyard is a great choice. Not only does it look great but it allows you to bring the outside in with plenty of natural light.
If you do have kids with a lot of energy, sliding doors are a safe option incorporating shatterproof glass.
What size sliding door do you need?
A hanging sliding door
By overlapping and almost folding into each other, these doors lean flat against the wall. When you choose this style of door, make sure that there is room on one of the walls to allow the door’s width to sit against it.
A two-pane glass sliding door
The most popular sliding doors are the ones with curtain rods that run along the top and consists of two glass panels. They are more of the older, traditional type sliding door, where one door slides behind the other. Frequently found in areas of your kitchen and dining room. While these sliding doors are not as common today, they’re still an excellent and affordable option.
A hidden sliding door
These are perhaps the sleekest of all sliding door styles as they really enable you to bring the outside in at all times. These doors slide into wall pockets and are great for those who have little space or who want to make their space look great.
What size sliding door do you need?
Sliding doors have many pre-made styles but they can also be custom made. It all depends on the room size and ability for either of the above styles of doors. They all have their own requirements, so we suggest that you measure twice and choose the types of doors that are best suited to your location.
Remember that you may need heavy-duty roller doors depending on the glass. This is something that is more widely used in businesses or in architecturally built homes, however large glass panes can be heavy, so heavy duty door rollers are needed to make such doors functional.
What door material should you consider?
When most people think of sliding doors they think of glass immediately, this is due to the advantage of glass sliding doors, but this is not always the case, sliding doors can come in many different material combinations of style and materials. Sliding barn doors are also what’s becoming quite popular with the New York Loft trend. Making these a feature where they roll in front of the wall and act more as a piece of art as opposed to a door.
Aside from glass all of the below come in many colours to match your decor and style.
- Glass
- Wooden
- Aluminium
- Vinyl
- Fibreglass
Maintaining your sliding door
Sliding doors are awesome and some maintenance will be required from time to time as with any door. Just something to consider before installing your sliding door, although this is not a daily or weekly job.
If your sliding door is outside, you will need to make sure that the frame is free of dust and dirt as over time this will cause the sliding door to not move as easily as when it was first installed. So, a couple of times a year you should give it a clean. This can be cleaned via a vacuum and wipe of the door hardware, please make sure you clean the carriage of the wheel to make sure that your door can slide easily. Read our blog on the complete guide to cleaning glass sliding doors for more information.
